Ed Reef's '295-gallon Peninsular ZEOVit SPS tank'

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CARBON EXCHANGE

CARBON EXCHANGE

Nothing exciting to update except I exchange out my Zeo Carbon today.

BUT ON THE BRIGHTER SIDE, the Juv Majestic I got yesterday is doing fine. Already started eating frozen brine shrimps :rollface:
 
LIGHTINGS WOOS CONTINUES…

LIGHTINGS WOOS CONTINUES…

My run of bad luck continues…. last night got back from work and another power supply for my Solaris decided not to work. Now I have 4 sections of LED lights not working, leaving only 2 sections working.

I have no choice but to take down this light and hook back my old 3x 250MH with 2 supplement 54w T5 lights as temporary measure. Problem is my old lights is only 150cm long for my 200cm length tank but I guess it will have to do temporary.

I’m trying to get my distributor on the phone to have a serious talk about this but my lighting experience is less than pleasant at this moment, to say the least!!

Will find some time today to removed my Solaris and replace the lighting today :mad:
 
Me too as it's a beautiful lights but with poor quality build but with the continues issues I'm having, it just increase the risk of more unfortunate incidents to come
 
LIGHTINGS OPTIONS

LIGHTINGS OPTIONS

For those of you who have been following my thread, you know that I have in these past months been down with luck from an almost wipe out from Ich in my tank to high PO4 and worst is my lightings woos….

Well, after much thoughts, I decided ENOUGH is ENOUGH and it’s about time I take some serious steps to fix those problems and one of the major one is my lights.

With that I decided to return my I-Series Solaris LED lights, despised what I think it’s still a wonderful technology but the poor build quality is just too much to bear, even for someone as patience as myself.

So below are a couple of lightings option I have and I’m hoping for some end-user experience??


First is the famous MH vs T5?? Which would be a better light for my tank of L:200cm x W:80cm x H:70cm to give the best growth, colors and of course $$ on electricity (if possible) and easier maintenance and trouble free?? I have never used T5 before but surely love the colors these lights brings out of our corals but also concern if the lights are good for my tank with a depth of 70cm (27.6inch)….

I listed down a couple of options below so please feel free to chip in?? :confused:

MH with T5 Combi Options

Giesemann INFINITI HQ / T-5 1800 mm (3 x 250W / 4 x 80W)
Advantage
- Adjustable HQI lamp and reflector to precisely focus the light on a specific area within the aquarium
- Pretty looking fixture especially if one day I decided to go rimless and open top
- Of course glitter from the MH and still have color supplements from T5 so best of both world
- Used DE bulbs

Disadvantage
- Only comes in 150w and 250w so not sure of 250w is sufficient for the width and dept of my tank??
- Fix length fixture so for future upgrade of wider or longer tank will be an issue
- No Moonlight LED
- Not sure if light spread is sufficient for my tank ☹
- Heavy when want to change bulbs/ T5 tubes as I might need to remove the whole fixture each time

Giesemann MOONLIGHT HQ / T-5 dim. 1800 mm (3 x 250W / 4 x 80W)
Advantage
- Comes with a build-in computer to control dimming/ sunrise, etc. Basically similar features like my Solaris but with all respect, not much review from end-user and not sure if this ‘build-in’ computer will only complicate things and create more future problems for me (like Solaris)
- Used DE bulbs
- Pretty looking fixture especially if one day I decided to go rimless and open top Of course glitter from the MH and still have color supplements from T5 so best of both world

Disadvantage
- Only comes in 150w and 250w so not sure of 250w is sufficient for the width and dept of my tank??
- Fix length fixture so for future upgrade of wider or longer tank will be an issue
- Non adjustable HQI lamp and reflector to precisely focus the light, unlike Infiniti
- Not sure if light spread is sufficient for my tank ☹
- Heavy when want to change bulbs/ T5 tubes as I might need to remove the whole fixture each time

Giesemann SPECTRA HQ (E40) / T-5 1800 mm (3 x 400W / 4 x 80W)
Advantage
- Choice of 250W or 400W models with greater light spread due to the SE bulb.
- Pretty looking fixture especially if one day I decided to go rimless and open top Of course glitter from the MH and still have color supplements from T5 so best of both world

Disadvantage
- Non-movable HQI lamp and if I were to go with 400w will mean more electricity cost $$
- No LED Moonlight so might want to source for alternative LED light to be used as moonlight
- Fix length fixture so for future upgrade of wider or longer tank will be an issue
- More heat issues going with MH400w
- Heavy when want to change bulbs/ T5 tubes as I might need to remove the whole fixture each time
- Used SE Bulbs

