Anyone using Coralvue bulbs?

While investigating lighting for new tank setup, have frequently come accross Coralvue bulbs, which are priced far below others in industry.

i.e.

250w CoralVue 10,000k Bulb $52.00
http://www.diyreef.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=33

or:

New CoralVue Metal Halide bulbs
175 Watt 6500K 10,000K 12,000K 15,000K or 20,000K $50.99
250 Watt 6500K 10,000K 12,000K 15,000K or 20,000K $52.99
400 Watt 10,000K or 20,000K $57.99
Double Ended HQI bulbs
150 Watt 6500K 10,000K or 20,000K $59.99
250 Watt 6500k 10,000k or 20,000k $69.99

http://www.jensalt.com/hard.html

Can be found for little more, or less on a limited number of other sites.

Coralvue seems to be a small outfit with a limited number of distributors.

CustomAquatic says they will be carrying a wider range of Coralvue products starting this month.

Anyone using? - If so, what do you think about them.

With lighting being such a major factor in our aquarium budgeting, these lights may prove to be a great buy compared to others - but I don't want to get them just because they are "cheap" -

Anyone?


Rgds,

OmarD

PS: Coralvue coming out with new HQI "mini pendants" "soon"

re:
David D'Aquin
President
Vue Technology LLC
5 Emile Ave.
Kenner, LA 70065
USA
504.305.3246 Office/Fax

 

Jakets bought that bulb recently, shoot him a PM and have him post here so I can learn too!

 

My Bulbs were from Sun Aquatics. But the source of the bulbs could be the same.
I will post this Link again. There seems to be a colour difference between CoralVue 10000K and Sun 10000K.
The Pics on the left are with Actinics and the right with out

You know I would give them a try.

J

 

Thanks "J" intend to (give them a try) - CustomAquatic will be carrying the full line of Coralvue bulbs in next week or so (they are still working out pricing w/company)

I have decided to go with the 250 HQI - 10K Coralvue - (PFO mini pendant/& Ballast) as starter MH for my new tank.

Rgds,

OmarD

(Back to Whistler in two weeks, MLK weekend, - girls demanding to go - I am not arguing (- gives me "leverage" for new tank equip. )

 

This pendant is over a 90G right?

I have 2x250 over a 75G.

The problem with gradually upgrading MH is when you want more light your going to have to upgrade your Ballast and the entire unit.

I really think you will regret the mini pendant. Mainly because you have 4 feet to cover, I don't think the Pendant will do it for you. I know MHs aren't cheap but with just the pendant in the center of the tank you will not be able to support light demanding corals unless they are directly under the pendant. Even with your PCs supplementing the tank.
I don't mean to be negative I would just hate for you to go through all the expense of this upgrade only to find your not happy with the light.

J

 

Appreciate concerns and comments..

And am taking your earlier ones also into account - is reason I moved up from the 150W pendant to the 250W.

It is for a 120 gal tank, but planning for a "high light" side and a "low light" side of tank. So can creatures that like both can live in same tank.

It is not just a matter of saving $ initially.

If later I decide I want more light everywhere, then I will add a second pendant (on other side). - Have designed canopy to accomodate .

I like the flexibilty of doing it this way. (remember I also have a pretty powerful PC system to use also.)

Let me try it and see how it works out. - But for sure i will have enough light in at least part of tank to support the Clam I am going to get with "raffle" $ I am going to win.

Rgds,

OmarD

 

Don't think you ever got an answer on your question...????

Any feedback on Coralvue bulbs?

JT

 

Was never able to come up with the Coralvue 250w HQI...so got these instead...

250 watt XM HQI bulb 10000k Market price: $ 79.99
Our price: $ 55.99, save 30%

from "Joe" at Inreef.com

working great so far.

OmarD

 

So Omard what Ballast did you go for?
Are the pics you posted on another thread from those bulbs?

J

 

Hiya J...

All pics posted since tank move from the 250w HQI bulb.

Using the 250w PFO ballast (~$80 from CustomAquatic) -

I am really impressed with them so far...savings in bulbs will really pay off in long run. Inreef had a really good sale on them a couple of weeks ago >$50, so I went ahead and got next year's replacements. - but expect, as so many making them now, they may get much cheaper in future...

Hope all well neighbor..

Om