Giesemann Moonlight Infiniti

jonnybravo22 · 04/08/2009, 11:46 AM

Anyone ever use this? Wondering if it is worth it or if it makes more sense to spend the money on other means of lighting.

It has 4x T5, 2x hqi metal halide and a couple of cool features allowing you to dim lights individually with a liquid crystal display control center. Lights also can be set to gradually increase in intensity in the morning and decrease at night at times you set and has moon lighting. Would be used for carpet anemone and some sps. Big ticket item at ~$3,000.

jonnybravo22 · 04/08/2009, 11:55 AM

Considering using the 48" model as sole lighting on shallow 48x30x16" (roughly).

kretzkiller · 04/08/2009, 12:06 PM

The way I look at it, not a lot of people own them. The majority of people I know and on here have success with other types of lighting. I find it hard to justify spending that kind of money on a lighting system. I can set up an entire system for that price.

Rukis · 04/08/2009, 12:32 PM

Don't think it's worth the cash. You get get a comprable set up for 1/4th the cost!

DarG · 04/08/2009, 01:12 PM

OUCH.

Versus · 04/08/2009, 01:18 PM

Depends on how much bank you pull in , Recently a new one on ebay had gone for 1500 . I know Edward is using one . ( invincible569 ) ..

A lot has to do with appearance though , But the ability to adjust the lighting is pretty gosh darn spiffy neato.

goofball310 · 04/08/2009, 01:26 PM

the system is going for $1650 @ MD, but there is no control panel.

gcarroll · 04/08/2009, 01:28 PM

The Giesemann fixtures are really nice if it is a fixture that will be visable. If it will be suspended and hanging over a rimmless tank. It just may be the best looking fixture on the market. Deciding it's worth however is totally up to you. I chose the Spectra becauseI prefer mogul bulbs as well as dimming T5 and Moonlights were not important features to me.

royvoss · 04/08/2009, 02:37 PM

i have had one for over a year , thing works great, the program is a little hard to understand. but then i am know expert. as metuioned above it is a great fixture for a rimless/euro brace tank. i have the latter. i have had zero problems with it.any ? feel free to ask.

jonnybravo22 · 04/08/2009, 03:38 PM

Thanks for input this far. It would go over a rimless setup so would be visible.

Also agree I don't particularly need the dimming etc. (though that is cool). What type of lighting do those who dont see the this as a good value recommend?

I would also like to get a sense for why it's so much more expensive than other options? Is the lighting quality no better than much cheaper options? Assuming other options are in the $500-$1000 range, are you paying $2000 - $2500 for the ability to dim lights and the name? Or is there more to it that make up the difference? (like a unique compact combo of t5 and mh, longer life of unit etc? Just beginning my lighting search so I really don't know what's comparable yet)

Also are you strictly limited on the brand of bulbs?

gcarroll · 04/08/2009, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jonnybravo22
Is the lighting quality no better than much cheaper options?

Giesemann fixtures typically offer very even coverage with minimal hot spots.

Quote:

Originally posted by jonnybravo22
Assuming other options are in the $500-$1000 range, are you paying $2000 - $2500 for the ability to dim lights and the name

The build quality on most of the German fixtures is typically 2nd to none. Without the moonlight, computer controller, and dimmable T5 the 2x250 watt Infinity is only $1470. IMO, if looking at others to compare, this is the figure you should be using as others typically don't have those features either.

Quote:

Originally posted by jonnybravo22
Or is there more to it that make up the difference? (like a unique compact combo of t5 and mh, longer life of unit etc? Just beginning my lighting search so I really don't know what's comparable yet)

Build quality, MH light spread, and the ability to move/customize the placement of the MH reflectors in the fixture are the main things that set the Giesemann apart from others. Are those options worth it to you? That is for to decide.

Quote:

Originally posted by jonnybravo22
Also are you strictly limited on the brand of bulbs?

No, but with the fixture you are limited to Double Ended bulbs in the specific wattage that your fixture is.

jonnybravo22 · 04/09/2009, 01:55 PM

Thanks for comprehensive response. Two questions:

1) for anyone who has used the system, what are the downsides?
2) also recently discovered LED option. Can anyone help me compare this unit to the aqua illumination unit that also has a moon / sunrise/ sunset feature? Thanks!

