Return to the Large Tank forum with a 210G Elos

[Fliger]

I missed this forum so much, I had to make sure my new tank would qualify - so I'm just sneaking in with a 180G Display - Sump TBD. A few years ago I had an Envision 340G and it was awesome. However I soon learned that even with a blank check for equipment - it was too time consuming. My friend lhoo has turned it into my dream, however it resides in his house! :)

Here was opening day ...

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/IMG_0383.jpg

I decided to go way down in size and got an Elos 132G. I absolutely loved the quality and the ridiculous little cool things that you never will understand until its in your home. Talk about a carefully planned aquarium system that spares no expense in quality.

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/100_0072.jpg

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/100_0074.jpg

It took an afternoon to get from my doorstep to filled with all my wet friends. And no trips to HD! :)

It wasn't long until I wanted a larger tank for the space. So I decided to put the two together and just get an Elos 160XL. Its basically the exact same tank only about a foot and a half longer and I had the stand custom built a little taller. My wife was extremely happy when I told her it was another Elos because it has cut down my tank time tremendously. Her furniture is all very modern so this fits right in.

[Fliger]

And here we are today, a new present on my doorstep!

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/IMG_5012.jpg

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/IMG_5013.jpg

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/IMG_5014.jpg

I have a lot of work to do now but will try to update photos as I go. I'm going overseas in a week and a half so I hope to have it up & running tomorrow and get to know & comfortable with it over the next week!

[bogg]

Yeah!!! Awesome!!!

[slovan]

Wow! :eek1: I can't wait to see your new system up and running David! All your setups in the past has been impressive regardless of size.

[invincible569]

Very nice David! I cant wait until you set this up. I know you have a ton of goodies you have been purchasing lately that some of us havent seen in production. Even the 160xl is also something some of us havent seen. Post as many pics as you can. I'll be watching!

[bascerballer4]

Awesome tank! I like the rimless effect. I've seen naka's tank and it looks really nice, as well as invincibles. I can't wait to see this one set up and ready to go. Where do you guys customize such nice rimless tank?

[old salty]

I think I'm going to cry!! I know I will once I see the pics with the shipping stuff removed.

[Fliger]

Thanks everyone! I will get to PM's tomorrow. It hurts to type as I smashed three fingers :lol: . Its always nerve racking carrying glass tanks but try a tank this big. Thank god I have an extra wide door.

Oh and I was wrong its not 180, its closer to 215. I didn't realize it was 24" tall, I was thinking it was 20" tall like the 120XL. So stoked! :) :) :)

I gotta get to bed and dream about aquascaping. So stoked about the height!

[drummereef]

This one's going to be good. :thumbsup:

[Kigs]

tagging along tagging along =] i love elos systems. good luck with the new setup Fliger

[boozeman]

woohoooo!!!
glad to see an Elos tank in the ''large tank'' forum !!
can't wait for the build to start.... good luck !

I will be on this forum also when mine comes in sometime during the summer :D

[i2ik]

Wow David! I cant wait to see it up and running! One thing for sure, i know this tank will be a bad *** system, just like all your previous one! How tall did you customize your stand? I am loving rimless tank now, never really though about it until i saw Naka, Edward and yours! I should have wait and go with a rimless also ;)

[Fliger]

Well my fingers STILL hurt. :) The tank is stunning, the extra 4" in height and the extra 16" in length make a huge difference. My favorite part is the small overflow. Its the smallest overflow with the largest tank I've ever seen. I'm not a big believer in running massive flow to the sump so it works perfectly. I'm not sure if I'll keep the Eheim 1260 - if the overflow can handle more I might go for something a little more powerful.

I'm having a sump built but it might be awhile til its done, so it will look a little ghetto under the hood. I'm also going to build an acrylic insert under the stand to hold everything. The stand is divided into a wet section & dry section so I need to figure out how everything will be situated.

I have had great results from the 2x150W (IC e-ballasts) + 4x39W pendant with the 120XL but it was only 20". I'm going to need to replace the lighting with 250W + T5. Fixture TBD. In the running are -

Elos
Giesemann
Sfiligoi
Grotech Photon

I would consider the Maristar II but its taken them FOREVER so I'm giving up on that. I like the idea of having US electrical components and no transformers. I would also consider the Aquaconnekt like G.Alexander but I'm unable to attain one.

Gotta go pay the bills now - I'll try to get some photos tonight. The stand is SOLID. Really nice big brown (wenge) doors.

Oh and THANK YOU to the Mods for switching the title from 180 to 210! What a great, thankless job you do! I know what that is like.

[invincible569]

You should keep it consistent with the Elos brand. :) I like the new ones they have been coming out with. They have put a lot of thought into them. It's definitely not just your average light fixture. Which model Aquaconnect fixture does Alexander have?

[MSHUR]

David,
Congrat. on your new "toy".This tank is awsome,i saw pics of 160xl,amazing quality...What are yuo going to do with water movement in the tank?

Ed,
I belive Alexander have Riga light fixiture by AC. I use 250w bulbs :))

mike

[Acrylics]

Hi David,
Nice to see ya back, good luck with the new build :)

James

[ReeferMonkey]

Awesome! I knew you were going with one of these, I must have missed the thread on the 120. Can't wait to see things unfold!

[Treg]

So whats the overall dimension's?


Cant wait to see this one. :)



Fliger, what are you doing for a skimmer this time? Anything new and exciting??

[Fliger]

So I got sidetracked by life! I decided to cancel a weekend trip so that I can finish this project this weekend. I'm picking up a Rubbermaid bin tonight so that I can transfer everything out, take down the 120XL and clean it, get the 160XL up & fill it. I'm building some sort of acrylic or PVC basin for the wet compartment of the stand - I like PVC since that's what Edward's & Naka's bottoms are made of. Jesse at Elos told me it won't warp - so I'll try that ... just gotta find it now.

For skimmers - I still have my custom H&S which should handle it. It also comes with a NS4000 which looks like a beast. I won't have the NS4000 for a while so I'll run the H&S. I have had such great results with H&S and Elos stuff - the only other brand I'd probably consider would be a BK but their prices have really jumped from when I had the BK300 Ext.

I think the dimensions are 64x32x24 - so approx 210-215G? Obviously the true number is WAAAAY less but since thats what RC members and tank manufacturers use ... (not taking inner dims, displacement and the top dry portion of the tank into account).

The tank is really stunning, I'll get pix up before I leave. I know there are some great tank makers out there, like the one Edward/James used - but man I've had some bad ones, now that I've had Envision & Elos its hard to think of every going down a step.

I do love that Riga by Aquaconnect. I wish someone would import it. His is a 2x250W MOGUL + the T5's. Only other maker I can find that does that is Grotech Photon (with external ballasts - which I decided I really need) but I've heard their mogul socket ballasts are too small. Decisions!!!

My fingers still hurt. :lol:

[Quatro]

Hey Fliger!

What are you plans for the old 120xl? Good luck with the build =)

[Fliger]

Hey man, if I had a dime for every PM I've received wanting the 120XL. :lol: It went VERY fast to a fellow reefer who I know will make a lovely home for it. :)

[Jim_S]

Very nice David.

I'm sure this will be a great thread.

Elos systems are killer. Maybe one day I'll sack up and drop the coin :D

[boozeman]

why not go with the Elos lighting ?

[Ste1977]

Did you see the Giesemann Spectra pendants? They're similar to the Sfiligoi Infinity, and use the Gisemann system 400 reflectors plus T5 tubes.
I don't know if they are available in the USA at this time...

Bye!
Stefano.

[hahnmeister]

Flinger, I feel you on the Aquaconnects... Ive been noping for an importer of Aquaconnect for a long time, even mentioned it to a few storefronts I know of... they would make a killing alone on the aquaconnect 14,000K bulbs.

Perhaps a 'next best' would be the Grotech fixtures...
http://www.captiveoceans.com/Photon.htm

[Fliger]

OK, well setting up Elos number two was even easier than number one. However, TAKING DOWN a tank is a #%$! no matter what. Here are some pix of progress.

Last pic of the 120XL

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/IMG_4692.jpg

Tank Down

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/IMG_5031.jpg

Stand gone

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/IMG_5032.jpg

New stand in

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/IMG_5033.jpg

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/IMG_5034.jpg

[Fliger]

What a mess. You never realize how many corals you have until you have to remove every single one and put them into 12 different Rubbermaid bins

If you've ever seen A Christmas Story, when the father gets the "leg lamp" the crate says "Fragile" and he says "Fraj-eeelee, it must be made in Italy. I guess in this case he would have been right. :lol:

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/IMG_5030.jpg

This is how my wife helps me when I tell her I'm going to be working on the tank this weekend

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/100_0133.jpg

Here is picture of all the plumbing. Thats gotta be the least amount of plumbing for a 210G tank. :) Its sitting on top of the overflow

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/IMG_5036.jpg

[invincible569]

NICE PICS!!! Keep them coming!

Too bad Im not in Arizona.. I would come ... and party with your wifes friends! ;) jk

[steve the plumb]

yes well tell a woman that there is work to be done on the fish tank and thats what you get.You should have told here you were having a candle party or that you were going shopping for shoes, you just needed a little help first.Its not a lie its just a fib

[CalvinC4S]

I know how you feel man. Not even a two hour shower can fix that funk. Tank looks awesome!

[bolis03]

These are by far extremely well design tank systems I was very fortunate to see one up close and personal in Houston last year. I do have a question regarding the design and build of the stand. The 3 vertical panels are these made of 1” mdf or of a similar material? Also is the stand complete, I mean no horizontal top panel?

[Jar*Head]

Congrats on your new tank David. No wonder you never have time to answer the phone :). Good luck with the set up..... Looking great.

[erics3000]

I cant wait to see this up and going. I am just getting ready to order an in wall tank and now i want o get a littler version of one of these for my living room. Naka and Invicible tanks look great. I can wait to see yours. Keep the PICS coming..

[gsumner2]

Who distributes the Elos tanks in the US? Any close to Chicago or Louisville,KY?
Beautiful Tanks!

[loweryster]

I hate you Fliger:D :celeb1:

[Fliger]

Sorry all, I am totally jammed for time. The tank is up & running and doing great. I lost a couple frags but nothing that can't be replaced. Some stress signs but whatcha gonna do? I didn't get any shots after I got the sump going but have these progression shots. I'll try to get more later.

Here is my chiller/heater from the last tank. Its an Ocean Geotronic Peltier. Very small, extremely silent, low power. Super cool. Its very undersized for this tank, but I'm going to see if the chiller along with a fan will be OK for now. I'm going with a couple Prolifux fans from Aquarium Specialty

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/100_0693.jpg

Here is a picture of the sump. They didn't have my sump ready so sent this as a temp. Hope to have the new one here soon though, my reefer buddy CalvinC4S informed me last night this sump will not catch the overflow from a power outtage. I'm out of town the next couple weeks, praying for no power outtages! The sump is really cool, it has a 9G water TO rez built in, and three fluidized chambers.

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/100_0690.jpg

The underground

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/100_0694.jpg

[loweryster]

lookin good
lighting???

[Fliger]

Here is the overflow plumbing.

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/100_0692.jpg

The overflow with the drain bulkhead put on

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/100_0700.jpg

And with the return. The return can be moved side to side and up and down - virtually any direction. There is a small siphon break you can probably see.

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/100_0707.jpg

And here is a very bad shot of the tank half full. I didn't fill in for a day or two after this was taken. Since I'm leaving in 48 hours, I am going to aquascape in a way to just keep things safe. Hope to finish aquascaping as soon as I return! (barring any disasters)

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/100_0697.jpg

[Fliger]

Thanks Lowery! Lighting is still TBD. For now I'll get away with my curent fixture, slightly underpowered. Come to think of it I probably can't final aquascape until I get some 250W up. I love your Giesemann and what you did with it - its on my list. I like having all US components on a sleeker Euro design so we'll see.

[loweryster]

too bad Gman doesn't make a 5' Spectra, maybe there 4'???, that be my first choice, unless Jesse's got something up his sleeve.

[hawaiianwargod]

Fliger,

That is superliscious setup!!! Whats the deal on your 120XL? It was nice already. Was the size of 120XL made you decide to go on different route? Elos products are awesome, I have seen one at Jesse's warehouse and the tank (120XL) looks amazing!
What color did you get btw (cabinet doors)? looks like the darker one, if I'm not mistaken.
Again, very impressive and I apologize for creating a new word
"superliscious " because it is..lol!

[invincible569]

Great last picture. Reminds me of a japanese tank. :)

Love that sump too. I like how he used black silicone for the seams. It makes the design of the sump stand out.

[cali_reef]

Nice tank David!!

[ReefingBuddha]

great tank setup. I'm eagerly waiting for some more pictures. What is the name of that square bulkhead you have on your overflow?

[Fliger]

Thanks guys, I'm lovin' the new tank. Just frustrating that with my trip I can't spend more time finishing it off.

Lowery - the more I think about it the more my head hurts (lighting). Giesemann has a 5' Infinity would would be nice. I'm waiting to see what Elos is coming out with. All the other options are 4' - or I could get two 24" fixtures.

Hawaiian - the 120XL went to a very good reefer. I can't wait to see what he does with it. I did go with the "wenge" as a lot of things in my house are that color. The doors were hard to get on this time, but I got it finally. Just need to adjust. LOL "superliscous" sounds like an Ali (Project Reef) term. :lol: Or Fergie.

Thanks Invince & Cali ... fellow equipment junkies!

thirschmann, I'll try to get a pic before I leave in the morning. That is called a SBIHOTO. That stands for "square bulkhead I have on the overflow. :) I believe made of PVC, its very heavy & durable. Pretty sure its made by Elos - just about everything on their tanks are made by them for specific applications. Its very silent and works extremely well.

I'll try to get a FTS but its not very purty. Most of my SPS have lost mucho color and I've lost a few things with the long move process. Right now everything is just on the bottom, either on rocks or eggcrate.

