AB AquaSpacelight questions

[fdm]

Well I think I'm finally going to take the plunge and buy my lighting fixture. After reviewing all the information I could find, and changing my mind at least a million times on what type of lighting I should get, I've settled on the AB AquaSpacelight 3x250w HQI w/ 4x24W PC actinic (I think ). My main reasons for going with this fixture are:

1. Electricity savings. The other option that I was considering was the 3x400W Iwaski w/ 2 or 4 x 160W actinic. This option would cost me about $85-$110 a month to run where as the AB fixture would cost about $45. The savings in running this fixture for 1 year would easily compensate the difference in intial price between the two options.

2. Heat. Since the AB fixture will be hung from the ceiling I will make a canopy with an open top. This, coupled with a few fans should make it easier to keep the temp in the tank lower. IMO, a fully enclosed canopy with the Iwaskis would be very hard to maintain the lower temp.

Anyway, I have a few questions before I make this purchase.

1. Does anyone have any experiences with www.customaquatics.com? They seem to be the only vendor I can find that carries this fixture. Their price is $1099.

2. I know a few of you have this fixture. After running it for a while what do you think of it? Do you still like it? Anything that you don't like about it?

3. Can I run the actinics and the HQI's on separate timers with this fixture? Can I run each HQI bulb on separate timers?

4. Any reasons I shouldn't go with this fixture? I know I will get many different opinions on this, but I'd like to know everything up front before I dump a ton of money on something

BTW, this will be going over a 125g tank. I plan on housing mostly SPS corals in this tank. Right now I only have a couple of softies in there. I probably will get rid of all of them once I get the lights, but we'll see.

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.
Frank

[Ninong]

Originally posted by fdm:


Does anyone have any experiences with www.customaquatics.com? They seem to be the only vendor I can find that carries this fixture.

Yes, several of the members of this board have purchased their AB-Aqualine fixtures from them and everyone has been satisfied with the service and the price. I would recommend them.

Can I run the actinics and the HQI's on separate timers with this fixture?

Yes, there are two separate power cords.

Can I run each HQI bulb on separate timers?

No, there is only one power cord for all of the HQI lamps and a separate cord for the PCs.

Any reasons I shouldn't go with this fixture? I know I will get many different opinions on this, but I'd like to know everything up front before I dump a ton of money on something

I think it is a good choice. Remember that your fixture will weigh 49.2 lbs., although the supplied mounting cables and hardward are excellent. It should be mounted at least 9" above the surface for proper light spread in the tank--the manufacturer recommends 30 cm (12"). It will get rather hot because the ballast is enclosed but you can handle that situation. Your proposed canopy will take care of any unwanted spilled light so you should be OK there. Just remember that the fixture is vented from each end, so you don't want to restrict the ends of the fixture.

BTW, this will be going over a 125g tank. I plan on housing mostly SPS corals in this tank. Right now I only have a couple of softies in there. I probably will get rid of all of them once I get the lights, but we'll see.

I think you will be happy with it. I know you will like the appearance in the tank and you can avoid the expense of tons of VHO actinics that might be necessary to improve the appearance of other metal halides.

BTW, the replacement lamps can be purchased online for only $85 at www.drsfostersmith.com I believe Jason at Premium Aquatics will also match that price if you ask him.

Good luck,

Ninong

[fdm]

Thanks a lot Ninong.

I shouldn't have to worry about the weight of the fixture. The tank is a room divider, and is visible on all 4 sides. Above the tank is the main header beam that holds up the 2nd floor of the house. I plan on mounting the cables to the beam and using the canopy only to reflect the light back into the tank instead of letting it spill into the room.

I also have my Sea Swirls mounted on the ends of the tank so I have to make the canopy about 6" inches wider than the tank (~3" on each side) to allow room for the SS's. So this should also allow the fixture's fans to vent properly.

Thanks again for all of the info. I'm very leary placing a large order with online vendors that I don't know anything about. I've been burnt in the past and I didn't want it to happen again.

Frank