Aqua Planet II

[Putawaywet]

Hi Jesse,

I PM'd you a few weeks ago with some questions on the Aqua Planet II and Planet T5 and it appears I've come full circle and am back looking at Elosa products again. Try as I might, I can't seem to locate a good lighting system that is both stylish and has the performance options I am looking for.

So, if you would be so kind I have some additional questions on the Aqua Planet II setups.

1. Looking in your catalog I stumbled across an option called the Planet Interface, can you tell me something about what it is/does and is it an option for both the Planet II dual HID as well as the Planet T5?

2. Is silver the only color on the pendant housing or are other color options available?

3. Does the HID version come with or without bulbs. And if it does come with them what type or color (Kelvin)?

Many thanks in advance

Brett

[elosusa]

Putawaywet,
1.The planet interface allows you to control 3 separate groups of lights in one fixture, including dimming, with your biotopus II. So if you have a planet with 1-MH and 4-t5's you could control the MH and 2-t5's and another group of 2-t5's separately with one cord going to the wall and one telephone cord going to your biotopus. This is a new product and I will have much more information after Interzoo in May.
2. The titanium color is the standard color. We have a variety of colors to choose from and you can even match the color of the light with the color of the cabinet doors if you like. You can see some of the colors if you browse through the catalog and the pictures on this forum.
3.The bulbs are not included but we do offer them. In Europe our spectra bulbs are very well regarded. If you decide to purchase a fixture I will make a complete price if you are interested in the matching Spectra bulbs.
Give me a call or an email if you have any other questions. Thanks. Jesse
info@elosusa.com
925-600-8895

[Putawaywet]

Will do, thanks

Brett

[Large Polyp Dave]

is the "shell" of the light made of plastic?

once you get one colour can you switch out the shell later on down the road if you change the room decor?

[elosusa]

Large Polyp Dave,
Yes the cover is injection molded plastic designed to handle these temps. I am not sure of the exact material but I can find out. You can replace hood colors if you decide to switch. I will actually bring in spare parts with every container with this type of thing in mind. I just returned from a meeting with IceCap and they have the fixture and have fitted it with IceCap ballasts. Andy liked the design and was particularly happy with the mh/t5 light design because he said it was, "designed very intelligently to vent properly". Let me know if you have any other questions.

[Putawaywet]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7162999#post7162999 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by elosusa
....I just returned from a meeting with IceCap and they have the fixture and have fitted it with IceCap ballasts. Andy liked the design and was particularly happy with the mh/t5 light design because he said it was, "designed very intelligently to vent properly". Let me know if you have any other questions.

Now we're talking. I think you just sold me. Elos' elegant styling, and a little extra power compliments of Andy and the gang at IceCap. Just what the doctor ordered :)

Brett

[Fliger]

You're really making me want one of these.

[elosusa]

The planet II is made of a special Resin that is injection molded and finished with a 3- layer varnish (2 color and 1 clear). The resin and finish is very resistent to dents and scratches and can be removed simply with 8-10 screws. Here is a picture of a limited run color, Ferrari Red, that will be shown at Interzoo. I will likely order more for the US market after the show. Enjoy!
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/113960Planet_Ferrari-med.jpg

[elosusa]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7174096#post7174096 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Fliger
You're really making me want one of these.
just one? Man, I better add some more pictures to this thread..............

[Fliger]

OK, well after that picture maybe two. ;-)

[Putawaywet]

You wouldn't happen to have a pic of one in Blue would you?

About time this hobby started embracing a little color :)

Just a thought... but I wonder how a couple of those yellow Ferrari team decals would look on that red pendant. :D

Brett

[elosusa]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7179370#post7179370 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Putawaywet
You wouldn't happen to have a pic of one in Blue would you?

About time this hobby started embracing a little color :)

Just a thought... but I wonder how a couple of those yellow Ferrari team decals would look on that red pendant. :D

Brett
I like the blue, as well. I'll get some pictures of them next week. I have a bunch of lights in and after Interzoo is done, our lighting will be a priority. By the way I love your tank. It is nice to see that kind of attention to detail and originality. Are you planning a new tank or thinking of changing the lighting on your current tank? Anyways things are crazy now but after I get back I will have time to post pics of new colors and a few other surprises from the show. Oh, and the yellow ferrari stickers would go perfect. Jesse

[Putawaywet]

Thank you for the kind words.

New tank

New lighting needs

I eagerly await pics.

