aqua illuminations and vortech mp40

[robbywood20]

I am fairly new to the reef hobby but have cared for saltwater since 1988.I have had pretty good sucess with the easy stufff like softies and some lps but am ready to try some sps and acans.My question is I found a seller on ebay that will sell me 3 aquaillumination sol blue modules for $375 each and the controller for $80.They also have mp40's at $390 each.Toal package deal including $30 shipping is $1975.00 . which is a $40.00 dollar discount for the package.I know from looking around this is a good deal but is this money well spent or would I have just as much sucess with the 3x 250 watt mh with 2x 110watt vho actincs and 4 korallia 3's?feedback would be helpful.don't reaaly mind spending the 2 grand but still lots of money for fairly new technology.

 

[thanh386]

Cant go wrong with buying vortechs ( assuming they are new ES wireless models) for 390. They are great pumps and many hobbist will defend it to the death, me being one. Both the actual product and customer service is exceptional. I have never had any issues with any of my pumps.

The AI sol retail for 399.99 now , with some sponsors having them in stock, meaning it's only 370 (assuming that they have them to match online prices). But even at full retail it's only 30 more. I rather buy from a trusted store where I can play with it there and return it there if there is any issue. And the controller is 79.99 anywhere before , if any, discounts.

With that being said, I PERSONALLY did not have a good experience with them. So I can't recommend the SOL units . The claimed spread is a little off and the par even tho high, produce little growth for me. But I would try them again if I had the opportunity, simply because I would want to take more accurate measurements instead of giving up on them so quickly. It's a nice set up, but for what inlaid I expected more, maybe a little too much.

 

[robbywood20]

yes everything is new in the box with the same warranty but if I can buy them locally by locally I mean atlanta area then I would much rather do that.If there any sponsors out there that would match the price.

 

[seth the wine guy]

My two cents on AI's

 

[ichthyoid]

I have looked into LED's for over a year. I have a technical background in light, in addition to my experience in this hobby. I have read a lot about the topic as well, and I agree with Seth's very concise comments (above).

I have LED's, metal halides and flourescent lighting. I am staying with MH on my next reef just because it looks better, to me.

I think LED's have a ways to go, especially in available spectrum and distribution.

Until then, I will continue to research, play and enjoy what looks best, to me.

 

[shafiq_hossain]

I'm looking for a couple of vortech mp40's myself. Did you ever get one or two of those? How did it work out for you? Would you mind referring me to someone I can get a good price on?

Thanks.....