Power head question

chrisnif

Member
Has anyone tried any of the power heads that are knock offs of the Koralia? There are some amazing deals on the chinese copies. Also, anyone here have any experience with metal halide bulbs from non-big name companies like the ones on the bay place?
Thanks
 

scsinet

Active Member
Regarding the pumps... I haven't used them, and wouldn't. I don't like the idea of using knock-offs for any situation where electricity is submersed in water. The importers don't usually have the electrical standards we do here. At the very least, if you are considering it, make sure it carries a UL and/or CSA certification.
The lamps... well... put it this way... the expensive lamps are expensive for a reason. More than anything else, when you buy an expensive lamp, you are buying a lamp that has substantial quality control and R&D invested in making sure it's a quality, long lasting produce. Those knock-off lamps may well work fine, but they may also suffer a premature degredation that doesn't set in until well past the usual 30 day return policy. I've not used them, but I'm not going to tell you not to, just to be careful and don't set your expectations too high.
 

meowzer

Moderator
BUY AMERICAN....LOL
I'm jokin with you
I haven't tried any of them either....I stick with what I can get good honest recommendations (from here) on
 

chrisnif

Member
My LFS uses XM bulbs and is willing to sell me a bulb used 4 months for $10 just to get started. They only have them that young because they switched from 175W to 400W on their insane (20 ft x 4 feet) frag tank. I know those bulbs only probably have 3-4 months of useful life in them, but so far the tank only has water,substrate and new today a heater :) I just want to have enough light to cure live rock and make sure the tank doesnt get too warm, is this a fair enough price?
My other choice is the knock off bulb for 4-5 months so I can ask for an $80 light bulb for my birthday in May.
 

scsinet

Active Member
It depends on the model, but some XM lamps are mediocre lamps - BUT - I think that's a better option than knockoff lamps.
Sounds like your LFS is giving you a pretty good deal... $10 is not bad for a lamp with 2/3 of it's life left.
You should be aware though... you don't need light to cure LR. I assume you meant a light to keep the tank from getting too cold?
 

chrisnif

Member
Was hoping to get some coraline growing before the fish get there :)
Originally Posted by SCSInet
http:///forum/post/3186651
It depends on the model, but some XM lamps are mediocre lamps - BUT - I think that's a better option than knockoff lamps.
Sounds like your LFS is giving you a pretty good deal... $10 is not bad for a lamp with 2/3 of it's life left.
You should be aware though... you don't need light to cure LR. I assume you meant a light to keep the tank from getting too cold?
 

bmkj02

Member
Here is the powerhead I think you are talking about. Brand Sunsun. I have this one and it is awesome. Paid $45 and moves 3000gph. Has these attachments that goes on the front to direct water flow.
 

chrisnif

Member
There is one on that auction place that is 2 of the 1200 gph models (so I guess it puts out 600 or so gph from each head). I was thinking if I put one in each high corner, make one head of each point toward the middle front of the glass and have the second head pushing water behind the live rock making another convergence. I've read someone had 3 of these on a simple "on/off" wave maker and had a 1 inch wave on the water surface.
If you dont mind me asking, how long have you had yours, and is it 120V or does it have a converter to 12V like some of the other ones I've seen.
Thanks in advance!
Originally Posted by bmkj02
http:///forum/post/3186977
Here is the powerhead I think you are talking about. Brand Sunsun. I have this one and it is awesome. Paid $45 and moves 3000gph. Has these attachments that goes on the front to direct water flow.
 

bmkj02

Member
Mine is a 120v straight plug, no converter. Had it for several months. If you do a search on this site a few people said they have had it for a couple of years with no problems.
 
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