Versus · 04/09/2009, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jonnybravo22
Thanks for comprehensive response. Two questions:

1) for anyone who has used the system, what are the downsides?
2) also recently discovered LED option. Can anyone help me compare this unit to the aqua illumination unit that also has a moon / sunrise/ sunset feature? Thanks!

1) Programming can be iffy , as another user said its a little bit more jargon than needed to be heh ( other user might want to clarify , I had only gotten to tinker around with one for 45 minutes or so )

2) Avoid LEDS for any aquarium lighting besides moon lighting . The technology just is not there yet . Also due to the orbitec lawsuit some things are changing in the LED aquarium lighting world . Supplement color fixtures should be ok .

That moon light series also has sunrise / sunset etc because you are able to dim it .

jonnybravo22 · 04/09/2009, 08:48 PM

thanks versus;

care to elaborate on the LED point? is it that the tech isnt there or that there aren't enough market participants (manufacturers)? i have heard about the lawsuit, is that your main concern?

or do you think that if i buy an LED it wont work properly? or that I wouldn't be able to service it in a year.

addicted2reefin · 04/09/2009, 09:37 PM

the lfs i work at has just bought 4 for there new system, altough nice fixtures, i dont know about 3000 for them. I get to do the honors of programnng them!!!!
after i just read through the manual, they have lots of features. the only bulbs u can dim are the t5s though. the moonlight feature is great, that it automaticcaly sets to a lunar cycle, which im sure will help with spawing corals. also the cloud effect seems cool.

the cooling on the unit is excellent. there are no fans, and none are needed, it all aluminum and the hole unit is vented, well pretty much the hole unit. there solidly built but heres my problems.

theres no fuse in them so if something goes wrong, its pooof, circuit board is fried. the first one we fired up did that, there was some metal shards from threading out the screw holes in the unit, and it touched something.

when taking off the panels the program them, they didnt realign well, i would expect precision from the german engineering

this is all i know, as i only fooled with it for a few minutes and fired the bulbs once. ill know more after i program them.

jasonzacher4224 · 04/09/2009, 11:19 PM

i have the standard infinity unit with 4x t5 and 3x 250watt halide and it performs and looks excelent

my bulbs in it are over a year old and only just discolored.

slawman · 04/10/2009, 01:28 AM

I have the standard 2x250, 4 x T5 unit. Looks great, works great. I decided to save some $$ and not go the dimmable system. I have timers on each bank of 2 T5s and use that to vary intensity.

04/08/2009, 11:46 AM	#1
jonnybravo22 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 1,128	Giesemann Moonlight Infiniti Anyone ever use this? Wondering if it is worth it or if it makes more sense to spend the money on other means of lighting. It has 4x T5, 2x hqi metal halide and a couple of cool features allowing you to dim lights individually with a liquid crystal display control center. Lights also can be set to gradually increase in intensity in the morning and decrease at night at times you set and has moon lighting. Would be used for carpet anemone and some sps. Big ticket item at ~$3,000.

04/08/2009, 01:18 PM	#6
Versus Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Tiger Shoals , FL. Posts: 1,403	Depends on how much bank you pull in , Recently a new one on ebay had gone for 1500 . I know Edward is using one . ( invincible569 ) .. A lot has to do with appearance though , But the ability to adjust the lighting is pretty gosh darn spiffy neato. __________________ If I ever saw an amputee getting hanged, Id probably just start calling out letters

04/08/2009, 01:28 PM	#8
gcarroll Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Orange, CA Posts: 9,666	The Giesemann fixtures are really nice if it is a fixture that will be visable. If it will be suspended and hanging over a rimmless tank. It just may be the best looking fixture on the market. Deciding it's worth however is totally up to you. I chose the Spectra becauseI prefer mogul bulbs as well as dimming T5 and Moonlights were not important features to me. __________________ Greg Carroll I will be at REEF-A-PALOOZA! SPS = Stability Promotes Success Be wary of advice coming from those who will not show you the fruits of their success! Current Tank Info: building: 250g AGE Euro tank, Abyzz A200, Vertex Supra-G filtration, Ecotech Radion Pro LEDs, ...