Later!

df

[naka]

Congratulations on your new setup David! I love everything about your tank. Now all you need is Oranji to light it up :)

[ReefingBuddha]

Thanks for the feedback. I'm interested in this type of bulkhead because if I see your overflow right it isn't a traditional overflow at all, just the square bulkhead with the flex tubing. If that is right then its the kinda of thing I have been looking for. Thank you and once again... great tank.

[Fliger]

LOL naka, I love that Oranji - if you're talking about that purty coral of yours!

thirschmann - yup the bulkhead is really just a big hunk of PVC that you could DIY with a regular BH and a 90 - the trick really is creating a grate to keep livestock from going down. Its a great system, very silent and you don't have to worry about toilet bowl flushes, etc. The bottom of the blue tube is another BH that attaches to a pre-drilled hold in the top of the sump (lid not in pix). The bottom of that PVC is submerged & there is an air relief hole. I have realized that the Eheim 1260 is perfect - I was going to replace it with a RD 4.5 but this is just fine.

Actually I just realized that on top of the square BH on top there is an air tap.

Anway - I'm leaving in a few hours for a much needed vacation. My tank is in trusted hands (good reefer buddies) but I always get nervous when I leave. I'll get updated pix when I get back.

[B.friend]

That looks awesome

[ReefingBuddha]

When you get back I would really appreciate some pictures of the overflow so that I can try to make it myself. Thanks

[loweryster]

Fliger, what are your thoughts on flow??

[Nuuze]

Whoa Fliger! I just came across this thread. Congrats! Haha!

So what are your plans on lighting. I am also waiting on Elos to come out with a dual 250w fixture for my System 120 SPS setup. I can hardly wait to a point where Sfiligoi and Giesemann looks very tempting right about now...

[hawaiianwargod]

Fliger,
What light did you decide to get?

[Fliger]

Sorry all, been back for a week & a half and still catching up. Unfortunately while I was away I lost several SPS, some of my favorites. :( The timing just wasn't with me, I had to get the tank up less than a week b4 I left for 2 weeks and my evap/DKH draw weren't inline. My DKH went to 12.5+ and my buddy Philwd saved my butt. The tank still looks awfully stressed and my millies are really hurting - but it can all be replaced.

Anyway, I'm still overjoyed by the tank - I hope to do aquascaping similar to Edward - minimal. I've always wanted a "Japanese" aesthetic to the tank. I will hopefully get it all figured out soon.

I haven't really decided on a light yet. I might get something temporary and figure out what Elos or Giesemann or Grotech have to offer. I have a few things to order, like the Prolifix Fans. I saw Edward (LOVE his tank) has the Giesemann, I might look at those as well.

I will get some more pix up soon!!

[ReefingBuddha]

Hi Fliger,

I was hoping you could send me some more pictures of your overflow box if possible. I've decided to go ahead with the same design on my 480 gallon reef tank. I think I will go with 2x2.5" or even 3" bulkheads and pipes to improve water flow.

I'm sorry to hear about your loses, unfortunately that's the down side to this hobby, you always have to be worried about livestock loss when your gone.

Anyways, I would appreciate any help I can get on that overflow box design.

Thanks,
thirschmann

[invincible569]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10001208#post10001208 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Fliger


Anyway, I'm still overjoyed by the tank - I hope to do aquascaping similar to Edward - minimal. I've always wanted a "Japanese" aesthetic to the tank. I will hopefully get it all figured out soon.

I haven't really decided on a light yet. I might get something temporary and figure out what Elos or Giesemann or Grotech have to offer. I have a few things to order, like the Prolifix Fans. I saw Edward (LOVE his tank) has the Giesemann, I might look at those as well.

I will get some more pix up soon!!

David, I always thought to myself that if I ever had another tank.. how would I aquascape it unlike the one I have now. My thoughts were to create low islands.. and I mean LOW. Im talking about 4-6" max. And a nice different shaped one to throw it off a little. If I were to do it this way, i would have to think about the corals I want to place on each island so it wouldnt cover the others. Look at some natural reef pictures and make a decision based on that. And dont forget that ulimately, 3-5 yrs from now.. you may not see that beautiful rock work. Thats why its good to leave it open so you can still have the depth look and swimming room for your fish.

If you get the Giesemann Spectra.. let me know which color you plan to get. Im anxious to see another color. Maybe you can match it with your stand or furniture?

Cant wait to see the pix!!

[hawaiianwargod]

Dave,
Ygpm...this thread needs update...lol!

[bogg]

Dude Daves not here.

Dave ya here?.

[Fliger]

Hey sorry guys, the losses are still smarting. :( I really did lose several of my favorite pieces and am WAY bummed. If I would have had the tank a week earlier or a week later .... ah well, I can get those pieces back. Some I'd had for quite some time and of course were quite expensive.

Unfortunately I found that some SPS have delayed reactions. My water is back to great now, the corals I added when I returned (had ordered b4 I left) - are all doing great. Just the ones that look beat up - that I thought would make it, really never turned back around. Fortunately though my micro/lord collection is just fine.

I'll get it all figured out, right now I'm just waiting for a new sump from Elos and I decided to go with the Elos CA RX, so I'm excited about that. I will update as soon as I have something photoworthy. :( :)

[CalvinC4S]

Blah Blah Blah too many words in this thread and not enough pictures!

[liver]

CalvinC4S-can post the link to your tank thread, I can't find it and would love to see the 215g Elos!!

[edwinn]

me too i want to see more pic lol

[Fliger]

I keep getting hints to update this thread. :lol: The bleeding has pretty much stopped - I moved all my SPS to a temporary tank where I have them stable. I did lose quite a few though, but rebuilding should be fun. :)

I bought two new toys - one I'm pleased with, one I keep having problems with. The first one is a new calcium reactor - I got the Elos REA120 Plus. Its purty. I'm just waiting on a co2 tank and I'll get it up & running. I went with the Elos regulator & solenoid also.

The other is the Sfiligoi Infinity 2x400W + 4x54W and I've had a lot of issues with it. I thought it would be a good choice because of the wide reflectors. But as soon as I got it, the T5 ballast blew. It fired the lights, they turned off. I'm pretty good with T5 ballasts so I did whatever I could to fix it - they're not working. I decided to just replace the ballasts, and run it off US standards. Reefgeek has been nothing short of stellar helping me with the issue (as always). So I thought I'd run the MH only, but the fuse blew. I've had Giesemanns & Aquaspacelights - they didn't have a fuse - but this one does. And it blows, literally & figuratively. After the first, I went thru four more - which lasted anywhere from 3 seconds to one day.

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Damage/100_1177.jpg

So Sfiligoi wants to send me MORE fuses. A little frustrated, but what can I do? Right now I just have a massive light fixture taking up room on my floor. I ended up buying a used Aquamedic Sunlight NG in the meantime.

Somehow in all of this I ended up with three pendants - the Elos 2x150W + 4x39W, the Aquamedic 2x250W + 4x54W and the Sfiligoi. :lol:

So all that said, I got all the SPS out and this week I will be finishing my aquascape & adding sand. Very excited. Should get the sump in the next few weeks as well! I'll post some pix when its done later this week!

[Nuuze]

Wow! Sorry to hear that about your Sfiligoi fixture Fliger! :(

I have the 250w version with ACLS without the problems you describe. Let me know if I can help any to trace wires etc. You can easily take off the two endplates to peek inside. I wonder if any of the wiring got shorted out from shipping or caught in between any metal parts. Strange that both T5 and MH are giving you problems, those should be two seperate circuits. Maybe something shorted out at the power blocks were the external wires meet the internals ones?

[Fliger]

Hey there - me too! I was pretty excited to get it. Hopefully they take care of it, I really need a light! I bought spare T5's and a couple Radiums on top of the Ushios to get the right flava. They are all sitting on the shelf. :(

They are seperate circuits - they blew at different times. Reefgeek is taking care of me on the T5, which to be honest is fine - I'd prefer a T5 ballast designed to run in the US. I think on the MH, the ACLS units are fine - maybe because they are electronic? I know of at least one other person who's had the same problems with these magnetic ballasts. I just hope mine doesn't drag out.

I saw your thread - your tank looks great!

[invincible569]

Why dont you get a replacement on your unit since its been problematic? Dont let that warranty run out!

[Nuuze]

If I remember Fliger, I asked Greg before purchasing from him. He said 30 days from Reef Geek and 1 year from Sfiligoi...HTH.

[Fliger]

We looked at all the options when it first came in, but fixing it seemed to be the only way. At the time, I had my Elos light sold and I needed the Sfiligoi. We had every reason to think it could be fixed. As time went by - my friend had to back out of the Elos deal, as he needed a light also. So I ended up being stuck with both. So I figured with two lights, and an immanent fix for the Sfiligoi - I could setup the second tank to house my SPS. Makes sense, right? Well, fool me once - shame on you, fool me twice - shame on me! I setup the second tank, moved all my SPS over and the Sfiligoi still didn't work. So I had to buy a third pendant.

Looking back I wish I would have done things different (like not buying a pendant that another reefer buddy had problems with, yet I figured they would have figured it out by now) - or I shouldn't have assumed twice that the pendant would be fixed.

Anyway, Greg as we all know is great and he's doing what he can - but he can only do so much. In the meantime ... still waiting for fuses. I think the final fuse blew 15 days ago ...

[Fliger]

dp - stupid Mac optic mouse! :lol:

[Nuuze]

Yeah, he told me the same when I ordered mine that he could replace the T5 ballast no problem if they had a problem. But the MH ACLS ballast would have to go back to Italy. I figure worse scenario there's always Icecap...

[clownnrnd]

wow David I saw the blown fuses and knew exactly what fixture you had bought :D .

My fuse nightmare started in Nov.06. I don't know how many fuses I eventually blew. I'd buy them half dozen at a time. Will from AO just bought me 3-400w IC's to replace all of my magnetic MH ballasts.

Sfigiloi told me my problem was due to a bad capacitor. They sent me a new capacitor and I switched the one out in question and it blew the fuse a couple days later.

Nuuze- if you have the ACLS I think you have the electronic ballasts. I'm not sure how they work or how they are configured or for that matter if they run off 110v or 220v.

I just spent 3 nights after work last week changing my MH ballasts. My system is a 400w (???) system. The box/boxs that are remote house step up transformers that take our 110v up to 220v needed for the ballasts. They are also used as a junction box for the T-5's and moonlights. So power comes into the fixture for the mh's and goes to the capacitors,ingnitors,ballastss and mogul sockets. My system was a 400w system where they took 1-250w ballast and another 70w ballast and depending on how the systems wiring went through a jumper cable dictated at what wattage the fixture was run. Basically I could run either 400w bulbs or 250w bulbs simply by changing one jumper wire.


So David, If you take the cover off. All of the inner workings are sandwiched between the reflectors. My system had 3-250w ballast and 3-70w (220v) ballasts for the mh's and 2-step up transformers for the T-5's sandwiched between the MH reflectors. Then of course there is all the stuff you can see from the end w/ the panel removed (capacitors,ignitors and T-5 ballasts).


One last thing is I thought I had heard it was not recommended to overdrive the end caps for the T-5's. Did'nt know if you were thinking of running IC's or not. :)

David YHPM

Chad

[Nuuze]

Wow, that sounds confusing with the magnetic ballasts!

My ACLS says 100v - 240v on the back. Wiring with the ACLS is pretty straight forward.
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t54/Nuze_2007/DSC_3915.jpg

Looking at the wiring it seems pretty simple. I figure if I ever have to send the ACLS on a forever journey to Italy I will probably wire up Icecap ballasts for the MH's since the T5 ballasts are already internal. The ACLS comes with two units, one master and one slave. The slave is a standalone MH ballast for one bulb. The master controls the other MH bulb, T5's and moonlight. They both have programmed functions and features for the dawn to dusk effects.

The wiring is quite easy. 3 wires for the slave. (2 wires for the MH bulb and 1 ground) The master has 7 wires. (2 wires for MH bulb, 2 wires for T5, 2 wires for moonlights and 1 ground) Here's a pic on the side where the 2 wires come into the fixture and T5 ballasts
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t54/Nuze_2007/DSC_5209.jpg

[clownnrnd]

Yes, the ACLS looks much cleaner inside than a magnetic unit. I've heard all new units will come w/ electronic ballasts whether they use the ACLS controller or not.

I love my fixture. I think it lights my 30" F>B tank very well but I payed well over 2k for it and now it looks like a DIY project w/ the IC's leads coming out of the top of it. I tried to use the Sfigiloi pig tails coming from the fixture but the IC's would'nt fire the bulb on the farthest end of the fixture. I'm assuming this must of been becouse there was too much wire between the ballast and the mogul socket.

Right now I'm wondering where my warranty lies??:)

Chad

[CalvinC4S]

Hey Fliger that definitely blows. If you need anything I have holding tanks, lights,skimmers or anything you may need from
my tank swap.


On a better note,
Your going to really get a kick out of setting up that Elos Ca/Rx.. The thing is freaken awesome. I turned my schuran JS1 into a M&M dispenser after setting it up.

[Nuuze]

clownnrnd,

You couldn't run the Icecap ballasts internal? Mine seems to have a ton of room, room for fans even. :) But I could be wrong if the magnetic version takes up most of the space...

[invincible569]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10215816#post10215816 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by clownnrnd
Yes, the ACLS looks much cleaner inside than a magnetic unit. I've heard all new units will come w/ electronic ballasts whether they use the ACLS controller or not.

I love my fixture. I think it lights my 30" F>B tank very well but I payed well over 2k for it and now it looks like a DIY project w/ the IC's leads coming out of the top of it. I tried to use the Sfigiloi pig tails coming from the fixture but the IC's would'nt fire the bulb on the farthest end of the fixture. I'm assuming this must of been becouse there was too much wire between the ballast and the mogul socket.

