Lighthing: Keep or change?

**grey_fox** · 15th Jan 2006, 01:25

Need some advice. Since my tank's depth is 2ft, the current lighting source is not good enough to penetrate to the ground. I want to change my current hood's lighting to T5 output, probably need 4 x 54W T5s.

I've spoken to Razali from DeLightings his quote to me was about $3XX for the modification & retrofitting of my current hood, which is quite ex. I've posted some concerns I have in the above-mentioned thread at absolute reef
and the advise that I need would be the following.

1. Should I trash my current hood? (it came along with it but with 4 x FL slots and 1 of its slot for the flourescent tube (think its the internal wiring) My tank is a customised tank. The only problem is that the hood is made of aluminium (its sides are hard plastic) and to have the thing checked would mean to rip out the entire casing's silicon seal (the ballast is house in the centre portion... which is really stupid... if mantainence should be done...) and then to knock out the sides, would me spending $3XX for De Lighting's service be really worth my money?

2. If I get the hood or lighting fixture from AquaMarin, would it be better since it comes with a stand, however my concern is that as mentioned, the stand is adjustable, but can it be adjusted to my tank's size which is 4.8ft (I initially ordered mine as a 5 footer...

)

If I get the set from AquaMarin, I'll be saving quite a bit.

Thanks for reading and also for the knowledge that you can impart to me. (I'm a newbie at this interesting hobby)

**grey_fox** · 15th Jan 2006, 02:22

Just spoke to Janet from AquaMarin on MSN. Nice lady, I've made up my mind and will be going down to make the purchase tomorrow. Apparently they are open from 12PM to 12AM on weekdays and till 2AM on weekends...

Amazing.

All sets come with a 1 year warranty.

**ranmasatome** · 15th Jan 2006, 02:31

OMG!! i think i may go get a seT!!

**Nicky** · 15th Jan 2006, 09:15

Yes Janet, Steve and John are indeed nice people.
I have just bought my 2 sets of suspended 4ft T5 from them as well.
Design is very sleek. Price is very good (IMO).

Note: I am not related to them. Just happened to chance upon them when making my tank. The best part is that their operating hour is so suitable for night owls like me. The only thing is that they are not into planted.

**Weirong** · 15th Jan 2006, 09:49

OPEN TILL 2AM????

**benny** · 15th Jan 2006, 10:48

Originally Posted by Nicky

Yes Janet, Steve and John are indeed nice people....The only thing is that they are not into planted.

I know Kelvin goes to their shop too. Must be good. But not even one planted shot tank?

Cheers,

**DE Lightings** · 15th Jan 2006, 13:05

Just to clear some thoughts....

Firstly, when u require modifications, there is definately labour cost involve. that will include transportation and labour

Secondly, when u purchase any sets of lights, u should see where it is made from and the quality. If you get lights set made from China or Taiwan, of course the price is way much cheaper. U be buying some brands u never heard of.

So conclusion, it will depend on what your requirement is.

**Nicky** · 15th Jan 2006, 14:20

Originally Posted by benny

I know Kelvin goes to their shop too. Must be good. But not even one planted shot tank?

Cheers,

Yah saw Kelvin there last Monday night. Very good stock of marine stuff; live-stock and hard-ware.. plus lots of friendy people and customer hovering around till late.

Originally Posted by Weirong

OPEN TILL 2AM????

And yah, Golfmad and I was at the shop 2 Fri ago till 0300hrs.

**solonavi** · 15th Jan 2006, 15:22

Dun forget that u can always grab some prata when u'll hungry after shopping.

JC

**BFG** · 15th Jan 2006, 20:56

Originally Posted by Weirong

OPEN TILL 2AM????

yup, been down to their place a few times. My friend really like their 2ft marine tank. He just need a 2ft cube tank to start it.

I also like that they stay opened quite late as 2am or even later. Usually after 'recceing' the place, me and my friend will sit down at the coffeeshop to drink some hot beverage and tcss. They also have a large 'wolf' in their shop but that didn't bother me. The 'wolf' just mind it's own business and never bother me during my visit there. Oh, and the shop is air-conditioned too! They have a large display tank (marine of course).