04/09/2009, 11:19 PM	#16
jasonzacher4224 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Mildura, Victoria, Australia Posts: 108	i have the standard infinity unit with 4x t5 and 3x 250watt halide and it performs and looks excelent my bulbs in it are over a year old and only just discolored. __________________ Jase Current Tank Info: Red Sea Max 130D mod include DIY sump, skimmer and overflow. Stock: pair of maroon clowns, soon to have various color BTA's

04/08/2009, 11:55 AM	#2
jonnybravo22 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 1,128	Considering using the 48" model as sole lighting on shallow 48x30x16" (roughly).

04/08/2009, 12:06 PM	#3
kretzkiller Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: KC Posts: 599	The way I look at it, not a lot of people own them. The majority of people I know and on here have success with other types of lighting. I find it hard to justify spending that kind of money on a lighting system. I can set up an entire system for that price.

04/08/2009, 12:32 PM	#4
Rukis Moved On Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Huntington Beach, CA Posts: 75	Don't think it's worth the cash. You get get a comprable set up for 1/4th the cost!

04/08/2009, 01:12 PM	#5
DarG Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 5,515	OUCH.

04/08/2009, 01:26 PM	#7
goofball310 Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Wilmington, NC Posts: 1,002	the system is going for $1650 @ MD, but there is no control panel.

04/08/2009, 02:37 PM	#9
royvoss Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: nj Posts: 467	i have had one for over a year , thing works great, the program is a little hard to understand. but then i am know expert. as metuioned above it is a great fixture for a rimless/euro brace tank. i have the latter. i have had zero problems with it.any ? feel free to ask.

04/08/2009, 03:38 PM	#10
jonnybravo22 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 1,128	Thanks for input this far. It would go over a rimless setup so would be visible. Also agree I don't particularly need the dimming etc. (though that is cool). What type of lighting do those who dont see the this as a good value recommend? I would also like to get a sense for why it's so much more expensive than other options? Is the lighting quality no better than much cheaper options? Assuming other options are in the $500-$1000 range, are you paying $2000 - $2500 for the ability to dim lights and the name? Or is there more to it that make up the difference? (like a unique compact combo of t5 and mh, longer life of unit etc? Just beginning my lighting search so I really don't know what's comparable yet) Also are you strictly limited on the brand of bulbs?

04/09/2009, 01:55 PM	#12
jonnybravo22 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 1,128	Thanks for comprehensive response. Two questions: 1) for anyone who has used the system, what are the downsides? 2) also recently discovered LED option. Can anyone help me compare this unit to the aqua illumination unit that also has a moon / sunrise/ sunset feature? Thanks!

04/09/2009, 08:48 PM	#14
jonnybravo22 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 1,128	thanks versus; care to elaborate on the LED point? is it that the tech isnt there or that there aren't enough market participants (manufacturers)? i have heard about the lawsuit, is that your main concern? or do you think that if i buy an LED it wont work properly? or that I wouldn't be able to service it in a year.

04/09/2009, 09:37 PM	#15
addicted2reefin Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: hell, delaware Posts: 628	the lfs i work at has just bought 4 for there new system, altough nice fixtures, i dont know about 3000 for them. I get to do the honors of programnng them!!!! after i just read through the manual, they have lots of features. the only bulbs u can dim are the t5s though. the moonlight feature is great, that it automaticcaly sets to a lunar cycle, which im sure will help with spawing corals. also the cloud effect seems cool. the cooling on the unit is excellent. there are no fans, and none are needed, it all aluminum and the hole unit is vented, well pretty much the hole unit. there solidly built but heres my problems. theres no fuse in them so if something goes wrong, its pooof, circuit board is fried. the first one we fired up did that, there was some metal shards from threading out the screw holes in the unit, and it touched something. when taking off the panels the program them, they didnt realign well, i would expect precision from the german engineering this is all i know, as i only fooled with it for a few minutes and fired the bulbs once. ill know more after i program them.

04/10/2009, 01:28 AM	#17
slawman Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 2	I have the standard 2x250, 4 x T5 unit. Looks great, works great. I decided to save some $$ and not go the dimmable system. I have timers on each bank of 2 T5s and use that to vary intensity.