wondering if anyone in the advance section know anything about this???

[brittlestar08]

sorry for posting this twice... the link in the other post did not work.

I am considering buying this product...
http://www.catalinaaquarium.com/pro...roducts_id=1458

can anyone tell me anything at all about it? is it a good product? is it worth the money? I think its innovative that it does not have a case. I would think that it does better with keeping things cooler. please help if you have any info what-so-ever. ty

 

[dynamixone]

link is bad

 

[Sk8r]

your link isn't displaying the product.
Can you tell us what it is?

 

[miwoodar]

http://www.catalinaaquarium.com/product_info.php?products_id=1458

2 X 250W HQI MH Electronic Ballast Retrofit

You would be a lot better off choosing a unit that has good reflectors. These reflectors waste a LOT of light. You should look into reflector names such as Lumenarc or Lumenbrite. The difference is staggering. Also, they don't say what brand of bulb is included. You'll want to make sure the bulbs are worth it (see the links at the end of the next paragraph).

Heat will be roughly the same watt for watt (it's those pesky laws of physics again! ). You can look up actual wattages and such here: http://www.reeflightinginfo.arvixe.com/ or here: www.cnidarianreef.com

 

[brittlestar08]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11846517#post11846517 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by miwoodar
http://www.catalinaaquarium.com/product_info.php?products_id=1458

2 X 250W HQI MH Electronic Ballast Retrofit

You would be a lot better off choosing a unit that has good reflectors. These reflectors waste a LOT of light. You should look into reflector names such as Lumenarc or Lumenbrite. The difference is staggering. Also, they don't say what brand of bulb is included. You'll want to make sure the bulbs are worth it (see the links at the end of the next paragraph).

Heat will be roughly the same watt for watt (it's those pesky laws of physics again! ). You can look up actual wattages and such here: http://www.reeflightinginfo.arvixe.com/ or here: www.cnidarianreef.com

first thanks for linking me correctly... second thank you for all of the info. wow! I took a look at the reflectors you mention however, two things... 1. I only see them offered for mougle single ended. two they will not fit my canopy. I need a tight fitting unit. The bulbs are from Catalina. same company as the units. you can choose from different K ratings. its right on thier web. However, Like I said I never heard of this company and my question is really about other with expierience with the product. is it built well. ect... if you can offer any further info that would be appreciated. thanks again.

 

[miwoodar]

If you're tight on space, yes, a DE setup would likely be better. Lumenarc makes a DE reflector.

Here are DE reflector articles from Sanjay's site:
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/july2003/feature.htm
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/mar2004/feature.htm

I don't know anything about Catalina products. Maybe someone else does?

 

[miwoodar]

BTW - this thead would get a lot more traffic if it were in the equipment forum.

 

[brittlestar08]

well thanks again... all of the info is amazing. anyone have any exp.?

 

[brittlestar08]

BTW, it is in the lighting section and to my surprise no one answered it there. I usually have bennter luck here. more exp...

 

[Teddy Ballgame]

I have used catalina cf's and with great success. I originally came across them on ebay as a very cheap alternative to my LFS....sorry I can't be of more help.

 

[brittlestar08]

thanks so much everyone... I have decided to look into thier single ended mougul setups... again thanks for all of your help.