I need a 72 light system

[Deleted member 143833]

I have a 180 g tank which I have been using a 48" Hamilton light system which I overhauled using IceCap ballasts (both MhD and VHO). I am looking to replace this, because is it is short for the tank with something in the 72 inch range (MhD plus VHO, CP, T5, etc). I like the IceCap because of the low heat and buld life, etc.

Here is my issue; which one? There are a large number of units but not always do they include the information on the internals (e.g., do they use IceCap, elect ballasts, etc). I like the Giesemann Moonlight Infiniti because it looks good but I don't need all the whistles; I have an AquaController (AC) which controls lights, moon and I would prefer to have the AC continue to control the lighting.

What do you suggest? Can you suggest a few options and save me from reading every light system you sell?

Thanks,
Ken

 

[Deleted member 143833]

I should have mentioned; this is an mixed tank (hard and soft + clams) so I prefer 250 W MhD lights and the highest wattage for the secondary lights also.

While I am at it if you could answer a question about the 'Giesemann"; does the onboard computer control the main lights as well as the moon? How would the unit function if I used the AquaController to turn the lights on/off? In partucular I have a program which turns off MhDs when temp raises too high and the chiller cannot keep up (doesn't happen often but if it does I don't want the light program to need to be re-entered).

Thanks,
Ken

 

[MarineDepot]

Hi Kenargo,

Thanks for your post, I apologize for the delayed reply. regarding the Geiseman fixture that you asked about, yes the onboard computer control controls the main light and the moonliight, the moonlights run in a 29 day cycle very similiar like it does in nature. I would not recommend using your Aqua controller on this type of fixture because of the on board controller on the fixture itself. This controller controls all the lights on the fixture itself.

As for a recommendation for your system, here are a few suggestions that you can use with your Aquacontroller Jr. Please click on the links for further information about the fixtures

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~idProduct~AQ1861.html


http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~idproduct~ES53530.html

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewI...39W_T5_HO___24_Lunar_Lights_72in~vendor~.html

Each one of these light fixtures uses a ballast that is made by the manufacturer, none of these fixtures use an Ice cap Ballast

The Current Usa Outer orbit fixture is an all in one type of fixture industry`s first integrated electronic ballast (no remote ballasts)

The Aquamedic and the Coralife fixture do come with a hanging kit if you wish to hang the unit form your ceiling, the Current usa unit comes with docking mounts so the unit can be place ontop of your tank and a hanging kit giving you some options.

I hope some of the information was helpful for you in your decision making.

Please let us know if we can be of further assistance to you

Walter F
Marine Depot Customer Services
www.Marinedepot.com
714.385.0080 Phone
714.385.0180 Fax

 

[Deleted member 143833]

Thanks for the reply; can you indicate how loud the AquaMedic and Coralife units are (and the Geiseman unit); I have a Current USA on a small tank and don't like the quality of that unit (the LEDs died < 1yr and I find the fans a bit noisy). I do prefer the ceiling hanging options for the tank in question.

Does the Geisemen have a data and time set (for moon anc sun), do you know? Does it's program allow for modification of duration of light?

Thanks,
Ken

 

[MarineDepot]

Hi Ken,

Thanks for the reply, I am not exactly sure how loud either of the fixtures are in terms of fan noise, it's a very suggestive matter really mostly depends on ambient noise in the area where the lighting fixture will be, but I have heard from other customers that the Aqua-Medic Fixture are fairly quiet. Again all depending on ambient noise.

As for the 72 inch Giesemann Moonlight Infiniti fixture
The integrated computer allows you, to dim the four T-5 tubes individually. At the desired time the lighting starts up at minimum power and gradually reaches maximum performance according to your requirements. Then, again at the desired time, the system slowly reduces the output down to the minimum. Basically creating a sunrise and sunset effect. This unit also has a programmable cloud effects, which you can program a passing cloud yourself. It's seems that the 29 day moonlight cycle is automatically determined by the computer depending on the lighting cycle programmed into the system.

