Anyone using these lights?

[kelley_mc]

I never received any instructions with my lights

 

[Warboc]

I never received any instructions with my lights

In addition to the MH unit I ordered, I got a smaller power compact unit for my refugium. I did not get instructions for that light. Then again I can easily figure out how to change the bulbs and turn the switch off and on.

 

[kelley_mc]

actually, my biggest problem is that I can't figure out how to put the legs on. I pretty good at turning on and off the switch.

 

[elinder]

The only instuctions I recieved was for installing the legs.

 

[Warboc]

Hopefully this is clear enough to read:

 

[Warboc]

and actually.. I was mistaken... I actually do have instructions for the power compact light I ordered. Just saw them when I was digging up those timer instructions.

 

[elinder]

Thanks

 

[Warboc]

By the way, did any of you have an issue like I did with the two MH bulbs putting out different shades of light

 

[elinder]

Mine does. You can just notice it.

 

[theevoys]

kelley-mc,
Yeah, their method of customer service is not my personal choice or favorite. I have received items from companies online before and they send the wrong item. they have always told me to keep the wrng item and shipped it at their own expense. But, for damaged or not working goods like computer parts, aquarium equipment, or even live fish orders... I always have to pay for the shipping again. I hope you get it figured out and that they eventually work well for you.
Jason

 

[Ebisan]

I'm fortunate that I live close to them to be able to pick up. I will definitely open the box at the store to make sure nothing is broken. I don't think they make that much from each unit. Of course, getting something cheap has a cost and that usually means customer service/support.

 

[kelley_mc]

Thanks theevoys. Hopefully it will.

Ebisan, I agree with you there. I have not heard or read a good thing about their service. But, when you pay so little for something, you get what you pay for. I will not be going back there though.

 

[chrisstie]

I don't see why you are miffed at shipping being $7.00 at one light bulb when you spent a lot more to order the whole light unit.. $7.00 is like half the price of a bulb compared to (granted something better maybe) at say aqualux.com or whatever the lighting site is.

For what you pay its worth it to go replace it with better bulbs anyway.. Besides if its run by a bunch of people who aren't familliar with typical american customer service, what do you expect.

I'm sure you could pay twice as much for a lighting setup and then they'll replace something broken... I think settling is just fine its one lightbulb. One.

I'd be more concerned if the entire unit showed upa nd didn't work at all

 

[kelley_mc]

well chrisstie, pay for something that is broken and then pay more to get what you ordered in the first place and you will see why i am so "miffed". how much i paid doesn't matter. if i paid for something and it was bad quality, then fine, but if its broken, why should i have to pay more???? i called ups about it and they told me that they can only refund the money to the shipper, not me. so chrisstie, you would be ok if you had to pay more for something because what you received was broken and you have no way of getting that money back? if that's true, i have some stuff i would like to sell you!

 

[Warboc]

Was the package damaged when you received it? Did there appear to have been a shipping problem? If so, you can refuse shipment on any package due to suspected damage. Maybe UPS is to blame and not the vendor.

 

[Warboc]

I will be replacing the MH bulbs in my light within the next week or so. I'll post pictures after doing so. Likely going to use a pair of Ushio 150W 20K bulbs.

 

[mcox33]

j

 

[mcox33]

Would 220 total watts MH from Aquatraders be enough lighting for a 55 gallon tank with soft corals? I'm interested in the 48 inch (55 watt x4). If not, what how much wattage do you suggest?

thanks

Probably if not add a HO T-5 or two and it should do fine. I'm currently running HO T-12 blue and 8X55W PC on a 90 gallon. (2 units of PC's fom Jebo) However the 90 is deeper and wider than your 55 gallon. So one should be enough for softies.

 

[mcox33]

I ordered a light from Aquatraders that included free bulbs and when I received it the bulb was broken. Get this, I called the number and they said that because it is "free" that they do not need to replace it. If I am willing to pay $7.00 for shipping they will send me a replacement! Can you believe this? Not only that but they were RUDE and would not offer any assistance. The way I see it is that if they promise something and they don't deliver it, they are liable.

Here is my warning, DO NOT BUY FROM THEM. The packaging SUCKS, all they did was wrap scrap pieces of cardboard around the original THIN box. Then when items get damaged in shipment, YOU ARE THE ONE WHO LOSES! Even the ballast that came with the lights rattles when you rock is back and forth like something is loose or broken.

The bulbs were probably included free due to just this problem of breaking in shipping. There is probably no sure fire way of packing well enough to ensure no breakage that is why the bulbs are free. Most people selling these units on ebay will say free bulbs if you want them but that they will not replace any bulbs broken in shipping. Although they did replace mine before they started stating no guarantee on bulbs. I just had to pay shipping or they would include it free with my next order. I opted for free with next order. I think all this has to do with the fact that PC bulbs are super fragile!

 

[cmcgehee01]

I ordered & received this same light from Aquatrader.com. At time of order, it stated that bulbs were free & no warranty of any kind against being broken, however, if they were broken in transit they would replace them at $7.00 each. I decided to take the gamble due to the price saving & if they got broken in shipment, I would have odered new ones for the $7.00.