The Official Cadlights Owner's Club!

[Johnsteph10]

I know that there was a thread started on this a while back, but I wanted to expand it to all owners.

I also wanted to make a place for everyone to document their experiences. I know that www.nano-reef.com has a busy cadlights thread so we should, too! :)

Eddie at cadlights is fantastic -- he is incredibly responsive to questions, etc. He has great customer service and is a really nice guy. I personally met him when picking up my tank and he showed me the retail store and their work area -- very impressive.

Their tanks range from a few gallons up to somewhere around a 1,000 or more (they have the most amazing cylinder tank on display).

Nano tanks:

9g
22g
25g
34g

They offer a wide variety of options from tank only to their "signature" versions which include everything.

I went with the 34g "Signature"

*Tank Dimensions are 23.5" x 18.25" x 18.5"
*150w 14,000k with 2 x 24w Actinics supplements
* (2) LED 2 watt moonlights.
*Full size refugium on back. Does not include refugium substrate.
*Comes in black Cell-Cast acrylic background (oscillator retrun nozzle optional).
* Refugium Dimensions 23" x 5.5" x 18.5"
* Flip-up hinged tank mounts.
* Separate T5 light strip for refugium.
* Signature Polished and mitred edges with Extra thick 7mm thick glass.
* Seamless curved front panel. * Super slim sleek profile Light design at only 2.5" height.
* 3 separate circuits and switches for complete automatic and manual control for each T5 bulb, LED moonlights and Halide lights. Easily compatible with all kinds of timers.
*60G full size protein skimmer.
*6W Drop-in Ultra violet sterilizer.
*70G cooling unit.
*360 degree oscillator return nozzle.
*Glass Canopy comes standard.

http://www.cadlights.com/images/34gskimmer%20model%20fixed%20014.jpg

[Rosseau]

Exclusive little club here :)

[Johnsteph10]

My other options were:

1. RSM
2. JBJ
3. Biocube

I went with Cadlights because:
1. Includes T5/MH
2. Includes dedicated reefugium lighting (T5)
3. Moonlights
4. Rimless!
5. Bowfront
6. Decent skimmer/return pump
7. Dedicated large cooling fan
8. UV
9. Large back compartments

For me, by the time I would have added everything else in, you couldn't beat the price (especially since I could go pick it up and not pay shipping).

Being me, I've already modded several things! :)

If people are sufficiently interested, we can talk about them and other things here!

[Illuminati]

I have the Cadlights 5G and love it.

I'd like to see a pic of the glass canopy on the 34 if anyone has a pic of that.

[sccrcoach]

I also went with the 34g sig series and really like it with 2 exceptions...one one bulb on the atinics was not working and have emailed and actually talked to Eddie to no avail so far...and I do not like the fact that the moonlights and the atinics are on the same circuit, especially since the write up on Cadlights site says three seperate switches...besides this I am pleased

[sccrcoach]

John....what mods did you go with?

Jeff

[jewtball]

COOL thread! can i join too i have a 22G t5HO set-up lol

[Johnsteph10]

I had some nice SLS T5 reflectors -- I cut them to fit and added them to the canopy.

It makes a HUGE difference for the T5 output. Much more striking.

I'm surprised that Eddie is giving you a hard time about replacing the bulb.

I wish the moonlights and T5s were on a separate circuit as well...I've asked Eddie about it and he is supposed to get back to me.

I've got a bunch of pictures to upload from my camera...I'll put them on tonight.

jewtball -- pics? How do you like the 22g with T5s? What's in it?

[Capt_Cully]

How big (length and watts) is that refugium light?

[jewtball]

i have the 22G T5HO set-up with the built-in refugium. i love this thing so much. its got 144W and a full back refugium that i can put anything into.

i have LPS and 2 purple Maxima. the only thing i wish is to have the LED moonlights that you guys got.

[sccrcoach]

Come on all CAD lights owners....lets hear about your tank...do not let this thread die

[rfoote]

I've had the 34g sig. series setup for just over a week now. Pics to come. I really like the setup other than just a few things. I'm awaiting my 3rd light strip from Eddie. 1st no MH, 2nd same thing and only 1 moonlight. I just ordered the Tunze 9002 to replace with existing Skimmer and JBJ ATO. I personally haven't had much luck figuring out how the glass canopy is suppose to work.

[Johnsteph10]

rfoote -- I've done the same thing with the skimmer. I like the 9002 but it is very temperamental -- I have to adjust it fairly frequently.

[borenbad]

I have the 25g which i hope to have up and running in a few weeks...I had the same problem with the lights...3 sets later i finally got one that worked....dont know how this guy makes any profit with all the shipping cost he pays for defective lights and tanks.....he did throw in a free oscilator for my troubles...Hows the heat issues with the metal halide? Will i need a chiller?...any comments would be helpful....thanks

[borenbad]

BTW my moonlights are on a seperate circuit what would be the point of having the actinics on the same....might want to ask Eddie about that one....no sense in paying for something and getting another....

