Aqua Traders

ScubaSteve · #1 12-24-2009, 08:13 AM

Ya, I almost went the Aquatraders direction as well recently to start my second tank (you know, being a poor PhD student and all...). I was looking at the MH mostly and those seem to be not of the best quality. The t5's on the other hand I have heard some decent things about and, like they said above, switch to better bulbs. The one thing about the t5 units, and someone please correct me if I am wrong, is that they don't have reflectors, thus your output is not as stellar as it could be.

For the same price point but maybe a little better try the Fishneedit units (http://www.fishneedit.com/t5ho-ligh.html). I've heard good things about them. They've got reflectors and everything.

If you have a friend in the states or access to a PO box, try Amazon of all places. They have retardly cheap deals on good lights from time to time... they don't ship to Canada though.

Finally, ask around this site. I got a wicked MH system from someone here for a good price and I could not be happier (It's a little overkill... but hey, go big or go home, right?). I'm sure there is someone with some lights for sale... right guys and gals?

fishytime · #2 12-24-2009, 01:22 PM

The T5 units do indeed have reflectors....not individual like a tek, though....the only issue with ordering them from the states is, if there is a problem with the light, you will have to send the unit back at your expense....

bumper · #3 12-25-2009, 12:52 AM

Just received before Christmas a few things from aquatraders. Couldn't help myself! A great experience with the LED light, they're submersible and they bring out the florescence in my zoas and blastos! The 4 x 54W T5HO Pro fixture was bumped or otherwise during shipping. The timer wasn't working. So they sent a new ballast and timer, with a deposit, when the originals were returned, the deposit was refunded. Not bad... Quite happy with the service, but it may take a few phone calls. The reflector is one that wraps all four bulbs together.

muck · #4 12-25-2009, 01:19 AM

Welcome to Canreef bumper!

You should post a few pics of the underwater LEDs.

Seamazter · #5 12-25-2009, 06:15 AM

If your a local Albertan buy them from red coral, they have a few in stock still i think, 3 foot and 4 foot.
Then you shouldn't need to worry about the expense of shipping and duty from the usa, plus Redcoral will honor their warrantee withing reason.

mitchelljared · #6 12-25-2009, 06:56 AM

We actually bought the same fixture from E-Bay as well, the Odyssea 48" 4X54 Watt T5's with 4 LED Moonlight...it works great, quieter than any fixture we've had before. It's hilarious to hear about people talking about fire hazards and all that from information they heard or might have read about more than a few years old...where's all the fear in the Coralife lighting? Anyway...the unit seems cheaper because it is, but it works.

Ryan · #7 12-25-2009, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mitchelljared

We actually bought the same fixture from E-Bay as well, the Odyssea 48" 4X54 Watt T5's with 4 LED Moonlight...it works great, quieter than any fixture we've had before. It's hilarious to hear about people talking about fire hazards and all that from information they heard or might have read about more than a few years old...where's all the fear in the Coralife lighting? Anyway...the unit seems cheaper because it is, but it works.

I dont know about you but I dont see very many people using coralife lighting anymore unless there is an old used fixture someone is selling cheap.