[Hammerhead]

Help!

I have a 90 gal (48x18x24) aquarium built into a wall in my basement. For lighting, it currently has a Hamilton retro-kit with 2 175W MH and 2 48" VHOs. I've kept LPS & softies in the past, but I'm sorta starting over and I'd like to be able to keep SPS, clams, etc.

So, I'd like to upgrade my lighting. I've been debating between Iwasakis (with supplemental VHO) and HQI.

I've read a lot of discussions on this board (including searching for old threads) and I think I've decided to go with the dual 250W Aquaspacelight (or some version of an AB fixture).

One of my reasons is that I like a blueish-white light. I want the corals to be colorful, and I understand that they can look duller under yellowish Iwasakis. I also like the idea that this would be a fixture instead of something that I cobbled together, but that's not as big of a deal since it would be inside a wall. And, buying PFO Iwasaki & Icecap VHO retros costs more than I thought it would be - it isn't much less than an Aquaspacelight.

So, I guess one of my questions is: Is there a flaw in my logic for choosing HQI instead of Iwasaki?

Assuming that you agree with HQI, is an AB fixture the way to go? If not, then what? If so, which one? The Aquaspacelight has the 2 24W PCs. Is that more for sunrise/sunset than for supplementing the HQIs? 24W doesn't seem like much supplementation - is it worth the price difference?

Thanks for any advice you can offer!!!

[Ninong]

Jeff,

The Aquaspacelight with 2*250w 10,000K HQI DE lamps plus 2*24w Osram Actinic PCs is only $799.99 here: http://www.customaquatic.com/customaquatic/index.asp#

That would be my choice. I have an Aquastarlight Future with 2*250w 10,000K HQI DE lamps plus a 25w blue incandescent moonlight but I also have a separate fixture with 2*55w PC actinics for supplementation. The only thing better would be a Giesemann System 260 Moonlight but they cost three times as much!!!

We have several people on this board who have Aquaspacelights and they are all pleased with them. The two 24w PC Actinics are on a separate power cord for dawn/dusk effects and they provide sufficient actinic supplementation for the AB-10000 lamps, which are already slightly bluish-white to begin with.

[Hammerhead]

Ninong, thanks for your response! I had looked at the Custom Aquatic website, but had missed that special.

I found info on the web about the System 260. That sounds awesome!

Should I consider buying the AquaMoonlight (69.99 at Custom Aquatic)? Any idea on the dimensions of it? Or how often a "diode nightlight" would need to be replaced? And where would I find a replacement diode. Would I be better off just putting a incandescent fixture in the space above my tank and using a blue bulb?

I've read that the advantages of a moonlight are coral reproduction and nighttime viewing. Are there others?

Thanks!

[PerryinCA]

I believe lunar light/phases are primarily for aesthetic value. In many cases the triggers for coral reproduction aren't known, so thats not the main purpose of the light in our arena of use. Getting the seasonal changes (temp/light/current) will likely have a larger impact than moonlight when it comes to captive coral spawning. To a large extent, its near impossible to initiate a successful captive spawn. A diode would likely never need replacing, but I will admit, the moonlight is a nice touch, and aids to the nite time viewing value.

-Perry

[Hammerhead]

Thanks for the reply Perry. And Ninong, I appreciated the email while the board was having trouble.

It's looking like I'll be ordering a Aquaspacelight. I think that I'll go without the Aquamoonlight. Later, I'll consider adding a 25w blue incandesent.

Any thoughts on how much I could sell my Hamiliton retro-kit for?

Thanks again!