Right now I'm wondering where my warranty lies??:)

Chad

I hear what your saying. You pay more money to get the best and not have to worry about anything for many yrs. The other problem now is the value of the IC modified unit. As for your warranty, talk to the manufacturer and let them know what is going on especially since its original parts are non Sfiligoi now. If they are a company with superior service standards, they would make this right for you & David.

[Fliger]

Thanks guys for all the input. Right now I'll sit tight and wait for the fuses. I'm a little unsure of what it will do - since I've already blown one of theirs, and several others. Chad's experience makes me worry a bit, I will definitely let you all know how it turns out. Edward, I agree - their service standards will show based on what they do. Its already forced me to spend quite a bit of my time & extra money that I didn't have to spend, not including having to back out of my Elos sale and my buddy had to take a hit since he had to buy last minute.

We'll see if Sfiligoi steps up like most other high end Euro companies. But right now I'm in my third week with no replacement fuses ....

LOL Bill - how come you can hound me for pix and all we get is pix of your Porsche and your ... um ... toys ... :lol: Seriously, I love the Ca Rx, I've run some water thru it, it is really nice. I like single Eheim pump running the whole thing. You gonna run yours internally or externally?

[bogg]

Wow that does blow, well hopefully everything will work out for the best, does'nt Jesse have the bigger Elos light in the works?. LOL, I'd like to hang another planet next to mine LMK.

[Nuuze]

It would be sweet if it's possible to buy the internals to upgrade a 150w Planet II to 250w! :D

[MSHUR]

Guys,
last month I order Sfiligoi system,but i order with out Mh ballast only T-5's. I will be using my Ice cap-400w ballasts.
I was in between Giessman and Sfilgoi and i went with Italians:))
I really like Sfiligoi reflectors,looks similar to Luminarcs.
David, do you think i might the same problems?

mike

[Nuuze]

I think the wiring is a bit different with the magnetic ballasts fixture MSHUR. If you did not get any MH ballasts it should be like my fixture minus the ACLS. Here's what clownnrnd said...those step up ballasts sure sound complicated.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10214014#post10214014 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by clownnrnd
wow David I saw the blown fuses and knew exactly what fixture you had bought :D .

My fuse nightmare started in Nov.06. I don't know how many fuses I eventually blew. I'd buy them half dozen at a time. Will from AO just bought me 3-400w IC's to replace all of my magnetic MH ballasts.

Sfigiloi told me my problem was due to a bad capacitor. They sent me a new capacitor and I switched the one out in question and it blew the fuse a couple days later.

Nuuze- if you have the ACLS I think you have the electronic ballasts. I'm not sure how they work or how they are configured or for that matter if they run off 110v or 220v.

I just spent 3 nights after work last week changing my MH ballasts. My system is a 400w (???) system. The box/boxs that are remote house step up transformers that take our 110v up to 220v needed for the ballasts. They are also used as a junction box for the T-5's and moonlights. So power comes into the fixture for the mh's and goes to the capacitors,ingnitors,ballastss and mogul sockets. My system was a 400w system where they took 1-250w ballast and another 70w ballast and depending on how the systems wiring went through a jumper cable dictated at what wattage the fixture was run. Basically I could run either 400w bulbs or 250w bulbs simply by changing one jumper wire.


So David, If you take the cover off. All of the inner workings are sandwiched between the reflectors. My system had 3-250w ballast and 3-70w (220v) ballasts for the mh's and 2-step up transformers for the T-5's sandwiched between the MH reflectors. Then of course there is all the stuff you can see from the end w/ the panel removed (capacitors,ignitors and T-5 ballasts).


One last thing is I thought I had heard it was not recommended to overdrive the end caps for the T-5's. Did'nt know if you were thinking of running IC's or not. :)

David YHPM

Chad

[ReefDoctorMicromussas]

Wow David,

I had no Idea you were a member of the big tank club LOL Its looking really nice... I LOVE tile floors

[MSHUR]

Nuuze,
When i was ordering this fixure, i was under impression that i will not get any ballasts exept T-5's..
I will let you guys know soon as i get this fixure..

mike

[Nuuze]

If you ordered the fixture system whether its magnetic, electronic or ACLS I think they all come with ballasts and bulbs. From what I heard from Alessandro @ Sfiligoi, older models come with magnetic, recently they changed magnetic to Icecap. ACLS is another option.

[MSHUR]

I order the fixure without any MH balasts,just wires conected to the mh sockets..

[Fliger]

Nuuze, I thought of that but the 38" width is just a little too short for the 64" tank. If I can't get this Infinity fixed I may look at the new Elos pendants.

Bogg - yeah man it does. You saw a lot of my corals - unfortunately I lost quite a few of my SPS. :( And some nice pieces! I just want this tank done so I can enjoy it!

Edward - have you had any issues with your Giesemann? I came really close to getting the Giesemann Infinity. I think its $1,500 for the 2x250W + 4x54W. Calvin sounds really happy with his.

MSHUR - It sounds like you won't have the same problems - can't wait to see your setup! However, if the T5 that it comes with is Euro spec - I'd replace that. Just to be 100% US electrical, like your MH. They're cheap.

Hey Doc - I was in the club, then I wasn't - then I was, then I wasn't - and now I am again. :) I hate the tile in our house, its getting torn out and replaced with either better tile or hardwood. I love the tile on our patio though.

[invincible569]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10220604#post10220604 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Fliger


Edward - have you had any issues with your Giesemann? I came really close to getting the Giesemann Infinity. I think its $1,500 for the 2x250W + 4x54W. Calvin sounds really happy with his.
.

No issues at all. Its been running very well. I dont use it to its max though. Now, I am down to 1 250 MH where my SPS rock is at and the rest is lit up by T5's and 150w spotlights. :) There's no reason to add so much light on my softies side. Like you, Im just going to enjoy this tank and let it run on its own. Taking it as slow as I can. :)

[clownnrnd]

Edward, definitely not worth what I ended up spending on this thing. Especially when you consider the sps I lost, all the time and frustration of trying to get the thing working then in the end having to do all the work myself w/ no compensation besides buying me the replacement ballasts. truthfully I don't know how those peole sleep at night knowing full well they have faulty equipt. operating in peoples homes. then to rely on the customer to make the repairs.

David, good luck w/ the replacement fuses.

Another thing w/ my fixture I noticed when I took it apart was the T-5 frames that hold the sockets where pretty racked and I had a hard time removing the bulbs.

This was the 3rd fixture being sent to me. First one was broken by Fed Ex. Second one was lost and eventually was returned broken to the sender. This thrid one was sent via freight and made it in one piece. When I went to set it up One of the MH's would'nt fire up. The bulb had been broken and I had a replacement sent out the next day. Little did I know at that time that I would be blowing fuses right and left after that.

Nuuze, I thought of placing the IC's in the fixture but there was'nt enough room. I have 3 reflectors. On the ends of the fixture is where they have 2 ballasts on each end for the T-5's and then between one set of the mh reflectors they have the transformers for the T-5's. This only left one area between the mh reflectors to place 3 IC ballasts. Not enough room :(

Sorry David if my stories have taken your thread too far off topic. It only comes up every once in a while where I can jump in and tell my story. I think it is something that people need to know when they are considering spending this type of money on a fixture. Especially when warranty issues are not being taken care of in a timely fashion.

Chad

[hawaiianwargod]

Dave,

I was going to wait for the Elos lights..250watters but my corals were too stressed out in a 100g rubbermaid. so I could not wait any longer and decided to get the Sfiligoi XR4 250w for my Elos 160XL and it covers the tank perfectly. I had chat with Naka (James) before buying a 48" fixture to be utilized in a 60+" tank and he said its fine to use it...thank God I listen to him. Light coverage is perfect and no lights bleeding on the sides...
Btw, I saw your reactor last week and all I can say with that reactor is simply Eloinkkodoink! lol...just crazy. Crazy good!

[invincible569]

Chad, have you asked to get it replaced so you wouldnt have to worry about the headaches you have been having?

[clownnrnd]

Edward, yes I was offered a 4' version and a "smaller" one through Aquarium Obsessed/NA distributer.

I told them I had hoped this tank would be my dream tank and that a 4' + a 2' fixture where not a part of my dream :) .

I payed for my unit in May/06 and finally recieved my light fixture in Nov. and until May of this year I have been going round and round over the fuses blowing.

So yes Edward I asked repeatedly for a replacement fixture but Sfigiloi would not hear of that and AO said my unit had increased in price so much since when I bought mine that it would cost him more to replace it than what I actually paid for mine. Besides having paid all of this money for a non functioning fixture I was concerned for the safety of my family and home if this was (God forbid) ever to have a problem. at first we thought it was a short and I ran my fixture for months w/ that MH bulb/setup disconnected. After pulling it all apart last week I realized there was no short or loose connection and am 100% positive of that now.

Chad

[Kaiden]

Ok,

Let me get this straight? These fixtures are not good?

Wow! I just ordered over 10,000 + worth of lights from AO.

Someone please bring some light to this subject. Before I go jump of a building!

[Nuuze]

My unit is working fine at the moment for about 2 months now. (knock on wood so I don't jinx myself) But mine is a 2-250w / 4-54w T5 with ACLS version.

The ones that seem to be having problems seem to be the magnetic ballasts version. To tell you the truth if it were to happen to me I'd be pi$$ed, especially for a brand new fixture $2000+ plus.

Hopefully these guys will sort it all out for you. I don't know why they don't just replace the ballasts already if they are bad. The fixture and reflectors are awesome. They should just send you guys Icecaps and call it a day.

[clownnrnd]

Kaiden John, Nuuze is correct. From what I know anyone who has had problems in the past has been due to the 220v magnetic ballasts. Also, keep AO up to speed on any problems w/ the unit ASAP. as well shipping can be very rough on these fixtures. As I said Fed Ex broke one and their policy is to return to sender as soon as damage is noticed. I never did recieve that fixture. Second one was lost by UPS and later was returned damaged to the sender. Third one was shipped via freight and it made it but as I have learned the unit suffered worse than what I first thought. At first it seemed as if it was just a bad bulb. Then when I was putting it up I noticed it have been kind of "racked". Then I got my replacement bulb and started blowing fuses. after so many fuses I just unplugged that MH I was having problems with. Now last weekend I noticed that the T-5 frames that hold the T-5 sockets where bent. So much so that when I tried to take the bulbs out it had to be done very carefully to keep from breaking the bulbs.

Nuuze, AO did just send me 3-400wIC ballasts to replace my magnetics. Problem is I spent a whole lot of money to have a DIY fixture and now where does my warranty lie? This all has been done as directed by AO and Sfigiloi so I would assume I would have the same warranty. Plus this has been a very long and drawn out deal and I can't believe I have had to pay full price for such service.

kaiden John, I would imagine you would not have the same problems as me but I bet David thought the same thing when he bought his. The thing that is in your favor is your fixture will more than likely have the electronic ballasts. Just pay attention to damage due to shipping and report it ASAP.

Chad

[Kaiden]

Chad,

Thanks a lot for your feedback on this subject!

They are being shipped inside of two tanks that we are having built.

One is an 800+ Gallon Starphire and the other is a 300+ Gallon Starphire. With that said they are going inside the tank so maybe that will keep things safe. Who knows...

AO Has been more than great, I am sure if I have any problems Will personally will not let me lose my collection due to a faulty light problem.

Thanks...everyone...

John

[Nuuze]

I totally feel you clownnrnd! Spending all that money to have to do work on it. Too bad customer service wasn't better where they could expedite a replacement unit. To tell you the truth I wouldn't of bought my fixture if it had to ship from Canada or Italy, Santa Clause would of gotten it to me faster! :) Reason I jumped on the fixture I have is because Greg at Reef Geek in Cali was selling some units at a high discount and I always wanted a dimmable halide. And since I was also in Cali I jumped on it of course. Sfiligoi needs a distribution point in the US...

After buying my unit I discovered there's a new software out for the ACLS that allows you to manually override the T5's and be able shorten the dim time to a min 5 minutes instead of 15 minutes with the old software. But with a catch, the units have to go back to Itay for the software upgrade. No customer self installs here, it must be in Italian because using my 10+ years of IT netwoking skills couldn't convince them that I am capable of doing it. I even offered for them to train me in doing it so in return I could offer the service to my fellow RC'ers but nope. I guess if I ever wanted a manual override I can run an additional wire to the T5's ballasts to bypass the ACLS but I'm satisfied at the moment...

[Fliger]

You guys are depressing me! :lol: J/K. John - I'm sure you'll be take care of, hopefully you won't have any issues. I'm still holding out hope that I'll be taken care of. At this point, I'd just like to get some more fuses.

I agree Chad - many vendors just don't sympathize that people might be losing corals, time and money. Obviously the both of use lost all three. Like I said, Reefgeek is fantastic and he is already going to eat the cost of the T5 ballast. I'm holding out that Sfiligoi, or whoever, can help me get a light that actually works.

I'm kinda feelin better at your expense Chad that it took you 12 months and I'm only on month two. Altho I'd agree, I wouldn't exactly be a happy customer with a "Frankenlight". :)

That sucks Nuuze. You should get some kind of loaner or something.

[Nuuze]

I just got a few emails from Alessandro at Sfiligoi.

From all the product questions, I've mentioned to him some of the problems some of you are having and was wondering if he's aware of them. He knows of some but he was requesting your phone numbers from me. :) But I told him I did not have your numbers but are fellow RC'ers. I've asked him if he has a call back number for you all or for you to email him at sfiligoi@sfiligoi.it

He also mentions a Infinity XR6 with ACLS coming in a few months with MH and T5 dimming capabilities! It's in the beta stages as of now. DangIt, upgrading never ends! :D

[invincible569]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10223693#post10223693 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Nuuze
I just got a few emails from Alessandro at Sfiligoi.

