Current Outer Orbit HQI/T5 combo

[sac10918]

I am wondering what people think about this light fixture....I am interested in maybe getting one for my 24 gallon aqaupod and then moving my 150 wat HQI onto the quarantine tank so I can start to QT corals and stuff. Its a very expensive light (for me at least it is) so I will have to start saving now. My main question is....I think the smallest that this light comes is a 24 inch...My aquapod is only 22 inches across (I think). The light has adjustable legs, but it will obviously stikc over the tank some. Is this going to be a huge problem?
Thanks for any input!

 

[moprint]

That fixture is around $445. You can get better performance for less. On

[hr]
there is a seller called hombby he sells a 24" 250 hqi fixture with 2 65 watt compact fluorescent lamps, it is buy it now for $179 free shipping. The hqi ballasts on this fixture is not very good it needs replaced. You can get a Coralvue 250 watt ballasts for $110. Total cost ends up around $289. You end up with a fixture that is more powerfull and cheaper. Just a thought.

 

[sac10918]

moprint~
I was looking at a 24" one sold by xsord2007. Would you mind taking a look at it and letting me know what you think? It has 1 x 150 wat HQI and 2 x 24 wats 25.... I an super "new" with lighting, and dont know if I am technologically capable of changing out balasts. I think my capabilites stop at changing out the bulb....

 

[moprint]

That unit isn't too bad. The ballasts are internally mounted even the metal halide ballasts. If it was me I would get the fixture from hombby. The hqi ballasts is external, which makes the fixture lighter, and it has fans. The ballasts work they just don't deliver a full 250 watts to the bulb, more like 180. I'll send you a pm with a link if you wanna read about the fixtures from hombby. It also talks about the fixtures from xsord2007 toward the end.

 

[sac10918]

Okay, yes.... I would love to see the link!

 

[sharkbait9]

i asked him who makes its and if its UL listed and the seller just replyed made in the us with a 2 warranty.
Now my question is, if you take the ballast out and run a coralvue ballast externally will the performance be better and if so will the wiring be able to hold up to the increase with out burning down the house?
Secondly a cheap setup I can only think the bulbs have to be garbage and the act lights must be painted.
All these units you can find on the bay seem to be a mock up of coralife.
One of my friends bought off the bay and gutted the whole thing, only leaving the hqi house t-5 caps and the switched and replaced with coralife replacement parts and it kicks butt, but for the person who is not sure on how to do all this could be risky.
I would like to refurb a cheap unit and see what I can get it to do.

 

[sharkbait9]

Originally Posted by moprint
http:///forum/post/2454210
That unit isn't too bad. The ballasts are internally mounted even the metal halide ballasts. If it was me I would get the fixture from hombby. The hqi ballasts is external, which makes the fixture lighter, and it has fans. The ballasts work they just don't deliver a full 250 watts to the bulb, more like 180. I'll send you a pm with a link if you wanna read about the fixtures from hombby. It also talks about the fixtures from xsord2007 toward the end.

send me that link too please.

Thanks

 

[sac10918]

Gosh! I just don't know what I will do.... Part of me just wants to save up for the current one. I have been really happy with all of my current products and more than satisfied with their customer service. Plus, I wouldnt have to do anything to it and I am really technologically lame.
Hmmm....what to do, what to do

 

[moprint]

The light from hombby will probably do everything you want it too stock. How deep is the tank you are thinking about puttig it on? Just trying to save you some money. The ballast upgrade is not that hard and something you could at a later date.

 

[al mc]

Originally Posted by sac10918
http:///forum/post/2454052
My main question is....I think the smallest that this light comes is a 24 inch...My aquapod is only 22 inches across (I think). The light has adjustable legs, but it will obviously stikc over the tank some. Is this going to be a huge problem? !

Will not be a problem if it sticks over as the T5 lamps are probably only 21" long.
I have a 60" and 72" version of the unit you are looking at. Had them over 1+ years and am quite happy with them. I keep sps and a clam without problems. (Although I do have them on rock ledges about 12 inches from the light source.