I'll try to post some pictures later.
In summary, the old addage applies here . . . you get what you pay for.
Observations:
1. The pendant is a lightweight aluminum body with plastic end caps. Changing the lamp is a pain in the ***. You have to remove four end screws, slide out a cheap alum flap, then the glass. It's a lot of work to change the lamp. Because the body is made of ultra-light weight aluminum, sliding the glass lens in and out is difficult. The aluminum body flexes and the glass gets stuck. Heavy weight bodies do not flex like this.
2. I purchased 4 lamps to try different spectrums. I am actually using this for a planted FW system, so bear that in mind. I bought 6.7K, 8K, 10K, and 20K. I did not waste my time with a 14K (which they do offer) because nothing compares to the Phoenix 14K lamp. The 6.7 was yellow, the 8K and 10K looked the same to me. 20K was a whitish blue-purple. The color reminds me of the Carval Vue 14K lamp, which I do not like. This 20K lamp has less of a blue hue compared to the Phoenix 14K. Again, the Phoenix lamp is the benchmark for which I compare all others.
3. Ballast is fine. Nice unit that stays cool. The pendant cord is short at about 5 feet. It is a 16gauge 2 prong light socket cord. It seems to be a very cheap but effective approach for a lighting cord. I do worry about the thin gauge wire. I would be shocked if they use teh same cord on the 250watt model.
4. The pendant stands are cheap plastic. They do have a pivot bracket, but moving just one notch change the angle abot 1.5". This really does not allow for fine adjustments. I had actually planned to using hte pendant hangers, which in many systems are extras, not standard equipment. The fastners are good quality, but the ceiling mount brackets are brutally ugly, and I need to find a way to cover them up. They are truly hideous. The pendant brackets slide onto the pendant housing. This is a simple and effective design. However, the brackets are cheap metal. It would be nicer to have aluminum parts here, or paint them black.
5. Reflector performance. I have yet to measure any PAR values, but I can tell you from direct observations that this is the poorest reflector I have ever seen. The reflector is very small in height, about 2". This makes sense because the pendant dimensions are small too. The real tragedy is how the reflector directs light. Starting on the left side of the tank, I wave my hand (5" above water surface) from left to right. While looking at the back of my hand I observe drastic light intesity changes from strong (far left)to weak (left middle) to strong (directly below lamp) to weak (right middle side) to strong (far right). Again, I have not tested it with PAR, but I'm certain the values will indicate eratic values when moving the probe from far left to far right across the center of the tank. These abbarations are apparent in the water too. You can clearly seen uneven and unequal lighting throughout the tank. The tank is only a 21" x 18", so it's not like I am asking the thing to cover a four foot tank.
OK, so is there anything good about this light system? You bet, the price! The complete system with one lamp of your choice cost $130. The pendant is sexy looking and has the capability to be expanded with hanging T5s on the sides.
This is the cheapest (made cheap too) MH system I have seen on the market. Because entry price is so low, owning a MH system can be a reality for many people. I would recommend this MH system over VHO, PCs, or T5s any day of the week. If you are struggling to decise between MH or some other light system because of price, then this system is for you.
In fact don't waste your time with the stock lamp. Upgrade to a Phoenix 14K and for a total of $180 you will have a great little system with wonderful coral and fish coloration.
This is not the system for you if you are a perfectionist. The cheap quality build will drive you crazy.
If you strive for high performance and expect quality light distribution, look elsewhere.
If you can afford more, buy something else.
Cheers,
Scott
