Major Lighting Upgrade. Need Some Imput

[64Ivy]

Bringing back this thread because I've JUST received the fixtures mad! In the interim however, I've learned of a new source for the AquaConnect bulbs (FragFarmer) but before I make yet another large investment, I'd like to know if anyone thinks 6 400W 14Ks would not be blue enough? As previously stated, this would be my first time going without actinics, which I DO like the look of, but adding them to this system would be a bit of a logistical nightmare. My other choice would be going half 14s and half 20k Radiums though I'm concerned that may be TOO blue. Any thoughts or should I just go with all AquaConnects, pour another coffee, and relax?

 

[CarlaW]

I ran 6 20K radiums for about 2 years, and I loved the look. I also ran actinic VHO supplementation for the dawn-dusk theory. Just a thought.

 

[ReeferPatt]

I would think the AC 14K's would be plenty blue enough. Fragfarmers carries the Aquaconnect bulb. Very cool! I've been looking for what seems forever. Will have to check them out.

 

[ReeferPatt]

I wasted no time. Got mine ordered. Yeah finally. Thanks 66Ivy. I may order a couple extras to have. So very coool!!!

 

[Maxx]

Michael,
I think you're going to run into a personal taste issue with this one...

Personally, I'd love the 14K look, but I'm very used to 10K bulbs w/o actinic supplementation, and 20K bulbs over a tank are too blue for me.

YMMV....

What took so long to get the fixtures?

Nick

 

[64Ivy]

YMMV....

What took so long to get the fixtures?

Nick

Couldn't tell ya for sure. I got plenty of excuses though; everything from 'tied up in customs' to 'the shipper lost the paperwork'. Fortunately, my old hood continues to hang in there so no harm done other than to my nerves.

By the way, what does the 'YMMV' stand for?

 

[Maxx]

YMMV = Your Mileage May Vary....

Basically, what works for me may not work for you...

regarding the wait on the new lights....
I know it can be a PITA sometimes for Customs to decide what they'll allow, they can be kind of capricious sometimes. I ordered an H&S skimmer from FinsReef. They had the skimmers in county for while, but took Customs a long time to clear them....like two months. Meanwhile, FinsReef was paying for the "storage" of the uninspected skimmers daily.

Did you order those from AO? Did he remain in contact with you and keep you informed or did you have to push the issue to get info regarding the order? Did you get charged immediately, or when they shipped them to you?

Nick

 

[64Ivy]

Yes, I got them through AO and, quite honestly, I was a more than just a bit disapointed in their failure to keep me apprised of things, especially once the fixtures had indeed cleared customs. Apparently, they then sat idle at the shippers for quite some time because of lost paperwork, but it wasn't until I called for a status report before they (AO) discovered there even was a problem! Now I'm sorry, but at the cost of these things, you'd think someone would call ME...if for nothing else to see if I liked 'em, let alone got 'em!

But, in a possibly related motivational facet, yep, they were already paid in full. Seems everyone stayed on top of that! :lol:

Ah, but let's not get me really started. I'm just glad they got here and I look forward to getting them up and going as everyone I know who has them just loves them to death.

Any other thoughts, concerns, and opinions out there?

 

[kevinpo]

Hi Michael,
I know Jean-Paul (RedEyeReef) ran a set of those for the full life of the bulbs but he ran actinic supplementation also. He doesn't like too blue of a tank so they may not be blue enough by themselves for you. You might drop him a PM as he doesn't visit here too often.

Regards,
Kevin