SLS LumenMax 3 (250W DE)
Advantage
- I have read that they our performed the Lumenarc's when tested offering the highest Par!! With that I think using 3 single unit of 250W with IceCap 250W Metal Halide Ballast (220V) and retrofit 4 x 80w T5 in my canopy top (for color combi) should give sufficient light for my tank thus saving on electricity $.
- Flexibility for future upgrades, as I’m not constraining with a fix length lightings fixture.
- If any unit is not working, you can just repair/ replace that unit instead of sending the whole fixture for repair, thus’ leaving your tank with no lights at all
- Of course Lumen offer the largest reflector so give better light spread

Disadvantage
- Have to make a light frame and a hanging system = more work and more delays :(
- Messy wiring thus increases the risk of mistakes or accidents, if not set-up and installed properly.
- Not splash proof and of course the add fans in the hood to cool down the light fixture
- No open top with this reflector as the glare will just kill me

T5 Options:

ATI Power Module T5 880mm 10 X 39W
Advantage
- One of the most establishes brand names for T5 lighting fixture.
- Build-in cooling fans to extend the lifespan of T5 tubes
- Also by using T5 will mean lower electricity bills $$
- Color combi is just never ending with T5
- Less heat issues

Disadvantage
- Costly maintenance and non-dimmable
- Will need 2 units of 88mm each to cover the length of my tank as their longest fixture is only 150cm in length
- My distributor don’t carry them so will make the exchange a bit more tricky

ATI Power Module T5 Dimmable 880mm 10 X 39W
Advantage
- One of the most establishes brand names for T5 lighting fixture.
- Build-in cooling fans to extend the lifespan of T5 tubes
- Also by using T5 will mean lower electricity bills $$.
- It’s dimmable which I can hook up to my GHL Controller
- Color combi is just never ending with T5
- Less heat issues

Disadvantage
- Costly maintenance and will need 2 units to cover the length of my tank
- My distributor don’t carry them so will make the exchange a bit more tricky

Giesemann MATRIX T5 900 mm 8 x 39W
Advantage
- One of the most establishes brand names for MH lightings but T5 lighting fixture is a new thing to them.
- Spoken to Giesemann and they can retrofit a dimmable ballast for these units (if I so required)
- Color combi is just never ending with T5
- Less heat issues
- My distributor carries them :lol2:

Disadvantage
- No build in fan to cool the T5 tubes but fixture seem to be design for good ventilation but problem is I will be using it in my Canopy so not sure if that will cause a problem?
- Untested as I’ve yet to see any user review on this so not sure if it’s advisable or if better than the ATI modules.
- Costly maintenance and will need 2 units to cover the length of my tank as their longest unit is also 150cm in length



Question I have is the dimmable version worth the extra $ or by having different T5 switch on at different interval would have achieve the same effect? Reasons I ask is my current Solaris have all this cool features of dimming, etc but like I say, I don’t think it really benefit our reef as much?? To get the sunrise/ sunset effect, we can simply place timer to switch on/off different T5 at different time interval


Choices Preference:
My current distributor carries all the above EXCEPT for ATI so preferably would like to go with something my distributor carries to make the exchange simple or alternatively to exchange for other ‘products’ and fork out some more $$ to buy those ATI units separately??

I like T5 for the colors (no, I don’t mind the lost of glitter as it’s easy to hook a local-made LED as an add on if I want to get back the glitter) but concern is if it’s sufficient for the depth of my tank. So far, I’m leaning towards the Spectra as the best option of both worlds.

Any thoughts/ suggestions guys??
 
ATI powermodule hands down.... 2x 10x39 powerpodules...

Dimming option is up to you...


Sorry ;)



I know this is going to stir up the pot lol...
 
I know it's fun to have all the neat gadgets but the ultimate goal ,I assume, is to have a nice tank so if it were me this is what I'd do. I would use the Lumenarc 3 with lens and cooling ducts . I'd use the XM 400w 20k with M59 ballast or the Radium 360w 20k with a M155 ballast ( you may choose to use an electronic ballast or the SON AGRO 430w ballast with the Radiums as these are popular options but while they will increase the bulbs intensity they will shorten its life by over driving them.) Those bulbs provided a good PPFD with good coloration and good growth. I don't see a need to provide extra actinic supplementation with either of those bulbs but you could if you desire or you could later on if you feel the need. I don't see a need for a complicated light rack either. I would want them mounted so when they need to be cleaned removal is simple and independent. Moonlights can be added any number of ways without a lot of fuss. The LA3s with the lens and cooling ducts will allow a cleaner reflector and the ability to duct the heat away from the aquarium and while it may be true that the LM3 is better that does not diminish the LA3s abilities as plenty of very nice tanks use them. If you decide to change wattage's down the road the fixtures need not be changed and if you one day decide to go open top and want a more attractive unit you will not be too deep ,money wise, into these.
 
