Aqualight Pro HQI

[italianwjt]

Im looking to upgrade my lighting to the Aqualight Pro HQI 72" for my 175g bowfront it has:
Three 150 watt 10,000K double-ended HQI metal halide lamps
Four 96 watt True Actinic 03 Blue square-pin compact fluorescent lamps
Four 1 watt Lunar Blue-Moon-Glow 470nm LED lamps
Highly-polished reflectors
Built-in cooling fan
Acrylic compact fluorescent and glass lens covers
total wattage output: 834
Questions...Do you think this would be a decent setup for lighting? Do you think the built in cooling fans would do the job? Do you think i need a chiller?
Thanks

 

[reefnut]

How deep is the tank?? If it's 24" or more I would apt for 250w MHs.

 

[italianwjt]

24'', Do you think the built in cooling fans would do the job, or do i need a chiller?

 

[compinnov]

I would recommend the outer orbit fixture over the aqua light. I think it doesnt have good ventilation. Check out the outer orbit, I think you would be happier and the price is the same and it comes with the legs and hardware, http://www.current-usa.com/ Just my 2 cents

 

[italianwjt]

Originally Posted by compinnov
I would recommend the outer orbit fixture over the aqua light. I think it doesnt have good ventilation. Check out the outer orbit, I think you would be happier and the price is the same and it comes with the legs and hardware, http://www.current-usa.com/ Just my 2 cents
what do you mean it doesnt have good ventilation, they both have integrated fans? are the fans crappy? the only difference i seen was the moon/lunar light al has 4 oo has 8.

 

[compinnov]

I'm sorry for not posting correctly, yes the fans are crappy, They are smaller and draw out less heat. It is a good unit, but I just think that the obit is built better and has more cooling capabilitys. Also the body of the orbit is more open instead of compact, IE more air flow. MH's get hot, also the ballast in the orbit are finned for heat displacement. Also the outer orbit uses the new microprocesser to drive the MH's which in turn uses less power and provides 15% more light. It is cool as a cucumber.

 

[italianwjt]

Originally Posted by compinnov
I'm sorry for not posting correctly, yes the fans are crappy, They are smaller and draw out less heat. It is a good unit, but I just think that the obit is built better and has more cooling capabilitys. Also the body of the orbit is more open instead of compact, IE more air flow. MH's get hot, also the ballast in the orbit are finned for heat displacement. Also the outer orbit uses the new microprocesser to drive the MH's which in turn uses less power and provides 15% more light. It is cool as a cucumber.
do u own an outer orbit? or u just read up on it?

 

[compinnov]

I own a outer orbit. I've owned the aqualights, I work at a salt water fish store in Illinois. I have an 90 gallon reef and a 125 gallon reef that is in my home. I take care of about all of the saltwater fish and equipment, but I dont consider myself an expert, one is always learning, but I've been in it for 15 years. Remember, this is my opinion, I'm just telling it as I have experienced it. The Aqua lights raised my tank temp by 9 degrees and the orbit was 6 degrees. As far as a chiller, You may need one, but try it without first. 75 degrees is ideal. not to go over 78 and not under 72. That is a range, that is common.

 

[cubuffs]

I have the same light on my 180 right now. With the light, you can do clams, sps, lps etc. You are not too limited in what corals you can keep. I too thought about getting 250 MH's, but did not see the point if you can keep the same corals without problems. Thus, a chiller may be a better investment, and save the money and use it towards your electricity bills. Just my thoughts and I hope that this helps.

 

[italianwjt]

i went to the lfs today to look at the aqua light they didnt have it but they had "jebco" same thing...its awesome doesnt produce any heat, it has inner cooling fans and the same lighting the aqualight/outerorbit has ...cool to the touch...IM SOLD, now to shop around and get the best priced.