From all the product questions, I've mentioned to him some of the problems some of you are having and was wondering if he's aware of them. He knows of some but he was requesting your phone numbers from me. :) But I told him I did not have your numbers but are fellow RC'ers. I've asked him if he has a call back number for you all or for you to email him at sfiligoi@sfiligoi.it

He also mentions a Infinity XR6 with ACLS coming in a few months with MH and T5 dimming capabilities! It's in the beta stages as of now. DangIt, upgrading never ends! :D

Is that a hint that he will replace those units under warranty with the XR6's? :)

Nuuze brought up a good point. When I ordered my Giesemann Spectra through the American distro it came straight from Germany to my house in a couple of days. It seems like shipping seems to be a problem with the Sfiligoi units and is this the root cause?

[Nuuze]

Well at 40+ pounds per unit without ballasts for a large unit and they are shipped one by one, they would get individually tossed around shippers/facilities country lines and customs. But if the units came to the U.S. say on a pallate of 10 or more at a time, they wouldn't be tossed around as much but would have to be rolled around via pallet jack until it got to the US distibutor. Then it would be a short route on its own to its destination, our houses! :)

[Nuuze]

Sorry, double post due to using a blackberry on bay area rapid transit going in and out of tunnels! :D

[Nuuze]

Fliger,

What amp fuses did Greg send you? I just got a message from Alessandro that 15 amp fuses should resolve the issue. For some reason he is having trouble location them in the US. He says to contact directly and he'll air mail them to those that need them...HTH.

[Fliger]

LOL, old times. I remember when I had the original Palm V - I used to take the 30X from the Marina to Downtown. What a yuppy bus, everyone on their Palm Pilot and reading the soon to be Murdoch owned WSJ. My wife's Treo died yesterday and today she's setting up a business acct with Cingular. Hopefully I'll be adding my iPhone to that plan in about 56 hours. :) My SMS doesn't work with Sprint but should work with Cingular.

Thanks Nuuze for the legwork. Chad and I talked about this, 10 or 15 amp slow blows should work. I've blown through both. These are not common items in the US. I spent 2 days driving, calling, surfing - getting these in the right amp/volt/compact size (= more time, money). It worries me a little though - those should have been sent last week. I am 100% sure he got the request from Reefgeek. I think its great that Sfiligoi is coming out with new product, but honestly I'd love to see them fix the problems with the current line before they move on.

Edward - I've had things special ordered from Germany - my Aquasunlight NG, and my custom H&S skimmer and they both arrived very quickly. Like within a week. Glad that Giesemann is in that category.

So here are some equipment junkie pix. :)

A couple old B2 pix. The ph meter is really cool. So cool in fact its not in use, its on display. :)

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/100_1188.jpg

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/100_1191.jpg

Here is the SMS module. Waiting for my iPhone!

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/100_1192.jpg

Here is the world's most exensive paperweight. :( Above it is the Geotronic chiller, I'm going to use that, along with one or two Profilux Breeze fans to cool the tank.

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/100_1215.jpg

And here is the light I purchased. Its actually a great light - nice wide MH reflectors. This came direct from German - I had ordered it right before Aqua-Medic US in Colorado burned down.

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/100_1216.jpg

[Jim_S]

Too bad about the magnetic ballasts! Hope you can get that dialed in :)

iphone huh? I'm gonna wait until the next generatrion before spending the cash. I dropped like $400 on a 1st generation ipod. At the time it was state-of-the-art!!!! (10gig :lol: ) Won't be making that mistake twice.

For now, its all about the blackberry 8800 :D But I want soooo bad all the sync capabilities that iphone will have with my macbbok pro......

Anyways, I can't wait to see your tank in its full glory. You have a very beautiful set-up!!!

Cheers,

Jim

[Fliger]

Some co2 toys.

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/100_1204.jpg

This regulator is heavy. I mean HEAVY. It fits in the palm of your hand. The weight of it made me feel better about the price tag. :lol: But I knew if I was ever going to run a ca rx again - I wanted great equipment.

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/100_1195.jpg

With the guages.

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/100_1199.jpg

Solenoid. Extremely solid. I love all the numbered, hand written warrantees with the smallest of items.

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/100_1205.jpg

Bubble counter and doohickie

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/100_1200.jpg

[Fliger]

Whats up Jim! Yeah man I've read every article. But the timing makes it for me. My wife's Treo died yesterday. I hate Sprint and my plan ended a month ago. I love my Treo but Sprint doesn't work well with SMS. I'm a Mac household - and I need seemless connectivity between my iMac, Macbook - and now phone. Plus my new car has MP3 that works well with iPods - but I never have my iPod with me unless I'm working out. So I'm sure I'll want to upgrade in 12 months - but thats ok. To have phone, iPod, internet, PDA all rolled into one - offsets a couple of the downsides.

A couple pix of the reactor itself. The big grey container is the media. Hope to get a co2 cannister from Reefgeek but I told him to wait and send it with the fuses & T5 ballast.

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/100_1209.jpg

Its very tall. BILL, where are your pix? Am I going to have to take them for you? :)

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/100_1210.jpg

And speaking of great service - got a knock on the door an hour ago and saw the UPS man. I thought my fuses were here - but it was from Roger Vitko. A holder broke on my 6045 and he mailed me a new one, no questions asked.

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/100_1214.jpg

[Jim_S]

Wow!!! That looks REEEAAAALLL nice!! Gotta hand it to elos. Very nice stuff!!!


Yeah, my roommate is gonna get the iphone too.... I must admit, I'm pretty jealous!! We all run Mac's and have done so since college. It's so nice to have all the functions on one device. And for that device to run on Mac OS... well thats just a little slice of heaven! And I'm sure you'll be more than happy with it :D

I'll be tagging along, so hopefully there will be more pics in the future!!!

Cheers,

Jim

[CalvinC4S]

"Its very tall. BILL, where are your pix? Am I going to have to take them for you?"

Did Picasso display Les Mademoiselles d'Avignon after the first couple brush strokes?

I need a couple weeks lol

[invincible569]

Do you actually have the iPhone with you? If so, how do you like it? I want one also for the same reason.. to go to the gym and stil have my phone in one device.

Nice equipment! We need some pics of your new tank!

[hawaiianwargod]

Dave,

That is one awesome reactor!!! I also dig that room..modern decor! Props!! or I should say compliment to your interior decorator!

[Fliger]

LOL Bill - I'm sure he would have if he had the internet. :)

Edward - not yet. Just got back from AT&T and got two new Treos. I'm just happy to dump Sprint. Can't use Sprint in Europe, can't get texts from my B2, and I drop calls like crazy. Not sure if I'll stand in line Friday at 6:00 p.m. considering its probably going to be 110 degrees. :)

LOL HWG - thats my el cheapo Ikea restaurant office. Just head over to Emoryville or Palo Alto and you too, can have one! :lol: The other rooms in my home are furnished by my wife. She has much better taste than I do. No Ikea. Here is our living room - she loves Italian furniture. She also did a great job with the tank room - its all Tommy Bahama-ish, but I do a good job making it look like a high school science experiment.

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/IMG_1953.jpg

[hawaiianwargod]

Dave,

Reef TV Cribs....lol!!! Very sweet room and indeed your wife got good taste!

[Nuuze]

Very nice columns! Very Italian! :)

[Dudester]

Love the big open space, Dave, and those columns look like they could easily accomodate a nice tank in between'em!

[sidewinder770]

Looking good David! I thought you moved? If you did it looks like the same house. Keep the pics coming!

[steve the plumb]

where is the tank in this very large room?I see a big TV.I also see a couch that looks to nice to lay down on(is it for guest's)

[clownnrnd]

Hi David,

Surely Sfigiloi has sent you the new fuses by now. How are they working out for you?

Judging from the pic above that Aquasun NG is quite a performer, Look at that .....all the bulbs have fired :D



Later,

Chad

[Fliger]

Hey Sidewinder - just a few more days of being the TOTM King! How will you enjoy your last few days of glory? :) We didn't move - had all sorts of delays with the new restaurant so it was too much to take on. I can't wait to move, though. So the boat hasn't been out in over six months. :( We're gonna try to get it up & running this week, then after next week, all the drawings are in and I have NOTHING to do for almost four months ... hint, hint ... ;)

Hey Chad - we need some pix of your setup! The Aquasunlight NG actually is a really nice light, Sidewinder actually helped me order that - its got very large reflectors for a DE. My biggest complaint is the weight since all ballasts are internal.

But as of last Friday - Reefgeek STILL has not received the fuses. We are now in the fourth week since the last fuse blew. How many fuses did you actually end up going thru? I'm thru five, I have no idea how many they are going to send. All I can say about Sfiligoi to this point is ... just HOPE nothing goes wrong with your fixture. It seems like a great light if it works, but you're up $h#t creek if something does go wrong with it. And it seems like the vendors themselves have their hands tied - they really can't help.

ps, no iPhone yet. still trying to decide - wait for more reviews on internet speed. my new blackberry curve is painfully slow on the Edge (same as iPhone uses). played with the iPhone though - really sweet. maybe edward & hrg are reading this post from theirs. :lol:
pps, I hate thos colums.

[GMFett]

Looks awesome.

I second that roger is a good guy. I'm spoiled having him in austin!!!

[GMFett]

Looks awesome.

I second that roger is a good guy. I'm spoiled having him in austin!!!

[clownnrnd]

I'll definitely get some shots up here soon. I'm trying to figure out how I want to cover the back wall now. I was using the reef ceramic rocks on the back wall but have since taken them out. Now I need to figure out how I will deal w/ covering the Ext. overflow from the front. I've seen another custom 225 on here and they used a sheet of acrylic and had the teeth cut out for the overflow. Sorry to the owner of the tank, My memory is failing me right now. I should remember becouse it is a sweat tank.

I think you are right w/ the dealer/distr. having their hands tied. Will I think actually picked up the tab to take care of me on my 3-400w IC E ballasts. It's a fix and I'm grateful to Will for doing what he did but Sfigiloi should of stood behind it's product and replaced it. I paid like yourself paid top dollar for these fixtures and we should of recieved that. Mine is working good so far but my T-5 frames are bent as well (shipping) and after taking mine apart a couple weeks ago I noticed it is very hard to take out and replace T-5 bulbs. Now I can worry about breaking T-5's any time I replace them. Here is a pic showing how my fixture was bent. as well a pic of how the tank looked when I first set it up w/ RC's.

Take Care,

Chad

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d81/Chad215/AO225044.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d81/Chad215/AO225043.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

And one more showing how my fixture showed up. Don't let my son scare you. I did'nt even realize he was in the pic. I must of been excited about finally getting the fixture.



<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d81/Chad215/AO225048.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

[Nuuze]

clownnrnd,

That sucks how your fixture arrived! :( Looking at the packaging it travelled quite a ways. Hopefully they can send you some replacement parts. I mentioned to Alessandro at Sfiligoi and told them that they should get a US based distribution center to avoid distant shipping from costs, time, customs and damages. Also trying to get them to rework the software on the ACLS to be able to control the actinics more and maybe come on before and after the halides. If things like this keep happening people will go elsewhere. The fixture is awesome but getting it one piece seems to be the problem.

[hawaiianwargod]

clownnrnd
Sorry to hear you about your fixtures...As Nuuze had mentioned, these fixture is awesome but I think some of the issue started during shipment...when I got my lights, it was packaged right and everything was intact.
I'm sill hoping I would not experience any of these misfortunes...

Btw, Flig.... I did accessed your thread on my new iphone...lol!

[clownnrnd]

sad part of it all is we were 7months into this since I had payed for it when I recieved it this way. Two different shipping companies had destroyed 2 fixtures before they even got to me and then this one was shipped via freight company.

Chad

[espenlg]

http://www.hjem.no/siphon.jpg
Anyone know what this is? Escpecially the 90 bend with the siphon-thing. Is it something ELOS makes or is it DIY?
I think that could work well for my new tank..

[boozeman]

that is the Elos return, it is part of the system :D

[hawaiianwargod]

Yup! That is part of the Elos plumbing....Don't know if Jesse sells those parts alone here...doubt it.

[espenlg]

Ok thanks, I'll try my local ELOS-dealer and see if he can get it for me.

[Ginzo]

Great setup Fliger ! My next tank is going to be an Elos tank !

I love my custom tank + stand, but it would have but much less trouble just ordering the Elos tank + stand :)

Love the iPhone, were not so lucky here in Canada..we still have to wait for one, since they aren't available yet :(

Just wondering also, since you had a Tunze 9010 skimmer..what happened with it, and if you feel it could be sufficient for a 160XL tank and if not, if 2x9010 would be ? :)

Thanks,
Ginzo

[Reef Man]

Can anybody xplain me how the Elos return works?
That equipment can not be get it on Mexico, so maybe I can build something similar.

Anyway, can someone point me to a place where I can take a look of the Elos equipment online?

Very good project, keep us updated !

Thanks.

[Nuuze]

www.elosusa.com or your can ask Jesse on the Elos forum under RC sponsors.

[Reef Man]

Thanks Nuuze

[Fliger]

Yeah, the overflow & returns are VERY cool. Also just takes a few minutes to setup. Mine is now dead silent, so long as I keep the cover on.

No new updates, really getting impatient waiting for a lighting solution. Entering week five with no fuses. No returned emails from Sfilgoi, either. Reefgeek has been great but what can they do. Will at AO (North American Distributor) also PM'd me but he has no fuses either. I've had lots of offers from reefers and other vendors with whom I've bought stuff from to help me, but I'm reluctant to put any more time or money into this, I've already lost both (and corals) because of it. So I wait for Italy, no fuses, no returned correspondence ... I asked a friend how to pronounce Sfligoi and he made it easy for me -

S-FIL-I-GO-I: s-FUZ-i-blow-ee

Made sense to me. :lol:

I did get the iPhone, had reservations but man is it awesome. I had a reservation about the internet speed, but I'm almost always in wi-fi areas (picks up ANY wireless network, home - anywhere). I was just at the UPS store and it picked up 3 different wi-fi networks and asked which one I wanted. I've had a lot of "smart" phones, this is easily the most intuitive for a patience challenged, ADHD, OCD personality like myself. :)

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/IMG_5173.jpg

[loweryster]

.