Re: LIGHTINGS OPTIONS

Re: LIGHTINGS OPTIONS

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13097656#post13097656 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Ed Reef
For those of you who have been following my thread, you know that I have in these past months been down with luck from an almost wipe out from Ich in my tank to high PO4 and worst is my lightings woos….

Well, after much thoughts, I decided ENOUGH is ENOUGH and it’s about time I take some serious steps to fix those problems and one of the major one is my lights.

With that I decided to return my I-Series Solaris LED lights, despised what I think it’s still a wonderful technology but the poor build quality is just too much to bear, even for someone as patience as myself.

So below are a couple of lightings option I have and I’m hoping for some end-user experience??


First is the famous MH vs T5?? Which would be a better light for my tank of L:200cm x W:80cm x H:70cm to give the best growth, colors and of course $$ on electricity (if possible) and easier maintenance and trouble free?? I have never used T5 before but surely love the colors these lights brings out of our corals but also concern if the lights are good for my tank with a depth of 70cm (27.6inch)….

I listed down a couple of options below so please feel free to chip in?? :confused:

MH with T5 Combi Options

Giesemann INFINITI HQ / T-5 1800 mm (3 x 250W / 4 x 80W)
Advantage
- Adjustable HQI lamp and reflector to precisely focus the light on a specific area within the aquarium
- Pretty looking fixture especially if one day I decided to go rimless and open top
- Of course glitter from the MH and still have color supplements from T5 so best of both world
- Used DE bulbs

Disadvantage
- Only comes in 150w and 250w so not sure of 250w is sufficient for the width and dept of my tank??
- Fix length fixture so for future upgrade of wider or longer tank will be an issue
- No Moonlight LED
- Not sure if light spread is sufficient for my tank ☹
- Heavy when want to change bulbs/ T5 tubes as I might need to remove the whole fixture each time

Giesemann MOONLIGHT HQ / T-5 dim. 1800 mm (3 x 250W / 4 x 80W)
Advantage
- Comes with a build-in computer to control dimming/ sunrise, etc. Basically similar features like my Solaris but with all respect, not much review from end-user and not sure if this ‘build-in’ computer will only complicate things and create more future problems for me (like Solaris)
- Used DE bulbs
- Pretty looking fixture especially if one day I decided to go rimless and open top Of course glitter from the MH and still have color supplements from T5 so best of both world

Disadvantage
- Only comes in 150w and 250w so not sure of 250w is sufficient for the width and dept of my tank??
- Fix length fixture so for future upgrade of wider or longer tank will be an issue
- Non adjustable HQI lamp and reflector to precisely focus the light, unlike Infiniti
- Not sure if light spread is sufficient for my tank ☹
- Heavy when want to change bulbs/ T5 tubes as I might need to remove the whole fixture each time

Giesemann SPECTRA HQ (E40) / T-5 1800 mm (3 x 400W / 4 x 80W)
Advantage
- Choice of 250W or 400W models with greater light spread due to the SE bulb.
- Pretty looking fixture especially if one day I decided to go rimless and open top Of course glitter from the MH and still have color supplements from T5 so best of both world

Disadvantage
- Non-movable HQI lamp and if I were to go with 400w will mean more electricity cost $$
- No LED Moonlight so might want to source for alternative LED light to be used as moonlight
- Fix length fixture so for future upgrade of wider or longer tank will be an issue
- More heat issues going with MH400w
- Heavy when want to change bulbs/ T5 tubes as I might need to remove the whole fixture each time
- Used SE Bulbs

SLS LumenMax 3 (250W DE)
Advantage
- I have read that they our performed the Lumenarc's when tested offering the highest Par!! With that I think using 3 single unit of 250W with IceCap 250W Metal Halide Ballast (220V) and retrofit 4 x 80w T5 in my canopy top (for color combi) should give sufficient light for my tank thus saving on electricity $.
- Flexibility for future upgrades, as I’m not constraining with a fix length lightings fixture.
- If any unit is not working, you can just repair/ replace that unit instead of sending the whole fixture for repair, thus’ leaving your tank with no lights at all
- Of course Lumen offer the largest reflector so give better light spread