**Weirong** · 15th Jan 2006, 22:32

So it's all about marine stuff. But why do they open til such weird hours?

**BFG** · 15th Jan 2006, 23:07

Can't answer that for you.

**grey_fox** · 15th Jan 2006, 23:26

Yup all marine there. Janet did mention that you might want to go into planted as well.

Also, really happy with my T5's

might get 1 more Type 2, 4 footer from her again before the offer ends

Btw, they're all really friendly people and haha their husky is quite the charmer, was howling when I came in :P.

*I am not related to AquaMarine but just would like to leave my comment on their equipment and their sales service

**mordrake** · 16th Jan 2006, 11:16

Originally Posted by Weirong

So it's all about marine stuff. But why do they open til such weird hours?

one reason could be that their marine livestock shipments usually come in during late nights.
another could be to cater to their customers.
open at 12pm to catch the lunchtime folks and till 12am to catch those that come after work/dinner.
helps that there's quite a few eateries there that closes late too

again, no relations to the shop but just another happy customer

**tiewkiat** · 16th Jan 2006, 13:28

yah, I see no reason why there should be any problem with the lighting. Comes with 1 year warranty. Don't think there are any other brands that offer longer warranties.

**Nicky** · 16th Jan 2006, 16:25

Originally Posted by tiewkiat

yah, I see no reason why there should be any problem with the lighting. Comes with 1 year warranty. Don't think there are any other brands that offer longer warranties.

This is going to be off-topic but since we are on this I might as well add my 2c-worth..

I also think so. Some people perceived anything and everything that is made-in-China or Taiwan to be low-quality.
Actually most of the things you see and use nowadays are either MIC/T or have components from there.
Many reputable companies have also locate their manufacturing plants there.
Osram, for instance, have MIC downlights. Whether the T5 is MIC or otherwise is another matter.

My regulator is MIT and is serving me well. My JEBO tank is MIC and I have no complaint about it.
IMO if seller gives 1-year warranty then the quality cannot be that far off.

**HorizonVentures** · 16th Jan 2006, 16:35

As a local merchant that manufacture lightings in Singapore, i have to say that the quality of these china/taiwan lightset are very good. In the long run, these lightset will eventually over-take the local manufacturer.

Atman/ Dazz/ Jeibo ect .... We are using them with confident.These are all from china and taiwan. I am sure these lightset are just as good too.

**optyxi** · 16th Jan 2006, 21:24

Originally Posted by Nicky

This is going to be off-topic but since we are on this I might as well add my 2c-worth..

I also think so. Some people perceived anything and everything that is made-in-China or Taiwan to be low-quality.
Actually most of the things you see and use nowadays are either MIC/T or have components from there.
Many reputable companies have also locate their manufacturing plants there.
Osram, for instance, have MIC downlights. Whether the T5 is MIC or otherwise is another matter.

My regulator is MIT and is serving me well. My JEBO tank is MIC and I have no complaint about it.
IMO if seller gives 1-year warranty then the quality cannot be that far off.

Actually i think tiew kiat is answering to Mr Razali's allegation of low quality MIC of MIT lightings which AM is carrying......Mr Razali is also having China made ballast in his holding....I have his light fixture and i have dismantled it before...Guess wat i found inside.....

Here's wat he wrote

Secondly, when u purchase any sets of lights, u should see where it is made from and the quality. If you get lights set made from China or Taiwan, of course the price is way much cheaper. U be buying some brands u never heard of.

**grey_fox** · 16th Jan 2006, 21:43

Guys, please note that when I started this thread, the main purpose is to get advise and not for flaming. I guess we should'nt be too critical on all of this, as long we get what we paid for and contented with it, then that's all that matters.

Peace to all.

**optyxi** · 16th Jan 2006, 21:51

Hey, i totally agree with you....Not starting a flame throwing session.

Jus wanna point out that since he is using China Made Stuff, he shouldn't be criticising other LFS who are!!

Instead he should be selling on his strong points and not undermining other's product....

Sorry if i caused unhappiness, am not gonna post on this topic again...Cheers

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