[Fliger]

Well it only took six weeks, but I got the fuses! The T5 ballast also had issues so Reefgeek sent me a brand new 4x54W T5 ballast & plug free of charge. Time to do some wiring ....

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/IMG_5246.jpg

Got a shiny new co2 tank, time to hit the local Home Brew store (and pick up some tasty hops as well)

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/IMG_5248.jpg

And the bad boys I've been waiting six weeks for. Hopefully they don't go the way of their predecessors ...

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/IMG_5245.jpg

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/IMG_5244.jpg

I'll be testing these out tonight, fuse box out ... ready to go. But this light is way heavy and I need moving it so I don't burn two holes in the carpet (been there, done that :lol: )

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/IMG_5249.jpg

Wish me luck!!!

[invincible569]

GOOD LUCK DAVID! Now we are making progress!

[CalvinC4S]

GOOD LUCK, if it fails you can bash the $#!t out of it with the new CO2 tank.

[Nuuze]

Good luck man!

[clownnrnd]

No news is good news ???? What size fuses did they send? Good to see ReefGeek took care of the T-5 ballast for you.

Chad

[hawaiianwargod]

Tic tac tic tac.....David where are you? lol! Hope everything goes well for you bro...I can sense you will be alright!

[Nuuze]

I don't know if you seen my XR4 page guys but the T5 ballasts in my fixture are 220v. The 115v feed into the fixture goes to a 115v/220v transformer then to the 220v T5 ballasts. If you use US 115v T5 ballasts you have to bypass the transformer. HTH.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=1119604&perpage=25&pagenumber=1

[ReefingBuddha]

Elos does not sell the overflow seperately, I was interested in it as well. To bad, now I was to try and build it myself. Always like a challenge. Great thread

[Fliger]

OK, I have a mathematical quiz for you all ...

5 + 2 = ?????

[LNell]

Please tell me it's 7...

[Fliger]

If you said SEVEN, congratulations!

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/IMG_5251.jpg

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/IMG_5254.jpg

Soon I will be able to spell Sfiligoi

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/IMG_5255.jpg

I got an email from Italy saying the ones he sent were different and they would solve the problem. I really hope so, and so do my corals (and my wife!).

Here are some cool snail eggs. I got some moster nassaurius and they lay monster eggs!

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/100_1244.jpg

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/100_1243.jpg

And here is a frag I pleaded a vendor to sell me. I think it's pretty unique - some sort of faviid

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Corals%20from%20Fragglereef/IMG_5226.jpg

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Corals%20from%20Fragglereef/IMG_5227.jpg

And here is a cool tube anemene I got. When I added him I didn't have any sand so he shed his shell and squirmed around. He was a ball of mucus and looked one of those horror movies where someone gets cut in half and they scoot themselves around with their hands with their guts trailing behind them. I stuck the mucusy mess in a tupperware with sand and a few weeks later ....

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/100_1237.jpg

[mfinch99]

Fliger,

This is a very informative thread. Sorry to see you still going through the pain.

On another note, I don't blame you for talking the vendor out of that frag. It is really cool looking. One to add to my list once my tank is up.

[KingfishJohn]

David,

Good luck with your fixture but this is getting just ridiculous. I was going to put one of these fixtures on a client's tank and man am I glad I didn't. In my opinion, you should have a new fixture by now or your money back when you pay for an expensive piece of equipment like this light.

They couldn't convince me to take apart the fixture again and again.

Good luck again,

John

[erics3000]

There has to be some other problems. The look like you can find them with a little work at a couple automotive places. Maybe try radio shack. That still doesn't explain why they keep blowing are they a higher amp then your stock ones? Good luck...

[invincible569]

LOL> your crazy with your fuse designs! too funny!

I love tube anemones.. believe it or not, that is one of my fascinations to have a ton of them in my tank. As soon as it matures, I plan to get some. I never seen the purple one like yours. Sell it to me! :)

[hawaiianwargod]

Sorry to hear David....Man, I'm scared my fixture will have issues like yours...the only reason I wanted to get the fixture was Jesse does not have the 250W fixtures...
Cool tube nems btw...

[Nuuze]

Yeah, sorry to hear that man. :(

[clownnrnd]

Keep the faith buddy, help is on the way :D . Well that's what they keep saying anyway. I wonder if that pony express guy got mugged transporting those shiney new high tech fuses. What would street value on something like that be ?:cool:

I just keep hoping Will will slow down enough to answer my EM I sent him over a week and a half ago. Be nice if I could get my T-5 frames replaced seeing as when I took the fixture apart to replace my ballasts I almost broke my bulbs taking them out and putting them back in becouse the frames where so bent during transport.

Chad

[CalvinC4S]

Dude :confused:


Sorry man, anything I can do to help let me know.

Don't wait for more fuses, your fuses are doing there job. Better a blown fuse then a burnt down house.

Your livestock shots are amazing, you really have some cool stuff.

[Fliger]

Well I ordered new doors. I got them in black - and I'm getting one routered to flush mount my B2 inside the door. It looks really cool - I stole the idea from a guy (MikeD) who has a 160 thread over in the Elos forum. His is brown on black - Jesse had black doors in so I thought the black on black (B2 is black) would look seemless. My silicone is black as well. These specialty routering machines are pretty cool, like a CNC machine for woodworkers. My son touches EVERYTHING so I'm hoping there is a lock feature on the B2, otherwise I'll put a pet shock pad in front of the tank. :lol:

New sump will probably get here next week also, really stoked about that! Hopefully the doors will come on that shipment.

Regarding the light ... Thanks everyone for the comments, here and via PM. I have received a lot of emails/PM's asking about Sfiligoi. Obviously there are several RC users that have good experiences with them. Will said I was one of three people having this problem. Every company has some products that fail. I just hope it doesn't take me as long as it took Chad to get a working light.

Erics3000 - unfortunately these are specialty fuses (of course). Its 5x20mm, 15A, 250V - they CAN be found, but not locally. I spend two afternoons driving all over trying the big stores like Lowes to Ace to Radio Shack to specialty lighting stores. My GC can get them but they are pricey for him.

Yeah - I know its not the fuses - its the fixture. I haven't demanded anything from Reefgeek/AO/Sfiligoi. Just nicely asked for a light that works. It was almost a month that I owned this fixture before I even mentioned the problem on the boards. Reefgeek has been awesome as you can see. They even sent me the T5 ballast + plug for free. What sucks is that this light thing has TOTALLY taken over a really good thread and really kinda deflated this whole tank experience.

Anyway - yeah I'm really happy with my LPS. My SPS are still ****y because I keep changing lights. It was dumb to hang the fixture yesterday, only to have to take it down.

One other bummer is that Reefgeek no longer carries Sfiligoi (I wonder why), so its not like I could even exchange the fixture.

And on the the GOOD news .... DRUMROLL PLEASE ...

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/IMG_5256.jpg

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/IMG_5257.jpg

I will take detailed photos, maybe even some video of putting these in (if the first one blows).

[Nuuze]

What are the differences in these fuses you just got the the ones you've been using?

[erics3000]

There are always bumps in the road. You still have an incredible tank and corals. Hope it works out for you. Honestly I ammend you for your patience I would have shoved something in there. Can you show us your frag tank? It looks nice. Oh yeah..sweet coral pics

[Zoom]

Why don't you asked for a wiring schematic from the manufacturer so you can trace down the short, Changing the fuses did not do any good so far.

[Aquarium Obsessed]

clownnrnd-

I did not receive any message from you?

If you have a message please send it to:

info@aquariumobsessed.com

I do not get on these boards as much anymore it simply is not possible.

thanks,
AO

[clownnrnd]

Hi Will, I believe that is the addy I sent the EM to. In this post on the 10th in your forum I asked about a reply to my EM. Here is a link to the thread.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1155977

In your response to my inquiry about the EM you thanked me for sending the schematics. The schematics were sent as a attachement w/ the EM that you say you did not get.

Chad

[mfinch99]

David,

Sorry this lighting issue is taking away from this threads original subject. But this thread has been very informative as it relates to your lighting issue.

Why did Sfiligoi send so many fuses? How many fuses does it take to show that the fuses are not fixing the problem?


my two cents....

Because it seems to me that your fixture has a manufacturers defect and it should be covered/replaced under the manufacturers warranty. What is the manufacturers warranty and when does it's protection for the consumers investment kick in?

[Fliger]

Thanks all, I only have a second ...

Steve - to be honest I wouldn't know what I was looking for. I've checked ALL connections and there is nothing loose. Anything beyond that would be beyond my comfort zone.

These fuses look the same as the ones I got from RG, but who knows. I'll be able to tell you soon.

If it is anything else - other than the fuses, you'd think Sfiligoi's first response would be to check those other possibilities. As Chad has told me, it could be capacitors or other electrical components that I just don't understand. Recently he discovered that his Sfiligoi "400W" was actually a 250W and 70W ballast strung together (did I get that right?).

But mfinch - that is EXACTLY what I was thinking. Why would the solution in ANY world be to send more than just one fuse. If one fuse blows, then the other 9 will blow with time. Maybe to get me past my warrantee? And it really confirms that Sfiligoi truly thinks it has to be a fuse problem. But yeah you'd think they'd just replace the fixture. I deal with a lot of high end "things" and just about everything else would have already been replaced. Shoot I just had to replace my iPhone. The service was insanely good. I just went down to the Apple store - played music on the speaker (it was scratchy) and before I could say anything they said - no worries, we'll get you a new one.

But given the fact that Chad had to rewire his fixture completely, spent a lot of extra time & money on it - I'm not holding my breath.

I dunno, I'm excited to get home and test the fuses tho. Needless to say I don't really have a lot of hope ...

And I am worried a little bit that this is a fire hazard.

Gotta run, there is a swimming pool and a cold Corona calling my name .....

[cpl40475]

I know this might sound crazy.
You said you have some high end light shops in your area
is it possible to take the light to them and have them check the resistors and ballasts. I know you said you were uncomfortable in doing this yourself just an idea from dumb hillbilly
BTW your tank is looking awesome for all the trouble you have run into
Tracy

[clownnrnd]

Yes David that is true. In my owners manual it is told that my fixture can be run as either a 250w unit or a 400w unit simply by changeing a wire and the bulb. In my fixture I had one of each 250w and a 70w ballast per bulb. Seems as if these ballasts coupled together would produce 320w's but I could be wrong??

Your fixture may be a different version so it may actually have a 400w ballast, not the 250w and 70w coupled together. You would need to take the side cover off of the fixture to see what you have. My MH ballast were placed between the MH reflectors.

Just to be clear, Sfigiloi did send me 2 capacitors to correct the problem but after being replaced that did'nt work.

Will from Aquarium Obsessed bought me the 3-400w Ice Cap ballasts and had them sent to me to replace the 220v magnetic ballasts that came w/ the fixture.

Chad

[invincible569]

I feel that Sfiligoi should step in and replace this unit for you and not have Will run around in circles going through the same dilemma Chad did. Looks like you are following his path. If Sfiligoi has good business practice, then service would be top notch in order to continue marketing new customers. If its just 3 people out of so many they sold, then why have these people ruin your business? I feel Will is caught in the middle, but ultimately Sfiligoi will suffer the in the long run. If I owned Sfiligoi, I would eat up the cost of that fixture and send you a new one. Having a piece of equipment that is vital to a marine tank means a lot to David and Chad because you cannot continue to stock your tank. Im sure its frustrating and it should never get this far from a business practice.

[erics3000]

I agree very bad business. Too much time to continue replacing fuses and yada yada. I would have wanted a new unit. The product may be gerat but I do not think I would purchase one. They are probally out of my budget anyway. Hopefully this will be behind you soon.

[Fliger]

We have light! Well, sort of. I put a fuse in and it worked! Let it run for a bit, turned it off for a while, turned it on and it worked again. Turned it off, let it rest, put in a new fuse ... kapowie ... so I put the first fuse in and it worked. I'm guessing these will all blow given enough starts. This morning I turned it on and it worked but is REALLY loud. Much louder than yesterday - I forgot how loud magnetics are.

Tracy - I thought about that but it would definitely cost some cash. I'm reluctant to put much more time and/or money into it. Plus the wiring is quite complicated. I'm pretty sure I have the 250W + 70W strung together. If I put any more money into this, it will be to replace the ballasts.

Eric, I love your thread. I wish I could do a room like that. I like the toys in your garage! What kind of boat is that?

Chad & Invince - I feel like AO is stuck in the middle as well. He has already offered to send me more fuses. Ultimately Sfiligoi has to stand behind their products. I can only say that this would NOT have happened with Giesemann, Elos, Grotech Photon or even Aquamedic.

Those snail eggs disappeared overnight - and this morning I found ceriths laying eggs in the same spot. Kinda strange

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/IMG_5258.jpg

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/IMG_5259.jpg

[Nuuze]

My snails do the same, they lay and lay. Sometimes I wipe it as I clean the glass with a magnet cleaner. I even get all sorts of eggs on my live rock. Pretty soon you'll start seeing tiny snals. :)

[erics3000]

Thanks fliger. I have always wanted to do an in the wall tank. Hopefully I can get some good progress in the next couple of months. That is my yamaha 1200 jetski. The boat is on hold because that money turned into a wall and tank. hahahah

The snail eggs are cool. I wonder if the fish eat some. Have you thought about setting up a little tank for them to hatch. Now you got your light we can get some good pics...

[Fliger]

Question for lighting experts. I got this response from Italy, and I'm trying to figure out how easy this might be. Alessandro seems like a real nice guy. I've done lots of wiring with US products - but I'm a little nervous to rewire a pair of 250W+70W ballasts = 400W bulb, ran with transformers.