Disadvantage
- Have to make a light frame and a hanging system = more work and more delays :(
- Messy wiring thus increases the risk of mistakes or accidents, if not set-up and installed properly.
- Not splash proof and of course the add fans in the hood to cool down the light fixture
- No open top with this reflector as the glare will just kill me

T5 Options:

ATI Power Module T5 880mm 10 X 39W
Advantage
- One of the most establishes brand names for T5 lighting fixture.
- Build-in cooling fans to extend the lifespan of T5 tubes
- Also by using T5 will mean lower electricity bills $$
- Color combi is just never ending with T5
- Less heat issues

Disadvantage
- Costly maintenance and non-dimmable
- Will need 2 units of 88mm each to cover the length of my tank as their longest fixture is only 150cm in length
- My distributor don’t carry them so will make the exchange a bit more tricky

ATI Power Module T5 Dimmable 880mm 10 X 39W
Advantage
- One of the most establishes brand names for T5 lighting fixture.
- Build-in cooling fans to extend the lifespan of T5 tubes
- Also by using T5 will mean lower electricity bills $$.
- It’s dimmable which I can hook up to my GHL Controller
- Color combi is just never ending with T5
- Less heat issues

Disadvantage
- Costly maintenance and will need 2 units to cover the length of my tank
- My distributor don’t carry them so will make the exchange a bit more tricky

Giesemann MATRIX T5 900 mm 8 x 39W
Advantage
- One of the most establishes brand names for MH lightings but T5 lighting fixture is a new thing to them.
- Spoken to Giesemann and they can retrofit a dimmable ballast for these units (if I so required)
- Color combi is just never ending with T5
- Less heat issues
- My distributor carries them :lol2:

Disadvantage
- No build in fan to cool the T5 tubes but fixture seem to be design for good ventilation but problem is I will be using it in my Canopy so not sure if that will cause a problem?
- Untested as I’ve yet to see any user review on this so not sure if it’s advisable or if better than the ATI modules.
- Costly maintenance and will need 2 units to cover the length of my tank as their longest unit is also 150cm in length



Question I have is the dimmable version worth the extra $ or by having different T5 switch on at different interval would have achieve the same effect? Reasons I ask is my current Solaris have all this cool features of dimming, etc but like I say, I don’t think it really benefit our reef as much?? To get the sunrise/ sunset effect, we can simply place timer to switch on/off different T5 at different time interval


Choices Preference:
My current distributor carries all the above EXCEPT for ATI so preferably would like to go with something my distributor carries to make the exchange simple or alternatively to exchange for other ‘products’ and fork out some more $$ to buy those ATI units separately??

I like T5 for the colors (no, I don’t mind the lost of glitter as it’s easy to hook a local-made LED as an add on if I want to get back the glitter) but concern is if it’s sufficient for the depth of my tank. So far, I’m leaning towards the Spectra as the best option of both worlds.

Any thoughts/ suggestions guys??

Ed,

While Im happy you are getting rid of the solaris, I also feel bad you had to go through what you did, Im sorry.

I hope all goes well with whatever you decide. I would stick with the halides.

I just want to pass the word on these lights and how much of a rip off they are. PFO should be embarrassed. I know they give a 2 year warranty but to be honest, I felt 2 years wasn't enough after all the problems I had.
 
Re: Re: LIGHTINGS OPTIONS

Re: Re: LIGHTINGS OPTIONS

I do not want to hijack this thread. However, a blanket statement based on your experience and Ed's experience is inappropriate. I and others have these lights, and while some of us have some "issues", PFO has been quick to address them, and I am quite happy with mine.

Ed, I am sorry you had the issues you did with the Solaris. It is most unfortunate and does leave a bad taste. I understand the reasons why you returned them. I continue to follow this thread and hope you get your tank back on track. It is an awesome build.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13098562#post13098562 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by buck50bmg
Ed,

While Im happy you are getting rid of the solaris, I also feel bad you had to go through what you did, Im sorry.

I hope all goes well with whatever you decide. I would stick with the halides.

I just want to pass the word on these lights and how much of a rip off they are. PFO should be embarrassed. I know they give a 2 year warranty but to be honest, I felt 2 years wasn't enough after all the problems I had.
 
Re: Re: Re: LIGHTINGS OPTIONS

Re: Re: Re: LIGHTINGS OPTIONS

Ed these are the options i would look at.

stigfolli combo, the reflectors are better than any other combo fixture, if you cant get that one go for the spectra.

ATI powermodule, best t5 only fixture, way better than the G-Mann the ballasts and bulbs are cooled.

any of those will work great.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13097723#post13097723 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ooja3k
ATI powermodule hands down.... 2x 10x39 powerpodules...

