Aqualine Bushke HQI lighting questions

[jrodzen]

Hi all

I am in the planning stages of a reef tank and am considering some different alternatives for lighting, though I am leaning towards 250W HQI. It seems the only american HQI fixtures available are those from PFO (the mini-pendants) so I am looking at aqualine-bushke's systems. If any of you out there are familiar with these, I have a few questions about them...

1) since they are german made, will they run properly on our US power system of 110/220V 60Hz power?

2) do they come with electronic ballasts?

3) anyone know what their ballasts pull for amps?

4) if you already own one, are you satisfied with what you have?

thanks!!
-Jeff

 

[theringnebula]

First off, let me say I have this sytems and IT ROCKS. I would buy it again in a heartbeat. It's the best lighting in every way... output, color, engineering, etc.

Now to your questions:

1. Yes they make them in the american 110 system so there is no problem there

2. No (at least I don't think so) however IMO there is not a tremendous gain with electronic ballasts on HQI/Metal Halide as there is with VHO and the like.

3. Depends on what system you get. I have the 3x250 Watt HQI + 4x24 Watt PC Blue. The sticker on the unit rates it at 900 Watts at 115V so that would be 7.82 Amps (A = W/V). This will be less for the smaller models and as with most MH it uses more during the initial startup. This config definatly needs it's own 15 amp ciruit with nothing else major (i.e. no pumps) on it.

4. Yes.. It is sooooo nice. Great output (equals output of 3x400 watt 10k system at least) so this will cut electricity bills quite a bit. Great Color. The color (even without the Blue PC's on) is very nice. Everything looks bright and vivid.

The only drawback is that the unit does get hot. But all MH systems do and I can only imagine how hot a 400watt system would be.

If you have any more questions feel free to ask.

[ April 14, 2002: Message edited by: theringnebula ]</p>

 

[Reefscap]

5) Why are they so much money. We are all getting ripped off when it comes to the price of these fixtures.

 

[dendronepthya]

"5) Why are they so much money. "

Cost of AB Aquaspacelight:
1. 2 - 250W HQI w/ 2 - 28W PC
-------------------------------------
$800

Cost of DIY::
1. $462.80 for the dual PFO 250W retro kit with 10K bulbs.
2. $113.85 for the dual PFO 28W PC retro kit
3. $100 for time/materials to assemble a canopy
4. I am not counting shipping since I got my setup shipped for free, and I think if you nagged whomever, they may be generous enough to offer the same.
-------------------------------------
$676.65

Basically a savings of $123.35. I couldn't DIY a better looking setup that has all the flexibility that this one does. I am able to hang it, or set it atop my canopy and have it look every bit as impressive.

 

[dendronepthya]

The AB setups are the finest money can buy IMO.

 

[Reefscap]

Ya, I guess, It just seems like alot of money. I will probably brakedown and buy one too

 

[theringnebula]

Reefscap: I'm telling you that once you've crossed over... there's no turning back.

Bawh..ha...ha

 

[theringnebula]

I agree with dendronepthya. I calculated the cost of 3 PFO 400 watt ballasts + 2 bulbs + VHO supp. + retrofits and it cost more than the aqualine fixture. Plus I will save money each month on energy. I don't understand the misconception that these are expensive.

 

[jrodzen]

thanks for the info about these fixtures. I have been out of reef keeping for about 4-5 years as I was working through graduate school but am planning to get back into it again. I have DIY'd things a number of times in the past, but after you consider the time, effort, money, and quality of the end result, I am at the point where I would rather just buy quality equipment right from the get-go, even if it does entail a larger initial outlay of cash.
And besides, no one is currently producing an HQI system in the US besides those PFO pendant things, so I would have to jury-rig some sort of combination of those with PC or VHO bulbs and build a hood myself.
so anyway, it looks like the fixture I mentioned (which would probably go over a 180g reef) with the PCs would pull almost the same aperage as the new icecap HQI ballasts, which are rated at 2.9A per lamp (or 6A for three bulbs, excluding any fluorescents).
thanks for your input!
jeff

 

[D-Nak]

Hamilton also makes an HQI set-up. The part number is Part A1E2 - 250W Low-Profile 1MH REEFSTAR System . You can see it here. Scroll down to the bottom.

Once they come widely available, I'm hoping the price will come down. I definitely like the look of the AB set-ups, but my wife doesn't like the look of the fixture haging from the ceiling, so I'm looking for an HQI set-up that will fit in a hood.

D-Nak

 

[theringnebula]

D-Nak:

I am currently building an enclosure "cap" for the top of my aquarium that is open on the top so it covers the spacelight. It works nicely. You get the look of a cap, with the convience of a suspended light. I'll post pics when it's done

[ April 16, 2002: Message edited by: theringnebula ]</p>

 

[D-Nak]

Wes,

I'd definitely like to see some pictures. Building a special hood or "cap" as you call it was another one of my considerations, if I were to purchase the AD set-up. I'd love to see what yours looks like.

D-Nak

 

[StirCrazy]

Is there a sorce to buy replacement aqualine-bushke bulbs online? I want to put them in my own hood so I just want the bulbs.

thanks
Steve

 

[Enkidu]

I don't know if you're looking for a fully built fixture only, but Icecap now makes an HQI ballast. I think its just the ballast though so you'd still need a fixture to hold the bulb.

 

[jrodzen]

Stir-

try these companies (though I havent bought anything from them myself):

ocean encounter oceanencounter.com

custom aquatics www.customaquatics.com