Hi David, now I understand !!. The problem is the "overcurrent" during "start up". I test all the pendant in my company but we have a 60 Hz generator only with 1500 W. Try with new fuses but I don't know if the fuse don't blow. !! The start current of the generator is not very high, so we haven''t problem with blow fuse. But in your country (115 V) the "short circuit current" is high so at this point I think the problem is the high current during "warm up" of the bulbs. The solution is easy (if you are able): - Open the external box: you'll found two converters one for each bulb) (but one fuse only): it is necessary to use one fuse for each converter. I send you a simple wire diagram (old versions and last version). You can use other fuseholders with other fuses. Those simplest ones for you to find !
You need 15 A "slow blow". If you are not able to found fuse and fuseholder I'll send you tomorrow 4 pieces. Don't esitate to contact me for any question..
Have a nice day
Alessandro

So I got the wiring diagram and it looks pretty basic. I know NOTHING about fuses though, let alone wiring up a fuse hold and letting it hang loosely. Should I be doing this? They are making it seem like its really easy.

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/IMG_5260.jpg

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/IMG_5261.jpg

I already have to replace the T5 ballast, but thats easy (no transformer). Shouldn't I just be getting a correct dual fuse transformer box expressed to me?

Any advice? I'm really, really, really trying to be patient.

[Nuuze]

That's the same transformer I have in the center of my unit to power my T5 ballasts! :D

I'm guessing what Alessandro is saying is upon firing the bulbs to turn on that's when it overloads and burns the fuse because that's when it needs the most juice to charge up the cap/ballasts.

So what Sfiligoi did was splice both transformers to the same fuse. You should see the black wire from the fuse holder go into the block then splitting out to each transformer.

What he wants you to do is split each "live" wire from the transformer going to the wiring block going to the fuse holder into two seperate fuse holders.

So let's see...

The white wire from the fuse holder looks like the live wire to the plug. The black one from the fuse holder goes to the block where it splits to the two transformers.

What you need to do is split the white wire from the fuse holder to another fuse holder. Then from each fuse holder goes to each transformer.

[bogg]

This reminds me of the bit from the jerky boys, the one where there is a guy on the phone with the t.v company attempting to repair his own t.v. and he's asking him which wires to connect and the guys in the background screaming as hes getting electrocuted LOL. Scary Dave!. But it might be worth it!.

[Fliger]

Thanks Nuuze, it kind of makes sense. I will print this out along with the wiring diagram and see if it makes sense. Another problem I have is that the wires are very short and there isn't much to work with. Then on top of that, there isn't much room and the fuse will be hanging loose. And on top of it all, why does this even use fuses anyway?

Chad - since we had the same issues, did you try this? Or looking back - do you think it would have worked? LMK your thoughts PLEASE. And after all this is done, I will send you both a nice frag pack for all your help. :)

I'm seriously considering buying new US ballasts. This all seems like one big science experiment and I'm the rat.

But for now I'm getting away from this and grabbing a beer. What a headache this is.

LOL Bogg, I was thinking its more like the Simpsons where Homer keeps putting the butter knife or screwdriver into the light socket. :lol:

[Nuuze]

LOL! :D

Believe me man; if I was in driving distance I'd be over to help. Also to be safe, you may want to wear latex gloves to avoid being shocked. Just make sure they don't have any tears on them dripping sweat out.

That's what I plan to do when I upgrade my T5 tubes is to replace the T5 ballasts to US spec 115v.

If I ever run into problems with my ACLS or decide to replace/upgrade, I will replace them with IC 250w.

[Fliger]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10374749#post10374749 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Nuuze
LOL! :D

Believe me man; if I was in driving distance I'd be over to help. Also to be safe, you may want to wear latex gloves to avoid being shocked. Just make sure they don't have any tears on them dripping sweat out.

So I guess that means I should unplug the fixture before splicing? :lol:

edit - I also thought about going down to 250W if I end up doing this. But I have four brand new 400W bulbs. You wanna buy em? ;)

[Nuuze]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10374776#post10374776 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Fliger
So I guess that means I should unplug the fixture before splicing? :lol:

Yes, unplug! But even though you unplug, some ballasts/capacitors may still have a charge in them.

[Fliger]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10374798#post10374798 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Nuuze
Yes, unplug! But even though you unplug, some ballasts/capacitors may still have a charge in them.

Um ... thanks, thats really gonna make me feel better tonight. :lol: I'm glad like you other Elos owners I don't have guns. I would have already made swiss cheese out of this!

[erics3000]

Always be aware of some residual energy. You have already come this far so go for the fuse upgrade. That or get your money back. Good luck

[Nuuze]

HEHE! :D But you have better gun options than I do living in Arizona!

If I ever run into problems with my fixture like some of you I would go nuts!

You know, come to think of it. 15 amps may not be enough for 4 ballasts at startup, since you mention there are 1 250w and 1 70w per bulb. You figure most MH ballasts use 3-5 amps each. Wouldn't that equal out to 12-20 amps for dual 400w?

Each of my ACLS have a 15 amp fuses and it's only 250w each...

[CAreefer]

Dave, been following this thread from the bleachers and thought it time to chime in. I've some wiring experience, mostly automotive, but applicable in this case I feel. I also spoke with Chad at length trying to trouble shoot his fixture. What Alesandro says makes perfect sense. I also agree with Nuuze that 2 fuses may not be enough. Personally I would put a fuse on each of the black wires into the individual transformers. Hanging loose is not an issue as long as they won't be laying on any hot sheet metal or potentially hot (electrically) connections. Stagger the fuse holders, then bundle them with a zip tie.

And PLEASE be careful of residual electricity, especially in the capacitors, that's what they do, store energy. It looks to me like you're well away from them and should be fine.

CAReefer

[Fliger]

Hey CAreefer - nice seeing you over here! Do you like your Reeflux 10K's with all that fluorescent lighting? Have you tried the 12K's yet?

I spoke with my GC and decided this is all silly. I'm just going to replace the ballasts. Sfiligoi has all but said that this is an error. Chad had the same problem but they told him the cause was different - so why should I believe this will solve the issue. They keep sending fuses and emails - but never a new ballast. Will and Alessandro are nice people for sure. And maybe I should give this more time and effort - but I don't think I should. No other brand would let it get this far. Besides, I just want to get on with my tank & thread. :)

Maybe the fuse would work, maybe it wouldn't but I've had this light for a long time and its still sitting on my floor so I'll just suck it up and write it off. I asked AO to split the true cost of two new ballasts but I haven't heard back. If I do any more work on this fixture, it will be a real solution - not a bandaid. Thats what you do with cheap fixtures, not high end fixtures. If Sfiligoi wants to BE a high end seller in the states, they should act like one.

Kind of related - I'm using a German LED light maker and a Spanish pendant maker for lighting in my business. Talk about cool stuff - check these out.

http://www.traxontechnologies.com/
http://www.luziferlamps.com/

I'm getting a few of the pendants on Luzifer's homepage and some LED light panels and LED projectors from Traxon for my business. They are wicked.

[Fliger]

Here are a few pix that I took earlier today. I'm always an SPS guy first but I do love the Japanese/Australian LPS.

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/IMG_5264.jpg

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/IMG_5268.jpg

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/IMG_5269.jpg

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/IMG_5270.jpg

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/IMG_5266.jpg

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/IMG_5267.jpg

[CAreefer]

Ditched the RL bulbs alltogether for the Helios. The 12ks were okay. But short lived on the HQI ballasts. The Helios seem to be holding up well.

One more thing on the lights, and then I'll let it go. I don't feel this would be a bandaid at all. Just a difference in the power source between Italy and the US and the design of the fixture. I think this would have solved Chad's problem too. After looking at the pics again, adding the fuses would be a 5 minute job. You've got the fuses already, just pic up the holders at AutoZone or Kragen. Without the schematic I can't be sure, but it looks like all you'd have to do is use a butt connector between the white wire from the power cord and the black wire from the back of the current fuse holder. Snip the 2 blue wires and put the inline holders on the blue wires. They are not directional so it matters not which way the power flows through the holder or the fuse. 5 butt connectors and 4 snips with the wire cutters to fix the problem. Again, I agree totally with Alessandro's diagnosis. I just wish he had mentioned this to Chad. 2- 250 watt ballasts trying to fire through a single 15 amp fuse ain't going to work. No matter how "slow blow" the fuse.

I do understand your frustration, but heck try it while you're waiting for the E-ballasts. I couldn't agree more, after one or two attempts at troubleshooting, you and Chad both should have had new fixtures. I'll drop the subject now and let the thread get back onto the tank build which is looking great BTW. Love the pics. Keep em coming.

CAReefer

[Nuuze]

CAreefer,

How's your coral growth with 400w helios? I noticed there's a 250w version but I'm stuck between nice colors or growth. I'm currently running 250w BLV 10k's. I been stuck between Reeflux, XM or Phoenix, now possibly helios...

[clownnrnd]

Great looking stuff David. Did you see the guy who goes by bluetrigger on zeo? He has a thread going over there called "few pics of my zeo tank" or something like that. He has a pic of a Acan on there that is truely mind blowing. I've never seen so many different colors on a Acan.

OK, I see what Alessandro is saying. Right now both ballast combos are running off the single fuse. He would like you to add another fuse holder (one to fit fuses you can find locally). My ballasts drew a total of 4A's each (250w=3A's and the 70w=1A). I'm not sure what they would draw on startup. That would probably be enough to pop the 10A fuse. 15A I don't know. How many other fixtures have been sold in the states? With the way the wiring is configured you would think everyone they have in the states would have the same problem.

Would it work? I don't know. The way my fixture was configured I had a dedicated fuse (10A) for each of my bulbs. Each bulb/ballast combo drew 4A's. So 4 amps on a 10 amp fuse. funny thing is I only blew fuses on 1 bulb. The other 2 never had a issue. I figured maybe it was a short somewhere in the wiring for that bulb. When I took it apart I never did find anything that looked suspicious.

Honestly, I was a little nervous of changing the ballasts. I liked the idea of being able to switch from 250w > 400w or back w/o issue but honestly since changing to IC's I have not been happier. I love those ballasts and it's nice to know that IC is second to none w/ customer service.

I would think you would be very happy w/ the IC conversion. The fixture is absolutely top notch. I love the reflectors-nice wide spread of light.

If you decide to switch to IC's let me know. I can send as many pics as you would like to help w/ the conversion.

Just so you know, you should have a transformer for your T-5's in between one of the reflectors in the fixture. I would imagine you just wired direct to the mogul sockets bypassing all the transformer stuff.

You may actually be able to install the IC's in the fixture if you were to take out the MH ballasts and the T-5 transformer. That would be very cool. You would'nt even be able to tell you dont any work to it :)

Chad

[Fliger]

(copied from another thread where I seem to get no love)

Thanks Chad (everyone). Can someone tell me where the capacitors are and what they look like? I keep hearing to watch out for them but have not been told this by Sfiligoi.

I just can't help but keep thinking .... isn't this exactly why I go with products like Elos, Sfiligoi, H&S, etc? So that I don't have to do these things?

But I'll try it. I just need to know where the capacitors are, and if there is any other risk of injury. I truly thought that as long as the fixture was unplugged, I would not be at any risk of injury.

Thanks,

David

ps - I did see that thread. I just wonder if the vendor (wickedfrags) uses HIS photo or the other way around. There's a guy here on RC with the same photo but he finally got one of his own. Its a niiiice Lord.

pps - If its a "load" issue, wouldn't all 2x400W fixtures have this issue?

[Nuuze]

Capacitors should be the round cylinder looking things, it may be inside your fixture. The pictures above are the 115v to 220v transformers. Reason why we're saying be careful because they are like batteries and can hold a charge until you ground out the hot leads accidently touching wires together or fingers in between.

Remember back in the boomin car stereo days? The black round overized battery looking things in peoples trunks so their headlights don't dim when the bass goes boom? :D Those are very similar. They hold a jolt of charge in reserve to juice equipment steadily. It's the amps that will kill ya not the volts. Volts just make your arm tingly and numb for an hour or so, amps will make your heart literally skip a beat like a heart defibrillator.

Just be careful and wear latex gloves. Oh, and take off your ring. :)

I was thinking the same...If Sfiligoi claims to be the high end company they are then why don't they resolve your problems already. It's not like you bought it used or anything. Wouldn't this be bad press for them? I mean if it were my company I would of sent you a new one and called the bad one back to see what the heck went wrong so I know which of my employees to scream at. That's the same reason why I buy Sfiligoi, Elos, etc...

At least with Elos, Jesse is less than an hour of driving from me and I know he has parts! :D J/K Jesse, you're the best!

[clownnrnd]

David, Here is a pic of the capacitors. they are the white tubes w/ the wires coming out of them

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d81/Chad215/AO225053.jpg

Chad

[CAreefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10375848#post10375848 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Nuuze
CAreefer,

How's your coral growth with 400w helios? I noticed there's a 250w version but I'm stuck between nice colors or growth. I'm currently running 250w BLV 10k's. I been stuck between Reeflux, XM or Phoenix, now possibly helios...

Nothing mind blowing, but much better than it was witht he Phoenix or Hamiltons. Growth has never been an issue in my tank. I really would like to have some pics to back up my claims, but I've reaquascaped twice, and now with the split seam, there just hasn't been time. I'll look through what I have though. The Reeflux 12k wasn't a bad bulb (colorwise) at all. Decent growth as well. It was SE 400 watt version however. The 10k DE 250 watt version did absolutely nothing for me.

CAReefer

[boozeman]

IMHO at this point it really is shamefull the way Sfiligoi has behaved in this situation. It is suposedly a ''high end'' component for which you payed a premium price for and should have a certain level of company support associated with. I'm sure that the way they have turned a blind eye to this will sour many future potential buyers of Sfiligoi products.... it has surely done so for me :(

[Fliger]

Made some progress on lighting. The T5 ballasts blew the first day (entire ballast) so Reefgeek sent me a new ballast & plug. I completely bypassed the internal ballasts and rewired the ballast remotely. Its easy to do, but extremely tedious and time consuming (and beer consuming).