Brett

[elosusa]

Brett,
During the show we talked about the Planet II for the US and we will now include our spectra bulbs in the fixture price for the US only. The other thing that is interesting to note about the Spectra is that it is a UV protected double-ended bulb. This does not mean you can use it without protective glass but it is designed to our specs. with UV protection, which most double ended bulbs don not offer.If you look on the Interzoo pictures thread you can see some of the different colors we displayed of the Planet II. Anyways, thought I would update this thread. Let me know if you have any other questions.

[Putawaywet]

I'm not sure I'm following you on the UV protection explanation. I have always been led to believe that the protective shield/glass on these type of fixtures is more than adequate at filtering out harmful UV rays.

Are you saying this is not true and that bulbs need individual UV filters in addition to the protective glass shield that everyone else is using?

Also, do you have an specs on those Spectra bulbs? PAR? Color/Temp, etc?

regards,

Brett

[Fliger]

Sounds like a nice option if you protective glass cracks. I've seen threads before where glass broke and SPS were fried because the bulb stays on.

I'd be interested in PAR/Kelvin as well and maybe some shots (250W). I dunno that replacing my pendant is gonna happen anytime soon but I'm looking for a nice white/blue bulb.

[europa]

Hi Brett,
thanks for your question. It gives me the chance to clarify our position on bulb:
we have been the first company to introduce an UV filtered bulb. To signalize this to the customer we mark our bulb with the "UV-P" definition. The "UV-P" mark have been introduced by us, when we have first introduced our bulbs to the market about 8 years ago. Now, as far as I know, also some German producers have started to introduce the filter on the glass of their bulbs and one of them use the same mark as we do "UV-P" on their bulbs. No problem on this but, to be honest, this was our "trademark" and I'm happy to point out this on this discussion!

Shield glasses normally installed on pendant lights grant different type of protection toward UV. With our bulbs we give an extra protection which, of course will slightly influence (reduce) the PPFD as well as the CCT when compared to unshielded bulbs but we think that, the "bill to pay" is much lower than the effect that an unshielded bulb can generate (I've delicate eyes and I've personally been burned by unshielded bulbs).

On all our products we take great care of corals, fish, the aquarium, but mainly on users . On our test kit and additive we use ingredients and formulations which are not poison, we apply the security tag for blind people, we use closure safe to children, where possible, our electrical devices runs at low voltage, we take care to environment using safe material , our products are made to work well and to be easy to use etc. etc.

On bulbs? Here we definitely believe that it is much better to have a slightly reduced PAR, than burning your corals and also your eyes. This is why, we have decided to supply only shielded bulbs.
Beside this, from experiment, we have also found that in same case corals develop better coloration under our bulbs.... but I let you, to discover this (as many other hobbyist have found here in Europe) as a "side" effect on using a much safer bulb.

I don't like to give number of PPFD and CCT as they definitely depend on testing condition, instruments, working temperature, ballast. Just as a rough view let me say that, using our Planet, with electronic ballast our 250 watt bulb shows a CCT of about 8,800-9,000 with a PPFD of about 80-85 which slightly increase (close to 100-110) using the magnetic ballast version.

I hope to have given a fair view on our bulb. My suggestion is to try it. I'm sure you'll find it a good bulb.

And... protect your skin and eyes when you use unshielded bulbs in unshielded fixtures.

Nick

[Putawaywet]

Hi Nick,

Many thanks for that very detailed explanation.

Brett

[Fliger]

I'm interested in the 250W bulb. For now it will be run in an AquaMedic Sunglight NG driven by magnetic HQI ballasts. I'm surprised the CCT is low - from the pictures I've seen it seemed a little more white/blue. I'm sure you're familiar with German bulbs - would you say its similar to the Giesemann 14.5K bulb? I really did like that bulb, accented by T5. I'm not so concerned with PPFD as my tank is rather shallow. Right now I'm using the Ushio/BLV 14K bulb and it's white, but I wish it was slightly cooler white/blue.

[elosusa]

fliger,
I run the 250 spectra 10k plus on a bluewave magnetic and it is white to my eyes. I replaces a AB 10k and that bulb was a lot more yellow. I don't know if that helps but that is what I have noticed.

[europa]

That is the reason why I don't really like numbers. The bulb is definitely white, but not as blue as the 14.5K.
The Giesemann is definitely more blue but, for sure, many other bulbs rated 10K show a more yellow color, specially after some months of use.

Nick

[Putawaywet]

Jesse, Nick,

Ok, you folks have my full attention. I'm fast approaching that time to make a lighting decision. I just need to narrow down the choices and I'm looking for a little help from you.