Dimming option is up to you...

Sorry ;)

I know this is going to stir up the pot lol...

ooja3k - i have no experience with ATI, do you know if it will be enough lights for my tank depth of 80cm (27.6in)

Love em' colors these lights produce but I'm not sure if it will work with a tank so deep?? :confused:
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13097955#post13097955 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by just dave
I know it's fun to have all the neat gadgets but the ultimate goal ,I assume, is to have a nice tank so if it were me this is what I'd do. I would use the Lumenarc 3 with lens and cooling ducts . I'd use the XM 400w 20k with M59 ballast or the Radium 360w 20k with a M155 ballast ( you may choose to use an electronic ballast or the SON AGRO 430w ballast with the Radiums as these are popular options but while they will increase the bulbs intensity they will shorten its life by over driving them.) Those bulbs provided a good PPFD with good coloration and good growth. I don't see a need to provide extra actinic supplementation with either of those bulbs but you could if you desire or you could later on if you feel the need. I don't see a need for a complicated light rack either. I would want them mounted so when they need to be cleaned removal is simple and independent. Moonlights can be added any number of ways without a lot of fuss. The LA3s with the lens and cooling ducts will allow a cleaner reflector and the ability to duct the heat away from the aquarium and while it may be true that the LM3 is better that does not diminish the LA3s abilities as plenty of very nice tanks use them. If you decide to change wattage's down the road the fixtures need not be changed and if you one day decide to go open top and want a more attractive unit you will not be too deep ,money wise, into these.

Thanks just dave - I do like your idea and thank you for putting sense to this sometimes senseless hobby :rollface:
 
Re: Re: LIGHTINGS OPTIONS

Re: Re: LIGHTINGS OPTIONS

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13098562#post13098562 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by buck50bmg
Ed,

While Im happy you are getting rid of the solaris, I also feel bad you had to go through what you did, Im sorry.

I hope all goes well with whatever you decide. I would stick with the halides.

I just want to pass the word on these lights and how much of a rip off they are. PFO should be embarrassed. I know they give a 2 year warranty but to be honest, I felt 2 years wasn't enough after all the problems I had.

Thanks buck50bmg - saw you started a thread in the 'Lighting Forums' :D
 
Re: Re: Re: LIGHTINGS OPTIONS

Re: Re: Re: LIGHTINGS OPTIONS

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13099059#post13099059 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rockworm
I do not want to hijack this thread. However, a blanket statement based on your experience and Ed's experience is inappropriate. I and others have these lights, and while some of us have some "issues", PFO has been quick to address them, and I am quite happy with mine.

Ed, I am sorry you had the issues you did with the Solaris. It is most unfortunate and does leave a bad taste. I understand the reasons why you returned them. I continue to follow this thread and hope you get your tank back on track. It is an awesome build.

No problem rockworm - every man for themselves. Happy to hear it's working for you but keep a close watch as it's only been 2 months as my problems started to come toward the 3rd month :mad: I agree, we cannot give a blanket statement just based on a few reefer's experiences and that's why I'm not saying anything JUST yet :D

That's why I think it is a great idea for the thread about Solaris in the 'Lighting' forum as not too easy to find any user review anywhere... :eek2:
 
Re: Re: Re: Re: LIGHTINGS OPTIONS

Re: Re: Re: Re: LIGHTINGS OPTIONS

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13099110#post13099110 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GSMguy
Ed these are the options i would look at.

stigfolli combo, the reflectors are better than any other combo fixture, if you cant get that one go for the spectra.

ATI powermodule, best t5 only fixture, way better than the G-Mann the ballasts and bulbs are cooled.

any of those will work great.

Thanks Nick - not a real fan of stigfolli lighting fixture for a couple of reason below:
1. No customer support, especially in this part of the world - especially after reading the issues some reefer are having with their light fixture lately
2. My distributor don't carry them so will make any exchange more tricky :p
3. Agree stigfolli have the best reflector, but for my tank of 80cm width, i think I will have too much over spill of lights
4. Did you see the pricing on those units lately (wiht the Euro going the way it is????) :D

As for T5, many reefer in Germany seem to opt for G-Mann instead of ATI - mmm...could be a German thing :rollface: but my biggest worry is if I go the T5 route, will it be enough for a tank depth of 70cm (27.6in)??
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13103893#post13103893 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GSMguy
t5s will grow SPS at 30" deep...

Yeah??? Thanks Nick, this is good to know. Btw, do you missed those glitters from MH since you started using T5??

Now I'm more confuse that I was YESTERDAY :confused:

:lol: :lol: :lol:
 
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