The light is good. They are run to spec with this ballast so its bright - but not super bright like a 660. Still - the tank is pretty darn bright with just the four T5's.

May I introduce to you ... FRANKENLIGHT

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/IMG_5277.jpg

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/IMG_5275.jpg

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/IMG_5274.jpg

Fuses are still poppin with the MH - AO said he'd send me a modded dual fuse box. I am really hoping it comes soon!

More to come over the next few days ....

[clownnrnd]

So I'm guessing that's not the look you were after when you bought this fixture :confused: :lol: .

I was wondering fliger.... Did you take the fixture out and blow off a couple fuses for the kids on the 4th of July? :D

That ballast blowing would of been a good way to end the show :D .

Just kidding buddy, I could'nt resist

Any word on when you will get the reconfigured fuse box?

Kudos to reef geek for taking care of the T-5 ballast.

Chad

[Nuuze]

That's great that you got some lighting on from the fixture now. Yeah, the 54w T5's are pretty dang bright! :)

[CalvinC4S]

Dude, I would STOP.

Send it back to them and start over with another brand.

If they don't take it back sue them for the light/corals lost/ and your time F'ing with it.

[ADA33]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10407776#post10407776 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by CalvinC4S
Dude, I would STOP.

Send it back to them and start over with another brand.

If they don't take it back sue them for the light/corals lost/ and your time F'ing with it.

Ditto!!!! When you spend that kind of money ......nevermind.......... I would move on. But you do have me LMAO ad guy doing electical :lol:

[Dudester]

David, your patience and diligence are truly commendable. There's a lot to be said about DIY projects; you can save a bunch of cash, and you have the satisfaction of having created something yourself. But when you buy a fully equipped light pendant, you're not buying a DIY project, you're buying something that should be perfect right out of the box. I love doing things myself, but there's no way on earth that I would have the huevos to take something like that apart and try to repair it. I would have demanded an exchange the moment it didn't work on day 1. I truly hope this works out for you. If you grow tired of it, why don't you consider one of the Elos light fixtures - I think they're bad a** and that would complete the look of your system quite nicely.

On another topic, your coral frags are just beautiful, and I can't wait to see them growing out in your well-lit tank. :cool:

[Dudester]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10405490#post10405490 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by clownnrnd
So I'm guessing that's not the look you were after when you bought this fixture :confused: :lol: . Dude, that's friggin' funny!

[GMFett]

Fliger- This light nonsense is too much. I would have sued those sons of *****es weeks ago.

[clownnrnd]

Dudester- I have the 6' version of this fixture and the same problems as David. I asked for a replacement fixture after we had tried a couple different things to correct the problem and I was told Sfigiloi would not send me a new one. seems at some point someone would get a little nervous having all of this faulty equiptment running in peoples homes.

AO eventually ended up buying me 3-400w IC ballasts to switch out my HQI's. During switching ballasts I noticed my T-5 frames are bent pretty bad. To the point where it is hard to take the bulbs out and replace them. I knew the fixture was racked but did'nt dawn on me that this was what was going on. I asked AO if I could get replacement frames w/T-5 mogul sockets and wiring but have'nt heard back from them yet.

I'm sorry but I believe when you pay for something like this there is no way we should be expected to make this kind of repair. I saved money for a long time to get this fixture, you don't know how disapointing it is when you get it and have these kinds of issues.

David- Have you got your reconfigured transformer boxes?

Chad

[Dudester]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10415892#post10415892 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by clownnrnd
I'm sorry but I believe when you pay for something like this there is no way we should be expected to make this kind of repair. I saved money for a long time to get this fixture, you don't know how disapointing it is when you get it and have these kinds of issues. WORD

[Paulairduck]

Just when you think, I am remodeling my house and it sure would be nice to add a new light fixture to the tank and change things a little, and then you read this thread, this is outrageous!!!This is like purchasing a bubbleking and the red dragon pump goes out and RE says throw a sedra 9000 with an adpater kit on it until we figure what is wrong???, dude no WAY!!!, you have way more patience than I have, good luck. The geissmann fixture is looking a lot better for my modern renovation of the house!!!

That really bites



:eek2: :eek2: :eek2:

[Paulairduck]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10415892#post10415892 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by clownnrnd
Dudester- I have the 6' version of this fixture and the same problems as David. I asked for a replacement fixture after we had tried a couple different things to correct the problem and I was told Sfigiloi would not send me a new one. seems at some point someone would get a little nervous having all of this faulty equiptment running in peoples homes.

AO eventually ended up buying me 3-400w IC ballasts to switch out my HQI's. During switching ballasts I noticed my T-5 frames are bent pretty bad. To the point where it is hard to take the bulbs out and replace them. I knew the fixture was racked but did'nt dawn on me that this was what was going on. I asked AO if I could get replacement frames w/T-5 mogul sockets and wiring but have'nt heard back from them yet.

I'm sorry but I believe when you pay for something like this there is no way we should be expected to make this kind of repair. I saved money for a long time to get this fixture, you don't know how disapointing it is when you get it and have these kinds of issues.

David- Have you got your reconfigured transformer boxes?

Chad


after reading this post, now I am even more shocked !!:confused:

what is up


this blow's me away

need another BEER!!

do they really underastand how much they charge for certain items, and come back with poor customer service :confused:


frickin wrong!!!!!

[invincible569]

I love cars and think of it as buying a nice car vs one of the cheaper manufacturers. People buy a nicer looking car for its style and performance. They expect to put down more money for less headache in the long run. When you take it in to a dealership, you already know you will be taken care of. This may be a dealer to dealer basis, but the service should be top notch. When word gets around that the manufacturer doesnt stand behind the product, then the next person in line who wants that car will ALWAYS think twice about owning it. If you want to sell like the big boys, you have to service like them. And as we all know in the U.S., service is key to your company's future. Sfiligoi needs to step it up and either give AO the empowerement to do what it takes to fix these fixtures out of Sfiligoi's expense or Sfiligoi needs to step in and take it to the next level holding David's hand to fix this issue day by day as much time as it takes. This is all permanent recorded publicity and you want to minimize this for your company's success.

[steve the plumb]

this doesn't surprise me.I don't want to sound like I hate products from Italy,But as far as dealing with Italy (business side)I have heard many a horror story when it comes to customer service and product backing.I have had several friends who have delt with importing and trademarking products made in Italy(not cheap products either)They were all lied to about distribution rights and about having there products backed by the company.It doesn't strike me as a shock to find out that sfiligoi is doing the same thing.I have had 5 people who don't know each other all have the same experience when dealing with Italian products.Let me tell you the products they imported weren't cheap.They all said the same thing they had no backing and promises were broken.They were left out in the cold.I know 5 people isn't a lot but to me it sounds odd how all 5 had the same type of negative experience.

[Reef Man]

Can you place more pintures of the canopy?

I think I will try to work in a DIY project.

Thanks

[CalvinC4S]

Italy is still good for crazy chicks, F-cars, leather and Elos.

[Fliger]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10418324#post10418324 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by CalvinC4S
Italy is still good for crazy chicks, F-cars, leather and Elos.

Great wine, fantastic food, long moonlight walks along the banks of Lake Como ... oh wait, I thought this was a dating website. :mad:

Thanks for all the support everyone. Trust me, I would have sent it back but it was one of those damned if I do, damned if I don't situations. In retrospect - returning it might have been the right thing. The T5 really was nothing, its just a simple diagram. Its always a sense of accomplishment when they actually come on, and there is no more of a hazard with that - then anyone else wiring up a fluorescent retro.

I got an email from AO that my new dual fuse ballast was sent yesterday. And I called the courier and they said "hopefully next Wednesday if everything goes smoothly" so we shall see. I really need it working - I have the pendant up and need to get some temp/evap/etc daily things settled out before my next series of trips. Arggh. And Alessandro is truly a very nice person who has tried to help me get through it all. Hopefully these are just growing issues that they'll eventually work out. I just want to get a light that works so I can move on with this thread. :)

[Nuuze]

It's the determination that drives us through this hobby!

Now I just have to try some beer and vodka (but not at the same time) like Fliger says. Maybe I can keep my cool through things like he is through all this! :smokin:

[Reef Man]

Hey, where did you got that white panels of rock for the back of the tank? and the base rock ?

[steve the plumb]

Thats the good thing about dealing with a good company like AO they stepped up to the plate and are going to fix the problem.More than likely they will eat the cost.

[CalvinC4S]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10424645#post10424645 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by steve the plumb
Thats the good thing about dealing with a good company like AO they stepped up to the plate and are going to fix the problem.More than likely they will eat the cost.


Eat the cost of what?

fuses and K-mart connecters lol :rollface:

[KingfishJohn]

Fliger,

Your light looks like it threw up some spaghetti :(

On a side note... have you seen the HBO special coming out soon following Chiefs training camp? It looks sweet to say the least (if we can get our rookies signed and LJ to show up).

[trmiv]

I was actually going to buy a smaller Sfiligoi fixture for my 40 breeder before I settled on an Aquactinics setup. After reading this I'm so glad I stayed away from Sfigiloi. Until I see them start doing the right this in this situation and for the others that are having similar problems, I will never even consider a Sfiligoi setup. I'm sure I'm not the only one.

[Fliger]

Alright, well I got the new fuse box from AO. It has dual fuses, so lets hope this works. It came in really banged up, Sfiligoi owners can tell you - this box is EXTREMELY heavy and the box had 1" of styrofoam on the inside. I spent 30 minutes getting all the crumbled bits of foam out of the fuse box. I'm on fuse 4 of 10, this one has lasted me three days.

Anyhooo ... got some cleaning done under the stand. Elos sent a new sump but it didn't really work out so they are going back and building new sumps for myself and Calvin. Since this might take awhile I decided to just set this up. This current sump is great - the chambers are awesome. I'm might take the FR509 offline and see if I can run the carbon & ROWA in the chambers. The only problem is the sump I currently have doesn't quite catch the overflow in case of a power outtage.

The H&S I've had for awhile. It is a rockin skimmer. I kind of wish I would have gotten the NS4000 but I'm very happy with the Ca RX instead. I will probably hold off with the Ca RX until I get dimensions of the new sump. If I find the single Eheim skimmer isn't enough, it will be replaced by either H&S, Elos, Bubble King or Deltec. If I decide that internal is OK (depends on final sump dimensions) I would also consider the KZ skimmer. But for now the skimmer is doing great, I have a light bioload.

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/IMG_5312.jpg

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/IMG_5314.jpg

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/IMG_5317.jpg

I'm waiting for new black doors with a cutout for my controller. Hopefully it will arrive this week. My wife busts my nuts every day that I keep the doors open. I bought some time though by finally getting the Sfiligoi off the floor. :lol:

Check out this crazy "Flame" RBTA that came in today. It arrived looking BAD. It is happier now but still not out of the danger zone. Its funny - my clownfish never leave their spot near the overflow. I put the RBTA on the other side of the tank and they are SLOWLY working their way over. Like a shy guy trying to get the nerve to talk to girl at a bar.

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/corals%204%20sale/IMG_5318.jpg

After acclimation

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/IMG_5325.jpg

And now in the tank. This pic makes him look better than he is. He is still really gaping but the inflated. I love the colors.

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/IMG_5332.jpg

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/IMG_5331.jpg

[invincible569]

David, where did you get that cage from where you are holding your RBTA?

[hawaiianwargod]

Set up is looking good David! Why are you changing your current sump? Is your Tunze still attach to the wavysea?

[purebullet417]

do you have an a200 1260? i just got that skimmer and am wondering how you have yours set

[Kigs]

hope the flame makes it... its a nice specimen

[bogg]

Dave whats going on?

[liver]

How is the Ocean GEOtronic Chiller 400 doing with the bigger tank?

[Fliger]

Sorry, I don't have much to report. The new Sfiligoi box works great, finally! Not one blown fuse, the new box has a dedicated fuse for each light. The downside is now I have two plugs for the MH and another for the T5. I will probably buy/build a relay similar to RobbyG's thread awhile back. The nem is doing great, finally settled in.

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/flame1.jpg

I just ordered a couple captive bred elegance corals! I've resisted since I left the Bay almost 7 years ago, but Mike at TCR seems to know what he's doing. Here is a pic, hopefully they make it thru shipping next week.

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/2_med_elegance_corals.jpg

Also trying to figure out cooling. Right now I have the Peltier which works with a fan, and I have the 1/4 JBJ Arctica. Great chiller, very silent and chills fast. I also bought the Profilux Propeller Breeze fan, which with time I should be able to control. The fans are variable speed but you need a controller with 0-10v capabilities. I also ordered a dimmable T5 ballast, not sure when it will arrive.

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/IMG_5450.jpg

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/IMG_5462.jpg

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/IMG_5460.jpg

My experiment with the B2 in the door didn't work out very well, so I ordered a stainless stand from Elos. Hopefully will be here in September, after MACNA.

[Fliger]

The H&S is really pulling out the gunk, very happy with it. Kind of wish I had a 2x1260 - I might move up a size sometime soon.

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/IMG_5314.jpg

My wife thinks I've bizarre, not only do I not mind the smell of skimmate ... she laughs her arse off when she sees me with the camera taking pix of it ...

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/IMG_5446.jpg

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/IMG_5447.jpg

[Treg]

Dude that fan is sexy!





Then Nem is looking good too. Glad it is pulling thru for ya. :)

[CalvinC4S]

Glad to hear your light is working and the fans look great.

What is the PVC, some type of closed loop?

What did you get at the show in California?

See anything good?

[Fliger]

Yeah I love the fans. I always loved G.Alexander's fan setup and these remind me of them. I'd seen them for years in pix at European trade shows and never could get them. Edward got the black Giesemann ones so I had to be different. :lol:

Heh, thats my SPS rack. I suspended it - most my SPS are sitting on it until I get everything else worked out. I don't want to mount anything permanently until all other things are figured out. Really after (our) sumps arrive - I should be able to wrap things up. Then I want to set it and forget it.

