ecotech to expensive

[Tcox]

Dang. Not picking on you or anything.........but it sounded like you're saying halves of the BB's are OK, and the other halves can burn the house down. I wonder how many people on the Marsaqua forum had a disaster with their BB.

I started off with a 300W Marsaqua. I modified the LED spectrums, change the fans, add 2 timers, and built a leg for it. Everything (zoas, leather, RBTA) has been doing well. But if I were to start over, I'll would use a premium LED unit ( Reefbreeder, Kessil, Radion, AI.......) because they have all the "luxury" features that I want.

No offense taken, we are all just trying to help. I guess I should have been more direct. In my opinion, the initial savings are not worth the risk. Like many of us I started with one. In fact I had two. No disputes that they will grow coral. One of mine started making a "œpopping" noise, died, and started smoking and smelled like burnt plastic. Thank god I was home. This being said, the other one I had didn't have any issues.

In the long haul, an extra $150-$250 wouldn't equate to much more money. Especially if you continue reefing for 3+ years. That $150-$250 extra gets you to a much better light with a warranty and features. My advice to you would be just to wait for a couple more paychecks and get reputable equipment.

In my opinion in this hobby you can skimp on some things but where you can't afford to go cheap (mind you I didn't say affordable) is heaters, return pumps, and lights. To each his own! Enjoy the hobby!

 

[ktownhero]

Dang. Not picking on you or anything.........but it sounded like you're saying halves of the BB's are OK, and the other halves can burn the house down. I wonder how many people on the Marsaqua forum had a disaster with their BB.

I started off with a 300W Marsaqua. I modified the LED spectrums, change the fans, add 2 timers, and built a leg for it. Everything (zoas, leather, RBTA) has been doing well. But if I were to start over, I'll would use a premium LED unit ( Reefbreeder, Kessil, Radion, AI.......) because they have all the "luxury" features that I want.

Its a lottery with them. Burning your house down is possible but dramatic, but any type or short or fire caused is dangerous and preventable by simply buying a quality product. If you buy a "black box", at least go with the rebranded ones like SB Reef Lights where they swap out the power supplies for quality parts.

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

 

[RobZilla04]

Viparspecta ok for sps?

Yes

 

[Ron Reefman]

IMHO you guys are seriously over blowing the risk. I consider the Chinese black box vs other led fixtures to be the same as driving a smaller car vs a big SUV. The SUV is absolutely safer, but I wouldn't drive one unless I needed the space for a family. It's just me and the wife and we both drive smaller cars because we like them. The risk is so small most people couldn't care less... except the fear mongers. If you are on a budget, the black box fixtures are perfectly safe. Any electrical item used in conjunction with water has an inherent risk!

 

[five.five-six]

I run metal halide, much cheeper and better light.

 

[newbie2014]

Its a lottery with them. Burning your house down is possible but dramatic, but any type or short or fire caused is dangerous and preventable by simply buying a quality product. If you buy a "black box", at least go with the rebranded ones like SB Reef Lights where they swap out the power supplies for quality parts.

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

I hear you.

For a reef noob like me, buying any piece of equipment is like playing a lottery. I bought an MP40WES thinking it was a better investment. I used it for 2-3 months then tossed it in the garage because it made more noise than my $5 used koralia pump.

My 2 mp10s, OTH, are perfect. YMMV

 

[newbie2014]

IMHO you guys are seriously over blowing the risk. I consider the Chinese black box vs other led fixtures to be the same as driving a smaller car vs a big SUV. The SUV is absolutely safer, but I wouldn't drive one unless I needed the space for a family. It's just me and the wife and we both drive smaller cars because we like them. The risk is so small most people couldn't care less... except the fear mongers. If you are on a budget, the black box fixtures are perfectly safe. Any electrical item used in conjunction with water has an inherent risk!

Exactly.

For a newbie, it's tough to swallow $500-$1000 just for a light when you're not even sure you'll like it. Once you're a bit mature (into the hobby) and know what you want, then go ahead buy whatever you desire.

 

[ktownhero]

I hear you.

For a reef noob like me, buying any piece of equipment is like playing a lottery. I bought an MP40WES thinking it was a better investment. I used it for 2-3 months then tossed it in the garage because it made more noise than my $5 used koralia pump.

My 2 mp10s, OTH, are perfect. YMMV

High end reefing equipment holds its value rather well, kind of like photography gear. With 2-3 months of use, you can practically sell that MP40 for the same price you bought it. In that regard, it's actually less risky buying the more expensive products.