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Trying to light my 150 (5x2x2) with a pendant, the decision wasn't easy. My short list ended up being the Photon, the Aqua Sunlight NG, Maristar and the 230 Eco.
- The Photon was too expensive, and I was a little worried about getting parts. I also heard from a couple people that the mogul reflector wasn't the best. So I figured I'd do DE, but at $1,900 it was just a little too much for me.
- The Maristar didn't pass the wife test, she thought it looked ugly. Obviously its a very practical fixture but I just wish they'd make it look a little more presentable.
- The Sunlight NG was probably my first choice. Its awesome, with 4 T5's and kick butt reflectors. Supply was the issue, I heard anything from 4 weeks to 2+ months. The internal ballast was a negative as well, even Aqua Medic told me things will burn out quickly. I have a friend who could have removed them, but the timing issue was too much to overcome.
- The Eco was probably at the bottom of my list. Then I saw it.
I ran a couple Novas years ago and always loved the look. Maybe only equipment junkies on zeovit.com can understand that, lol. One thing I really liked is that the reflecters are further to the outside of the pendant. That helped since my tank is actually 5' long. The reflectors get knocked sometimes - but last night I did some testing and I have to say that its an incredibly even spread. The T5's (Actinic+, similar to ATI Blue+) look awesome.
The ballasts are also really nicely boxed and the quick disconnect is not a prong, it looks more like a computer connection. The ballasts make a hum at start up, but are silent after that. Apparently there are some digital safety features built into the unit but my ADD didn't allow me to comprehend that part.
I upgraded to the Megachrome 14.5k which are surprisingly white. Hardly any blue at all.
The pendant is 4' but I will also be running 5' T5's to cover the entire tank.
Soooo .... really nice fixture, would highly recommend.
- The Photon was too expensive, and I was a little worried about getting parts. I also heard from a couple people that the mogul reflector wasn't the best. So I figured I'd do DE, but at $1,900 it was just a little too much for me.
- The Maristar didn't pass the wife test, she thought it looked ugly. Obviously its a very practical fixture but I just wish they'd make it look a little more presentable.
- The Sunlight NG was probably my first choice. Its awesome, with 4 T5's and kick butt reflectors. Supply was the issue, I heard anything from 4 weeks to 2+ months. The internal ballast was a negative as well, even Aqua Medic told me things will burn out quickly. I have a friend who could have removed them, but the timing issue was too much to overcome.
- The Eco was probably at the bottom of my list. Then I saw it.
I ran a couple Novas years ago and always loved the look. Maybe only equipment junkies on zeovit.com can understand that, lol. One thing I really liked is that the reflecters are further to the outside of the pendant. That helped since my tank is actually 5' long. The reflectors get knocked sometimes - but last night I did some testing and I have to say that its an incredibly even spread. The T5's (Actinic+, similar to ATI Blue+) look awesome.The ballasts are also really nicely boxed and the quick disconnect is not a prong, it looks more like a computer connection. The ballasts make a hum at start up, but are silent after that. Apparently there are some digital safety features built into the unit but my ADD didn't allow me to comprehend that part.
I upgraded to the Megachrome 14.5k which are surprisingly white. Hardly any blue at all.
The pendant is 4' but I will also be running 5' T5's to cover the entire tank.
Soooo .... really nice fixture, would highly recommend.
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