The show was good. I only stayed for a couple hours. Next door there was a cat show, and I heard the reef nerds with pocket protectors making fun of cat people, and I swear the cat people with pocket protectors were snickering at us reef nerds. I picked up some SPS frags and a couple nice Lords - but mostly I amassed a list of "must haves" when I'm done. I met Doug of Deltec which was cool, but the Teco guy wouldn't really give me the time of day. Next year I will be the uber geek, show up early with a specially rigged igloo cooler - complete with B2 on the top - collecting SPS.

I do really like the Sfiligoi now that its working. Its dual 400W, I'm running Radiums and the coverage is nice. I'm just glad that I had some experience wiring lights, and that I had a could pickup a spare to save my butt - or I would have been SOL. Of course that said, I'll probably be replacing it with the Giesemann Spectra or an Elos. We'll see ....

[MSHUR]

David,
Looking good man,..I am glad you fianlly happy with Sfiligoi...
I finally got my tank yeastarday, hang my Sfiligoi.. and getting ready for plumming.. Pics are comming....:)
Question, do you think those new dimmable ballasts will work in Sfiligoi? I did get a Profilux controller with all "toys"

mike

[maxxII]

I just ordered a couple captive bred elegance corals! I've resisted since I left the Bay almost 7 years ago, but Mike at TCR seems to know what he's doing. Here is a pic, hopefully they make it thru shipping next week.

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/2_med_elegance_corals.jpg

Where are you ordering these from? I've been very interested in keeping these corals, but never seen any that were healthy. If there is a good captive source for them, I'd cheerfully pay what their worth.

Nick

[invincible569]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10607574#post10607574 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Fliger
Edward got the black Giesemann ones so I had to be different. :lol:


LOL. I know how you feel. :)

[Fliger]

Not too much to report - I did just order a new skimmer and chiller though. I'm currently running the JBJ and it works fine - I looked hard at the Teco, but I will still have the same problem of heat blowing into the room and having to vent it out. So I decided to go with the Ocean Geotronic 900 model - stock picture is below. I like a few things about it, which for me makes the price worth it

- Small, easy to plumb & move
- Heater & chiller - never fights itself and no on/off gaps
- Quality thermometer
- Silent
- No freon, super easy maintenance - just take a vacuum to the Peltier plates
- Runs at ~400W Max, 9 degree pulldown at @ 237 gallons - so I can keep this plugged into my B2 for redundancy
- Slightly more "green" with no freon, and lower wattage

But most of all I like that it keeps the temp steady. I run a lot of lighting and I keep my chiller at 78, which means it turns on at 79 and off at 77. It doesn't take long to reach 79, so this cycle repeats far too often. It also has some cool stainless rails that I ordered, although I have no idea what they really do. :) I can also run this underneath my tank on the dry side

http://www.oceangeotronic.com/images/900.jpg

Before I get rid of the JBJ - I'm going to do some wattage testing. I have a couple wattage meters that average kh/hour.

I'm also leaning towards going back to the older model H&S, A200 2x1260. That was the first high end skimmer I ever owned - it replaced one of ER's first external models (JUNK!) - 12-2RC External. I know ER has come a long way since but I really love this model. They replaced it with the A250 but the A200 can be special ordered. This was also a hard decision, I looked at the BK250 External - I had the BK300 External and it was awesome but it won't fit. I looked at the Deltec with SCH but the footprints just didn't work. I could have had a custom model made but the timing & cost were just too much. I couldn't go wrong with BK/Deltec/H&S as I've used all of them. Here is a favorite picture of mine -

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/images/mar2004/images/vanne6021_HR_640.jpg

My elegance corals came in and they are stunning. Way to go captivereef for learning to frag them. Got a couple other things - here are my favorites

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/IMG_5506.jpg

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/IMG_5509.jpg

This has to be my favorite Lord - the pink is fantastic. It came from bluegrasscorals.com

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/IMG_5503.jpg

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/Elos%20160XL/IMG_5505.jpg

[KingfishJohn]

Fliger,

Love those Ocean Geotronic Chillers but have a couple of words of advice for you. First, the inlet and outlet are 1/2" and REALLY cut flow down so plan accordingly. Second, don't put the unit anywhere saltwater might splash it as I've seen rust spots on one of our units.

Sweet Elegance :smokin:

John

[hawaiianwargod]

Chiller looks sweet Flig! I agree, your acan looks incredible!

[bogg]

Wow that coral is realllllyyy pretty I don't normally even like lords that much but that one... I would'nt mind in my tank. :)

[Lunchbucket]

DANG that chiller/heater looks great. Where you get it?

Don't know what to tell you on the skimmer. Never owned a BK or an H&S...hmmm...I might want to get to trying them :D I'd LOVE to get a BK180 to try out. but I REALLY like the AP701 a lot. I'd love to try an H&S also.

Keep us posted on what you decide to go w/
Lunchbucket

[purebullet417]

i have an a200 1260 on my 210 and it works great so i can only imagine how an a200 2x1260 would work

[Fliger]

Hey thanks everyone. Purebullet - I'm sure the 1x1260 is enough, I pull a TON of crud with it. But I just love that 2x1260 - its a real beast. I'd like to start feeding a little more - and I want to make sure I have more than enough skimmer. I'll keep one pump dialed back to 50% anyway.

Corals are doing great.

Lunch - you can get it from finsreef or aquarium specialty. I think it should be here in a couple weeks. The 701 is a nice skimmer. My current skimmer is almost identical - I had it cut short to 24" tall. It pulls a ton of air due to no head pressure. There are a lot of good skimmers available now but I'm glad I decided to stick with one of the three I really know - H&S/BK/Deltec.

Thedude, thanks for the tip man. Looking forward to the 900. Dude, its gonna be a long year. I predict 8-8. You been watching "Hard Knocks"?

[KingfishJohn]

Yeah, our defensive coaches are hilarious, glad we got Gunther back from Texas!

I think our defense is going to step it up this year and our offense is going to take 2 steps back. The way Peterson handled the Trent Green situation still makes me sick to my stomach.

John

[Fliger]

I'm considering ditching the Flame RBTA. He is SOOO awesome and different but every morning the first thing I have to do is find him. Since my crash - most of my SPS are frags and they probably can't take a huge BTA sitting on top of them. I also have a lot of micros/dendro/balono/acans that would probably lose a battle. I also worry about him finding his way into a Vortech or Stream. He was so hard to find but I'm just not sure if its worth it. I'm headed to Hawaii for 5 days next weekend and pretty nervous about it.

I also haven't had much time the last couple weeks - a good friend of mine (Philwd) came down with AEFW's and I set up a 55G tank in the living room (testing the boundaries of my marriage :lol: ). Setting up even a small tank is a pain. He has (had) and amazing reef with enormous SPS - all LE's - and got whacked. So I'm helping out.

Dude - Peterson is a schmuck. He only cares about filling the stands. I can't remember our last Defensive Coordinator - they guy they brought in to "handle" the AFC West - he killed us. All those years leading every offensive category - but last in defense. Just a mediocre D would have made the Super Bowl (can't say those words and not think of Lamar) at least once. Gunther should get us back to a tough D.

You and I say "we" and "our" and "us" like we suit up for practice. :lol:

[Treg]

Dont know how this would work for you but when I moved my anemones during the tank upgrade they wouldnt stay still either. Both even spawned during the transition. So I took them out of the tank and the rock that I wanted them to be on and placed everything in a 5g bucket over night (in the sump) with an air line. Both attached to the rock well and have not moved again since being back in the new tank.

You can also try putting the foot in a small clay flower pot, then hide the pot in the rocks... Not exactly classy for a high end system but its been known to work well. :)

[Fliger]

Well I'm off to Maui to see some fishies and play some golf. My BTA experiment came to a sad end. :( I didn't want to get one until my tank was done - but the flames are so hard to come by I made a poor executive decision. Poor dude lost a battle to a powerhead.

I got a few new toys, dimmable T5 ballasts, dimmable moonlights - should get the B2 stand in a few weeks. Last two things I'm waiting on are a new sump and acrylic basins for my stand. Then I'll set all the rest up - ca rx, all B2 functions, etc. Geotronic Chiller/Heater should be here in a couple weeks and hopefully the new H&S also. Getting excited to have a living room back, right now it still looks like the lab room of a mad scientist. :lol:

Aloha!

[MSHUR]

Sorry about your BTA. I lost mine last year to a Tunze:( But never replace one.. Plus he was touching my SPs frags and they didnt liek it at all..

Plase, let us know how do you like dimmable ballasts..I wanna get them badly,but scared to do re-wireing jod on Sfiligoi...So many grey wires:)


mike

[loweryster]

post pics of the ballast job

dreaming...72" spectra converted, 80watt dimmable T5 ballast, B2.....

[invincible569]

loweryster, what was the mods you did again with the infiniti?

[JPMagyar]

David,

I just came across this thread and figured I'd pop in a public apology. I know you have been waiting for an answer from me since May and can only plead severe family and work overload as my excuse, but anyways I just wanted to say I'm back in active RC mode for the next few months as I transition from my 280 acrylic to a ? glass rimless tank, and would be more than happy to send along some new frags. Beautiful tank and home I might add, and I'm really sorry about all the hassle you've had with the lights. I know you're in Maui right now, but when you get back drop me a line again . . . assuming you're not tired of waiting for my reply :rolleyes:

Again sorry for the wait, and best of luck with the new setup!

Joe

[invincible569]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10722138#post10722138 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JPMagyar
David,

I just came across this thread and figured I'd pop in a public apology. I know you have been waiting for an answer from me since May and can only plead severe family and work overload as my excuse, but anyways I just wanted to say I'm back in active RC mode for the next few months as I transition from my 280 acrylic to a ? glass rimless tank, and would be more than happy to send along some new frags. Beautiful tank and home I might add, and I'm really sorry about all the hassle you've had with the lights. I know you're in Maui right now, but when you get back drop me a line again . . . assuming you're not tired of waiting for my reply :rolleyes:

Again sorry for the wait, and best of luck with the new setup!

Joe


Since the answer is public.. what's the question?

[JPMagyar]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10722161#post10722161 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by invincible569
Since the answer is public.. what's the question?

David purchased some frags from me but emailed me to say he had lost them in the tank transition and was wondering if I would sell him some more. I'm just a hobbiest like you's guys and don't sell that often, but I would gladly do my best to restock David's pieces.

Off thread warning:

By the by Edward, you have the most beautiful tank I have seen second only to Steve Weast's (which I had the pleasure of seeing in person several years ago), and I want you to know that I have contacted AE to see if they can build something like yours for me. What's more I am an avid reader of your blog. It is an inspiration for me to get off my fat a** and work on my stone-age website once again. Thanks for sharing ;)

Joe

[invincible569]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10722227#post10722227 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JPMagyar
David purchased some frags from me but emailed me to say he had lost them in the tank transition and was wondering if I would sell him some more. I'm just a hobbiest like you's guys and don't sell that often, but I would gladly do my best to restock David's pieces.

Off thread warning:

By the by Edward, you have the most beautiful tank I have seen second only to Steve Weast's (which I had the pleasure of seeing in person several years ago), and I want you to know that I have contacted AE to see if they can build something like yours for me. What's more I am an avid reader of your blog. It is an inspiration for me to get off my fat a** and work on my stone-age website once again. Thanks for sharing ;)

Joe

Joe, thank you very much. My Blog is a way for me to talk to "someone". LOL. I think my wife gets bored of all the things I find and talk about when it comes to my reef hobby. So the Blog is sort of like my diary. ;) I really appreciate your compliments. Let me know if you need anything from AE as I visit them every week since its 5 mins from my work. naka is also a great contact as he knows the AE guys personally.

I just got done looking at your website and love your corals. I especially like how you talk about each coral and in what place it does better (light, flow, etc).

[Fliger]

I swore I wouldn't come online while I'm here but this is a semi-work vacation and I saw this post. :) That is so nice of you - and based on how nice you were when I bought the pack, I knew you must be busy. Good luck with the transition!

If I were doing rimless - no way would I trust anyone but AGE or Elos. Contact both - I'm pretty sure there are a couple large Elos in the NY area you could probably see, call Jesse. And those AGE tanks look so nice!

Lowery - I'll definitely post pix. I'm having a hard time deciding which light to wire up. I confirmed with Elos that the B2 will dim these with no add'l parts - just need the bare ballast and the moonlight dimmer I already have will dim the T5's.

Maui is nice. Ka'anapali is nicer than I expected, a little crowded for my taste but the Westin does canned luxury pretty well. Played the Kapalua Bay yesterday and scratched their version of Amen's Corner! :) Next time I think we'll stay at Kapalua. Playing the Plantation Course today. These were taken from my phone.

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/hotel.jpg

Fourth hole, almost birdied it!

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/bay1.jpg

Fifth hole, over the Pacific, parred it also baby!!!

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/bay2.jpg

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/dfliger/bay3.jpg

[Dudester]

Maui is a beautiful place to play golf. I found myself spending as much time with my camera as I did with my clubs. Way to go on 4 and 5, those approaches are fairly intimidating!

[hawaiianwargod]

David,

Awesome place to relax! Hope you'll have time to drive to Hana...beautiful place to drive and see nature and see the falls. Kaanapali beaches...pretty cool place to swim. You could see two islands...And don't forget to check out Haleakala National Park.
Maui is very special place to me...I proposed to my wife there after I took her horse back riding...I saw Tommy Lee Jones, Mike Tyson and Oprah while I was there in 2003. Heli ride is awesome as well...man, I wish I could go back there soon.
Aloha brudah!

[boozeman]

if someone in the NYC area wants to see an Elos tank...I should be getting my crystal 160xl in October, just pm me.

[reef / aholic]

Have fun at The Plantation Course 7,411-yards, a lot different then The Bay Course 6,600-yards!!!

You will like the 200 feet climb from 13th through 16th and 17th and 18th are down wind and downhill holes on The Plantation Course. I hope the wind is not too bad for you today.