Need some opinions

[trble81]

I posted a thread a few weeks ago about lighting for a 90 gallon that we will be getting in the near future. From the suggestions on that thread, it seams that purchasing fully assembled lighting (after taking careful measurements of the canopy, of course) will take away the hassel of a DIY system (especially if you're electrically challanged like me) and will cost roughly the same.

 

I looked at this item online at Marine Depot's website: Current USA Fluorescent Nova Extreme Fixtures.

 

It seems pretty cool. Is it any good (the whole thing/manufacturer)? I saw a thread in the product review section that is a little old but Current USA got bashed by someone and got pretty decent marks from a few others.

 

If you don't like that particular type, can you suggest something similar? We're basically looking for T5 lighting without spending a fortune.

 

Thanks in advance and happy cinco de Mayo!!

 

[jason the filter freak]

Keep a look out on the boards for a used fixture, I got mine for a good deal. On the boards

[jamesbuf]

I believe the Current units use one large reflector instead of individuals. Supposedly indidual reflectors inclreases the output close to 100%.

[trble81]

I believe the Current units use one large reflector instead of individuals. Supposedly indidual reflectors inclreases the output close to 100%.

 

 

How about the reliability of the manufacturer?

[lanman]

How about the reliability of the manufacturer?

 

I just picked up my 6-bulb TEK T5 fixture from BRK yesterday. It has the new german 99% reflectors on it (unexpectedly). I haven't put the bulbs in yet - but I should get that done today. I have a 4-bulb TEK fixture over my 45. Seems great so far.

 

I have a Current-USA 70w MH fixture over my 24-gallon nano; and it has been bulletproof so far (Dec. 2006).

 

I would assume any brand-name product would be good quality - this is not a hobby where you're going to stay in business long putting out crappy merchandise.

 

bob

[traveller7]

I would assume any brand-name product would be good quality - this is not a hobby where you're going to stay in business long putting out crappy merchandise.

If only that were true. There have been nightmares shipped by more then one major and respected brand name. Nightmares, means fire hazard, shock hazard, hardware failures, etc.

 

IMHO, if you are going to buy a high powered lighting system, make sure it has been in the market for at least 1yr and then search RC, Reefs, Reef Frontiers, Reefland, etc., to cover the broadest user community for issues. Thankfully, bad news seems to travel fast.

 

Good luck.

[lanman]

If only that were true. There have been nightmares shipped by more then one major and respected brand name. Nightmares, means fire hazard, shock hazard, hardware failures, etc.

 

IMHO, if you are going to buy a high powered lighting system, make sure it has been in the market for at least 1yr and then search RC, Reefs, Reef Frontiers, Reefland, etc., to cover the broadest user community for issues. Thankfully, bad news seems to travel fast.

 

Good luck.

Yeah - that's what I was getting at. If you put out a dangerous or low-quality product, word gets around pretty fast.

 

bob

[dandy7200]

As far as fixtures are concerned for t-5 that are not breaking the bank:

 

Good: Aquactinics, SLS, Helios

 

Bad: Finnex, Current USA, Jebo

[trble81]

Awesome advise, as usual, guys. I'll keep my eye out for those brands and deals...