Here's my dilemma.

My tank will not only be rather long, but significantly wider than the norm. It will measure 84” x 36”. Depth will be between 26” and 28”.

I’m not sure running a pair pendants end to end down the middle of the tank will give me the coverage across it’s width that I’m looking for.

As an alternative I’ve considered running 3 of the 24” pendants across the tank, all parallel to each other.

But here’s my dilemma....

My first choice is to go all T5 mostly because I believe they transfer less heat into a tank, and you can play with your bulb choice to achieve and infinite amount of color variations. That, and I have been really wanting to do a large SPS tank lit in T5 as I have seen the europeans do.

So, if I decide to do a pair of Planet II pendants down the middle that would be a maximum of 12 x 39w bulbs. However, if you feel I won’t achieve sufficient coverage and recommend I go with 3 shorter units across the tank I’d be looking at 18 bulbs and that’s not real cost effective to change all those out every year and a half.

So, as an option, I’m am now considering your Planet II T5/HQI combo. I could go 175W to keep power consumption low, and have single HQI’s (3 total) for an across the tank setup, and dual HQI’s (4 total) if I hang them down the middle.

And.....

Just when I fall in love with the Planet II you go and show off the Evo Suncolor to make things even more difficult.

Confused yet? I sure am.

Basically it's either:

A pair of 36” Planet II pendants down the middle in either a 6x39w T5 configuration or a T5/175w HQI combo?

Or...

3 Planet II’s across the tank’s width in either a 6xT5 configuration (ouch!) or a T5/HQI combo.

Or...

Something completely different.

If it helps any I have some pics of my stand to give you an idea of my proposed layout. Feel free to check out the link to my gallery above.

Oh, and one more thing, I’m a sucker for stuff that looks as good as it performs so I award bonus points for agressive style :)

Many thanks.

Brett

[Fliger]

Hey I had the same size tank, I was actually surprised that one row of pendants wasn't bad. I didn't use the back 6" or so, and it kept some areas in the front for lower light corals.

I would recommend as bright of a ballast/bulb combo as possible though. You can raise the MH for better spread but some of the combos I used really stank. I ended up liking Giesemann Coral (very white) bulbs and Phoenix bulbs off HQI ballast.

Now I have a light similar to the Planet (4xT5 & 2xMH) and I wish I would have had one for that tank. My fixture is nowhere near the quality of the Elos and its a heavy mo-fo. So my guess is two 36" fixtures with 2xMH and 4xT5 each would work very well.

I only have a couple pix uploaded -

http://homepage.mac.com/dfliger/.Pictures/Photo%20Album%20Pictures/2006-01-20%2020.19.43%20-0800/Image-B1D38B7C8A3411DA.jpg

These are Phoenix bulbs on HQI ballasts

http://homepage.mac.com/dfliger/.Pictures/Photo%20Album%20Pictures/2006-06-05%2012.00.37%20-0700/Image-77327EC6F4C511DA.jpg

[elosusa]

Brett,
I will answer in more detail later but I did look at you gallery and I like the idea of running 3 of the 150w pendants. On your post you said 175w, I am assuming this is a typo? The other thing that I noticed was the Line-X on the stand? I have one of my stands sprayed with Line-X and so far it has worked out well. The one thing that is not that great is how thick that stuff goes on. In some places it is thicker than others but it does seem to deaden the sound a bit. Anyways, I gotta go but my vote would be for the 3 ran parellel which will gie you plenty of t5's to mess with color and the front to back spread you want.

[Putawaywet]

Fliger - That's a nice looking tank that you and your son (I'm guessing here) are tap dancing in. It gives me an idea how mine will look when it's finally in place. However, you seem to be describing that tank in the past tense? Is it no longer setup?

Jesse - I noticed the same with my Linex, extra think in some spots and a little thin in others, but I don't think it will be an issue in the long run. Overall, I'm happy I went with it.

And yes, a typo on my part about the 150w/175w mixup - it was late and my mind was getting a little fuzzy. I am planning to skim heavily as well as run ozone so
I'm hoping the clarity of my water will be very high, allowing me to use lesser wattage bulbs if that is the way I decide to go.

Also, the tank will not be stocked in full right away, probably 50% in the beginning so I could purchase 2 units and come back at a later date for the third.

I am liking the interface/Biotopus option as it appears it would keep the number of power cords to a minimum and that is very appealing.