[InLimbo87]

How can this thread possibly exist without pictures?? Pictures people pictures ;)

[Rod013]

Hello fellow Caddies.....

Here are a few pics of my CAD34G. I don't currently use the hood but will take a pic and post when I get a chance.

I just added 6 blue leg and 4 astrea snails this weekend.

Opening day
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc142/Rod013/P8050010.jpg
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc142/Rod013/P8050013.jpg

Day 1
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc142/Rod013/P8150014.jpg
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc142/Rod013/P8150012-1.jpg

Day 3
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc142/Rod013/P8170007.jpg

Day 14
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc142/Rod013/P8250002.jpg

Comments and suggestions are cetainly welcomed!

[ezhoops]

Thinking of buying a CAD 34 signature. I want the best possible nano I can get, in your opinion would this be my best option?
I want quality equipment that works and is reliable and stands up.

my concerns with this nano are:
Am I going to need a chiller?

is it easy to clean out the sump, refuge, skimmer, those other small little areas?

what about ATO? I own an ATO but I want this tank to clean clean and not have any hoses sticking out or anything like that, what are you guys using for ATO? and how is it hooked up?

Are most of you using their stand or building a custom one?

what are the most common mods for this nano?

Pics would be great.

Eric

[sccrcoach]

Are you guys that went with the Tunze 9002 doing the whole reefpack200 or just the skimmer?

[Rue]

Looks good! Congrats!

[LaurentSeattle]

Good looking setups indeed!

Hopefully this thread will become very popular, just like the RSM owners' club thread! ;)

[victor_c3]

I'm just entering the civilian job market and will be moving back to the U.S. and finding a job within the next 2-3 months, but if I have an office and it looks like I'd be able to set up an aquarium in work area, then I fully plan on purchasing a cadlights system. To me, the 34 gallon MH setup looks like the most complete SPS friendly nano system on the market.

All things considered, the price is very reasonable in my opinion for what you get.

[rfoote]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10885979#post10885979 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sccrcoach
Are you guys that went with the Tunze 9002 doing the whole reefpack200 or just the skimmer?

Sorry, its been a bit. I'm using just the skimmer and not the reefpack. So far I love it!

[mtuttle02]

Here is my pride and joy- Im still waiting for the cycle to complete!

Equipment:
Sunpod 70w
Rio HF6
Koralia 1
50w Hydor
Estimate 10lbs of marcorocks



http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a244/2005wrx/CAD9-1.jpg

[Giojo]

ho do u deal with evaporating water??

[mtuttle02]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11076889#post11076889 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Giojo
ho do u deal with evaporating water??

I don’t have too much of an evaporation problem as of now, I just top off a little when I get home from work- I do wonder what’s in store for next summer with temp/ evap though :rolleyes:

[Coloagro]

My update to be posted shortly. Copy & Paste from another thread:mixed:

[Unclepain]

12 Gallon Cadlights
http://i1145.photobucket.com/albums/o510/unclepain/Reef%20Tanks/january016.jpg

39 Gallon cadlights
http://i1145.photobucket.com/albums/o510/unclepain/Reef%20Tanks/january017.jpg

[Robbie Reefer]

Unclepain what kind of light are you using over your 12 gallon? I've got a 12 gallon led cadlights and I love it. http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc427/Robbiezimm/DSCN9579.jpg

[Unclepain]

Using a single boostled par 30 bulb Robbie.
http://i1145.photobucket.com/albums/o510/unclepain/1b384918.jpg

[Robbie Reefer]

the pic didnt show up

[Boa1277]

Here is my Cadlights!

http://i707.photobucket.com/albums/ww73/Boa1277/Fish/f09a6c19.jpg

[Robbie Reefer]

Keep em coming! Nice tank boa how many gallons is she?

[Unclepain]

http://i1145.photobucket.com/albums/o510/unclepain/Reef%20Tanks/1b384918.jpg

heres that boost led pendant shot for ya roobie

[Unclepain]

Here is my Cadlights!

http://i707.photobucket.com/albums/ww73/Boa1277/Fish/f09a6c19.jpg

nice! 39 pro series?

[victor_c3]

I'm just entering the civilian job market and will be moving back to the U.S. and finding a job within the next 2-3 months, but if I have an office and it looks like I'd be able to set up an aquarium in work area, then I fully plan on purchasing a cadlights system. To me, the 34 gallon MH setup looks like the most complete SPS friendly nano system on the market.

All things considered, the price is very reasonable in my opinion for what you get.

I was just looking for more information on the cadlights systems when I found what I wrote almost 5 years about my impression about them. It's taken almost 5 years, but I finally got that job in the civilian world with the office where I'll be able to set up an aquarium at work! I forgot that I even wrote that back in 2007.

(By the way, I think I'm leaning towards their 50 gallon artisan)