Magic lamps???

trying it again · 02-17-2006, 08:44 AM

Hi. I was wondering if anyone here knows anything about these lights. The seller is pretty close so I could save the shipping charge..if allowed to pick up...
Here is a link to FAQ....http://lenslights.com/aqualights/inn...l#24......This is the light...http://cgi.ebay.com/HO-65W-500W-OutP...QQcmdZViewItem
.......So before entertaining this any further, your opinions are needed....Thanks for you help.

JohnO · 02-17-2006, 08:09 PM

Hi TIA

I don't really think there is anything "Magic" about these lights

From what I can see it is a Spectrum 6400K 130W Power Compact fluoro in a nice case. I could be wrong, but it will be something like that for sure. I suggest that you research that type of power compact and see if the ratings are sufficient for what you want to keep ( eg type of coral ).

Just one would of warning though, the FAQ's mentions colour filters for marine tanks. While this may be a good thing, if you apply these filters, you will lose a significant amount of actual light.

John

trying it again · 02-17-2006, 10:10 PM

Hi JohnO, Thanks for checking them out. When I said "Magic" I was being sarcastic about them .... But will those bulbs or the ones you mentioned , in your own opinion, support some easy to care for coral... They said to pair them up actinecs, and if they put out 500watts two should be plenty for a 55gal... right? ..oh yea I was sceptical about the filters too.
Thanks
TIA

lwalcott · 02-21-2006, 02:02 PM

These lamps work good for soft corals or on a refugium. They are a little on the yellow side as far as the color. I would have to agree that the lenses are a bad idea as that will change the spectrum of the light.

trying it again · 02-21-2006, 10:55 PM

Thanks lwalcott. I,m guessing you used them?... My main concern is are they going to be a decent intensity ..not so much the look .. I could blue up the color with the actinics ..The tank is a little too blue now. I,m really not planning on keeping any exotic stuff right now.. just some low demanding species to give it a shot. Thanks for the reply
TIA
PS..The bulbs claim to be rated at 4550 lumens

lwalcott · 02-22-2006, 11:28 AM

Tia,
Yes I have used them. I used them about 5 years ago. I had 4 of them on a 125 gallon with soft corals and everything did great. They are a cheap alternative until you can save enough money to buy halides or whatever later.

trying it again · 02-22-2006, 10:19 PM

Thats good news lwalcott , I was hoping to get a reply from someone who used them...You shed new light on my decision(pun intended). And thanks again JohnO too.
TIA