Brett

[elosusa]

Brett,
The interface also allows you to save a plug on the multiplug because you send the power cord to the wall and a small telephone cord to the unit. Better filtration and less wattage, what an idea:) I spoke to Nicola today and he now has one of the IceCap fitted mh/t5 units to check out. I have another set of lights on their way to IceCap and I am hoping to have a few on display at the local show I am attending. I know there are few guys from SoCal coming up so you may want to hitch a ride and take a look at the lights in person. Just an idea. The only thing that will change from the production model is the fan but this is a very slight difference. Anyways I will keep you guys informed.

[Putawaywet]

Much appreciated.

That is a really great idea on the cord routing. Especially since I am planning to install the majority of my electrical controls in the end of the stand that is nearest the middle of the room. And with a typical lighting install that would mean I would have multiple power cords running across the tank, down the wall, and then thru the entire length of the stand.... some 15+ feet give or take.

But with a Biotopus and the Planet interface I would only have to route 3 phone cords thru the stand. Very nice indeed!

I would appreciate any updates you could provide on the progress of the IceCap ballasts. I'm a longtime customer and quite fond of their stuff as well

regards,

Brett

[elosusa]

I was going through some pictures and figured these would help the conversation along.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/113960iz12-med.jpg
Here is one of the new stands in a new color for the show, ferrari cyan.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/113960iz13.jpg
Close up of the planet in this color.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/113960iz10-med.jpg
Closer view of the display for planet lighting products. An interesting combo is on the bottom right hand corner which is a 2x250w with a 70w blue bulb in the middle. This was displayed at the show but I don't know if it will be a production light.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/113960iz11.jpg
Finally, the interface we have been talking about. This particular planet was equipped with 6x39w t5's and 4 blue led moonlights. In this picture you can see the 2 cords coming from the light. One was going to the wall socket and the telephone cord was going to the controller. With this I was able to control 3 groups of 2 t5's. I did not control the moonlights because I didn't even realize they were installed until the end of the show, but I imagine they were run on a lunar cycle setting available on the biotopus. As usual, let me know if you have any other questions.

[Putawaywet]

Jesse, just curious why you are suggesting the Planet II 4xT5 / 150w combo over the model with 6 T5's?

I'm a big fan of T5 (espcially when overdriven as IceCap ballasts like to do) and think the idea of doing a big reef tank with them would be an interesting diversion.

Brett

[elosusa]

I was thinking of the mh/t5 combo because the 4 t5's give you plenty of bulbs to play around with bulb combos and the mh bulb comes with the fixture, is more powerful and it means 6 less t5 bulbs to buy. Of course, that means you would eventually have to buy 3 mh bulbs and run more wattage which would likley eat up the money you saved initially. Because the outside of these lights are the same you may even want to use both types? Out of curiousity, are you considering any 54w t5 fixtures?

[Putawaywet]

54w fixtures? No, hadn't considered that option but now that you mention it... are you thinking a 54w fixture in the middle and a 24" fixture turned across each end? that seems like it could also be a possibility. My only requirement is all fixtures must be the same style and color. So anything is a possibility as long as you are helping me spend my money ;)

I tend to aquascape with a minimalist approach with my motto being "less is more". I'm considering doing multiple small rock islands of different heights so I don't really need to cover every inch of the tank with light.

Brett

[Fliger]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7561751#post7561751 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Putawaywet
Fliger - That's a nice looking tank that you and your son (I'm guessing here) are tap dancing in. It gives me an idea how mine will look when it's finally in place. However, you seem to be describing that tank in the past tense? Is it no longer setup?

Hi Brett, actually that's me & my father. I am a 3 year old prodigy. :) That tank was 84x36x26 and I loved the size. I had to get rid of if because of a move that never ended up happening. It was also just a TON of work, and I'm glad I downsized. Even tho my new tank is only 48x32 - its plenty big, I doubt I would ever go bigger than say 60x36 from here on out, tanks much bigger just become a part time job for me and I have way too many other things going on.

I like the less is more as well, it looks great in a wide tank, especially if you're into SPS. Can't wait to see the progress.

[Putawaywet]

Too funny. That pic looks like it was taken just yesterday.

And I know what you mean about the part time job, as it seemed like all I was doing with my twin tanks was siphoning and scraping the pink stuff.

Then again, here I am thinking this tank will be less work ???

The joke may be on me

Brett

[loweryster]

Has anyone tried one of these yet???

[elosusa]

Not for sale in the USA yet, only a few pre-orders.