dapellegrini

This:

http://www.aquacave.com/wire-suspens...pply-1342.html

Compared to this:

http://www.aquacave.com/wire-suspens...pply-1343.html

The Tek fixture comes with some eye-bolts but they are pretty ghetto.

TNguyen

ahh, cool. the single definitely look classy. Thanks for the info.

dapellegrini

The problem - that you don't realize until you hang one of these from the ceiling - is that the power cords can cause the light to hang weird. They put more pull/weight on the back corner. You can solve this by consistent bending of the cords until you get them to conform - or by attaching them to something along the way down (velcro wraps work perfect) that removes the pull on the cords (filter tubing down the back of the tank is a good candidate).

The 2 point system will let you balance the light front-to-back if you are having trouble with it where the cords pull the back down and thus angle the front forward. The single point system won't afford you this luxury, but it looks a lot cleaner if you have an easy way of dealing with the tug from the power cords.

Good luck.

Bunbuku

AquaMedic Oceanlight 150 watt pendant. Change the OEM bulb to an ADA 8000K.

http://www.aqua-medic.com/oceanlight_pendant.shtml

TNguyen

I'm going to propose all these option to her and let her decide what would work with her setup depending on the room. I think all of these are perfect.

Bunbuku, that setup is really nice.

Stopped by Paul's place today, the solar I is also nice.

dapellegrini

These are all ok options - BUT the Solar I is way over priced and ADA underpowers their fixtures, so you end up with less light output. The Aqua Medic pendant (I run one on a Mini-M Reef setup) is a good little light - but it produces a lot of heat and you would not get as good light dispersion as you will with the Tek - which is the best bang for your buck. The AM Ballast also starts to buzz after a couple of months.

If you are interested in a MH pendant, I have heard good things about these (look a lot like the AM, but way cheaper):

http://www.fishneedit.com/150w-metal...ndant-lig.html

Paul Higashikawa

I have both Solar I and Tech 24. I agree with everything you guys said. Personally, I prefer to hang the light using the Solar I arm as it is easier for me to work with things, rather than hanging from the ceiling. Which brings up the Tech 24. I got BOTH suspension system for Tech 24 AND the leg to sit on the tank. In my opinion, legs =BAD IDEA on ADA tanks as they are rimless. The legs of Tech will scratch and every time I move the lighting, the legs would scratch against the glass........just aches my heart (Did remedy this by placing thin pieces of sponge beneath the legs to cushion it against the glass, but then if you are going for the aesthetics, not a good sight....).

While at it, Luis and I also tried hanging the Tech 24 on Solar I stand.........Didn't work out too well bec it was too heavy for the arm.....caused it to bend slightly. I do love Tech 24 coverage. So in the end, it came down to personal choice and I opted for Solar I.........now this was before they jacked up the price..........If I remember correctly, a friend here had a similar Q, and in the end he went for AM and was VERY happy with it. And yes, ADA is great and all but the price.......big turn-off. But then again, can't beat their ever-so light electronic ballast

Thanh, I should have given you the suspension so you can give it to your friend IF she decides to go with Tech 24. Speaking of lightings, whatever happened to Coralife MH, haha! I also have one of those I never even used..............


But then again, these unused gears all lend us excuse to say/think....".....Ah, maybe someday I can setup another tank....."

Sorry for all the ramblings........Just waiting for hair to dry at 2AM, after I cleaned my 60-P:P

ingg

You can make your own arms for pendants for a few bucks. Painted pipe conduit looks great, is simple, and works well.

A friend did a really nice write up on it, it can be found here:

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums...-100579-2.html

Bunbuku

How about this Giesemann? Its available in a variety of finishes and has the minimalist clean line style. Plus it looks light weight enough to hang from the Solar I arm http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...s~vendor~.html.

I agree with Paul, if your friend is at all interested in hanging the fixture from the Solar I arm, small and light is a must. If you have the DIY skills to build one out of pipe conduit and make it look a piece of furniture then your options are wide open.

dapelliegrini is right, you can hear the ballast from the AM hum when you get really close to it. Probably a transformer. But at least in my unit its not perceptible enough to bother anyone. My unit is ~6-7 months old.

dapellegrini

Here's the bar I did for my Tek (first one was a learning experience). I have since removed the bar and really prefer it hanging from the cieling - so much cleaner looking.

http://www.azaquaticplants.com/commu...ead.php?t=7607