Malolo
04/04/2006, 09:16 PM
I purchased one of these recently and after finally getting it set up on my 58 Oceanic, I thought I would share the results of my light measurements.
Some have questioned the quality of the reflectors and the strength of the ballasts compared to other units. I have not measured any of the others, but I can tell you Tom's fixture kicked out some excellent par values according to the Apogee meter I was fortunate enough to borrow.
My bulb combination was 2 D&D Act.+, 2 Aquaz Sunpro (10k) and 1 GE 6.5K Starcoat. The overall color is more white than blue. More blue than the average 10K MH, but less than a 14K.
I measured a value of 150 with the probe flat on the bare bottom of the tank ( fixture resting directly on frame of tank about 21" above bottom with 19.5" water column), with steady increase up through the column and reaching 300 aprox. 6" from surface.
I thought this fixture might be a good fit for this tank and I guess I was right. I wanted enough light to do mostly sps and, from past experience, this level should be enough. I thought I might have to resort to 2 GE bulbs to get the brightness needed for good growth but now I'm confident I will not have to do so.
I think these 5 bulb fixtures are perfect for 18" wide aquariums.
I was also impressed by the Aquaz 10K bulbs. Looks very bright and very white to the naked eye. I am anxious to compare it to the 11K D&D bulbs which Tom is supposed to send me as soon as they come in. I may even be able to eliminate the GE bulb from the line-up, although I do like the way it gives some pop to yellows and greens.
Overall very pleased with this fixture. Nice construction, runs cool as advertised and it delivers some punch just dont try to put it on a tank thats too big for it. I think the cooling fan is a major plus also.
Some have questioned the quality of the reflectors and the strength of the ballasts compared to other units. I have not measured any of the others, but I can tell you Tom's fixture kicked out some excellent par values according to the Apogee meter I was fortunate enough to borrow.
My bulb combination was 2 D&D Act.+, 2 Aquaz Sunpro (10k) and 1 GE 6.5K Starcoat. The overall color is more white than blue. More blue than the average 10K MH, but less than a 14K.
I measured a value of 150 with the probe flat on the bare bottom of the tank ( fixture resting directly on frame of tank about 21" above bottom with 19.5" water column), with steady increase up through the column and reaching 300 aprox. 6" from surface.
I thought this fixture might be a good fit for this tank and I guess I was right. I wanted enough light to do mostly sps and, from past experience, this level should be enough. I thought I might have to resort to 2 GE bulbs to get the brightness needed for good growth but now I'm confident I will not have to do so.
I think these 5 bulb fixtures are perfect for 18" wide aquariums.
I was also impressed by the Aquaz 10K bulbs. Looks very bright and very white to the naked eye. I am anxious to compare it to the 11K D&D bulbs which Tom is supposed to send me as soon as they come in. I may even be able to eliminate the GE bulb from the line-up, although I do like the way it gives some pop to yellows and greens.
Overall very pleased with this fixture. Nice construction, runs cool as advertised and it delivers some punch just dont try to put it on a tank thats too big for it. I think the cooling fan is a major plus also.