Anyone using these lights?
- Thread starter Itsmebro
- Start date
No real problems for me... I think I've posted that in this thread a couple times. 
I used the stock bulbs for about 8 months and just replaced all of them with some hellolight bulbs. The upgrade is worth the money.
It was my first tank, so I didn't know the difference until I got the good bulbs. The fixture itself is great! Well, worth the money compared to the more expensive ones. Although I haven't owned the others I have now seen many tanks with 'better' brand lights and think mine are just as good, especially with the new bulbs.
The little tiny problems I have had have been: When replacing the old bulbs the plastic bands that hold the bulbs are very prone to breaking. Easily fixed though... and the other thing was the acrylic shield to keep water, etc. off the lights cracked very easily, so I got a peice of glass cut to fit the slot instead and that has worked much better, doesn't scratch as easy, and cleans faster. That was only $5. Good luck with yours!
I used the stock bulbs for about 8 months and just replaced all of them with some hellolight bulbs. The upgrade is worth the money. It was my first tank, so I didn't know the difference until I got the good bulbs. The fixture itself is great! Well, worth the money compared to the more expensive ones. Although I haven't owned the others I have now seen many tanks with 'better' brand lights and think mine are just as good, especially with the new bulbs.
The little tiny problems I have had have been: When replacing the old bulbs the plastic bands that hold the bulbs are very prone to breaking. Easily fixed though... and the other thing was the acrylic shield to keep water, etc. off the lights cracked very easily, so I got a peice of glass cut to fit the slot instead and that has worked much better, doesn't scratch as easy, and cleans faster. That was only $5. Good luck with yours!
Coral_Geek
New member
I would never trust that much electricity, heat, and general fire potential to a cheap Chinese import hood from 99 fish (AKA Aquatrader). If your house burns down who do you sue? Some shadow company in China? Good luck with that. Stay with American brands with good liability insurance and proven track records. Even the American Brands that import their hoods are insured in the US and have a place to handle claims in the US. Just my 2 cents. Aquatrader was 99 fish, was Aqua 123, was Aquarium Seasons was.... Why the name changes? Why does the owner of record's name constantly change but the same people are always there? If it looks too good to be true......
OK, I got the lights and they are currently running on my tank now. Haven't made up my mind if I like them or not.
Quality control is definitely not there. I can't adjust the seconds on the timer - seems the push button may be bad.
As for dimensions, they are 48"Lx11.5"Wx4.5"H. The metal legs put them about 4-5" off the top of the tank.
I'll put up some pictures when I get the chance.
Marcelo -
Quality control is definitely not there. I can't adjust the seconds on the timer - seems the push button may be bad.
As for dimensions, they are 48"Lx11.5"Wx4.5"H. The metal legs put them about 4-5" off the top of the tank.
I'll put up some pictures when I get the chance.
Marcelo -
Pictures are in my gallery. The pictures don't do the lights justice - they really are bright.
The lights are starting to grow on me, although I'm not sure if I like the 20K. I'm thinking about getting 10Ks to try. I'm going to go to some of the LFS and see if I might get lucky and get to compare them without buying first.
As others have mentioned, I don't think the actinics are true actinics. Not sure where to get replacements though as I haven't seen too many T5s listed at 21 watts.
Marcelo -
The lights are starting to grow on me, although I'm not sure if I like the 20K. I'm thinking about getting 10Ks to try. I'm going to go to some of the LFS and see if I might get lucky and get to compare them without buying first.
As others have mentioned, I don't think the actinics are true actinics. Not sure where to get replacements though as I haven't seen too many T5s listed at 21 watts.
Marcelo -
Would I buy them again... Yes I would.
Keep in mind I'm moving from a NO fixture to "real" lights. I think the fixture itself is very well built, and if in a year or two decide I need to upgrade, I'm not out $500-700 like I would be with other lights.
As for the color of the lights. When I first turned them on I thought they were real blue, but after a day or two of looking at them, the blue has gone away.
Before...
After...
More pictures available here ...
The camera doesn't show the lights output very well. I may try playing with the camera settings and see what I can come up with.
Marcelo -
Keep in mind I'm moving from a NO fixture to "real" lights. I think the fixture itself is very well built, and if in a year or two decide I need to upgrade, I'm not out $500-700 like I would be with other lights.
As for the color of the lights. When I first turned them on I thought they were real blue, but after a day or two of looking at them, the blue has gone away.
Before...
After...
More pictures available here ...
The camera doesn't show the lights output very well. I may try playing with the camera settings and see what I can come up with.
Marcelo -
apologeticus
New member
"the catch" I can see so far with aquatraders is their shipping prices. Pretty high for some relatively small items.
Marcelo: you bought a MH/PC set up for a FOWLR tank?? Are you planning on adding corals soon?
Marcelo: you bought a MH/PC set up for a FOWLR tank?? Are you planning on adding corals soon?
Warboc
New member
I got these lights in on Wednesday of last week - the 48" MH unit. My tank is currently still cycling though with live rock curing so I have hardly had them on.
When I ordered them I though the shipping was outrageous but when I received it the timer unit weights a good 30-40 pounds alone. Very nice timer unit by the way!
Currently the light is on my 90 gallon tall, which is cycling. I will likely ultimately put it on my 55 though. Thus far the only thing I do not like about the lights is that the left MH puts out a more bluish light while the right MH puts out a more sunny colored light.
The bulbs appear to be identical. I'll check them later though and make sure both are in well.
Now, lets see if I can get a couple pictures.
When I ordered them I though the shipping was outrageous but when I received it the timer unit weights a good 30-40 pounds alone. Very nice timer unit by the way!
Currently the light is on my 90 gallon tall, which is cycling. I will likely ultimately put it on my 55 though. Thus far the only thing I do not like about the lights is that the left MH puts out a more bluish light while the right MH puts out a more sunny colored light.
The bulbs appear to be identical. I'll check them later though and make sure both are in well.
Now, lets see if I can get a couple pictures.
Steel_Phoenix
New member
30-40 pounds?!? Is that normal/reasonable?