I hope I was helpful to you, please let me know if you have any further questions.

Walter F
Marine Depot Customer Services
www.Marinedepot.com
714.385.0080 Phone
714.385.0180 Fax

 

[Deleted member 143833]

Thanks, do you by chance have the current requirements for each unit? I suspect I may need to run a new circuit for these.

 

[MarineDepot]

Hi Ken,

Thanks for the reply, if you mean voltage usage they all run on 110v which is standard here in the United States, as far as total wattage goes it's all depending on watts of light in the fixture itself. I don't believe you will need a different circuit to place these lights in but if you have a circuit that is already a bit loaded, I would recommend placing it on a different circuit, your at least looking at a total of 850 watts of power being used with the lights alone.

I hope this helps

Walter F
Marine Depot Customer Services
www.Marinedepot.com
714.385.0080 Phone
714.385.0180 Fax

 

[Deleted member 143833]

Question; is it really 4 weeks to get the 72 inch Giesemann Moonlight?

 

[MarineDepot]

Hi Ken,

Yes unfortunately it is, these fixtures come directly from Germany. As of today I have an ETA of the first week of March, this is only an estimate, it may come in earlier or be pushed back further all depends on the manufacturer and customs.

Walter F
Marine Depot Customer Services
www.Marinedepot.com
714.385.0080 Phone
714.385.0180 Fax

 

[Deleted member 143833]

Is the shipment you expect for stocking or is this for orders outstanding? Do you charge the CC when the order it placed or when the order ships?

 

[MarineDepot]

Hi Ken,

Thanks for the reply, normally when an order is placed and we do not have the item in stock, a backorder is created. The backordered item is not charged until the backorder is filled and ready to ship. Currently I do not have any outstanding orders for the 72 inch Giesemann Moonlight Infiniti fixture in black or silver. Your more than welcome to place your order on line or on the phone when ever you like, please keep in mind that even though we may have an expected arrival date, those dates are always subject to change.

I hope this information was helpful to you.

Walter F
Marine Depot Customer Services
www.Marinedepot.com
714.385.0080 Phone
714.385.0180 Fax

 

[Deleted member 143833]

Question about price match.....

You have the AquaLight Pro, 3x250 HQI + 4x96 CF listed at 1538.99 + 97 special handling; the order, shipped is 1641.59.

DrForsterSmith has the same unit for 1484.99, no special handling(but charges shipping) , making the shipped cost 1502.98 (so the unit is slighty less but there is a larger difference in shipping). How does the totals figure into the price match?

 

[MarineDepot]

Hi Ken,

We match the landed price of the item, this includes any shipment costs or handling costs they may charge, Please keep in mind that our free shipping promotion does not apply to any discounted or priced matched item.

I hope you find this information helpful.

Walter F
Marine Depot Customer Services
www.Marinedepot.com
714.385.0080 Phone
714.385.0180 Fax

 

[Deleted member 143833]

Just to be sure I understand what you are saying. The 'delivered' cost, including shipping is what is matched.

Using the example above the light (shipping included) would be matched as 1502.98 which is the same price (including shipping) from the other vendor.

Do I have this correct?

 

[MarineDepot]

Hi Ken,

Thanks for the reply, yes you are correct, whatever it takes to order the item form the competitor, if they charged tax you will be charged tax, if they offer free shipping, you get their free shipping. Please keep in mind that we do not price match items that our competitor may be out of stock in or back ordered.

I hope this clears it up for you, let me know if you have any further questions. I'm more than happy to help

Walter F
Marine Depot Customer Services
www.Marinedepot.com
714.385.0080 Phone
714.385.0180 Fax

 

[Deleted member 143833]

Wonderful, I've placed the order and included the information about the other vendor in the notes attahced to the order; hopefully I did this correctly.

Thanks,