Hamilton Technology 72" Cebu Sun Systems - Metal Halide

[Reef_RC]

I've been looking at Hamilton 72" Cebu Sun Systems - 3x400 Metal Halide for my 210 RR tank. Anyone has experience using one of this size or smaller?

My interest is mainly because of the compact design and combination of MH, T5 and LED. I am still pondering other options considering my tank already came with a nice build hood but it isn't high enough for MH.

thx

[Buzz1329]

As I just mentioned in another thread, I've been using one for 3 months on my SPS 180 and am generally satisfied. That said, the T5 ballast is included in the fixture itself, which weighs a ton. As a result changing bulbs can be a real chore requiring 2 people to lift the thing off the tank and the removal and replacement of 6 screws to get access to the bulbs.

The only real technical problem I've had with it so far is that a micro power-outage in my house blew out one of the Hamilton 20k 400 watt bulbs, which reminded me of how big a PITA it is to access the bulbs.

Good luck.

[Reef_RC]

Buzz1329 - thx for the response.

How high is the stand (low and high point)? I assumed based on this you have yours sitting directly on top of the tank.

If you had to do it again, would you buy it the 2nd time around?

I am also considering a CoralVue. LumenBrite III reflectors but not sure how pleasing these look in the main entry way of the house if I had 3-4 hanging from the tank.

Originally Posted by Buzz1329

As I just mentioned in another thread, I've been using one for 3 months on my SPS 180 and am generally satisfied. That said, the T5 ballast is included in the fixture itself, which weighs a ton. As a result changing bulbs can be a real chore requiring 2 people to lift the thing off the tank and the removal and replacement of 6 screws to get access to the bulbs.

The only real technical problem I've had with it so far is that a micro power-outage in my house blew out one of the Hamilton 20k 400 watt bulbs, which reminded me of how big a PITA it is to access the bulbs.

Good luck.

[Buzz1329]

Originally Posted by Reef_RC

Buzz1329 - thx for the response.

How high is the stand (low and high point)? I assumed based on this you have yours sitting directly on top of the tank.

If you had to do it again, would you buy it the 2nd time around?

I am also considering a CoralVue. LumenBrite III reflectors but not sure how pleasing these look in the main entry way of the house if I had 3-4 hanging from the tank.

------

There are legs that raise the fixture about 6" above the tank.

I would definitely not buy it the 2d time around as after I swapped out the MH bulbs, and reinstalled the thing, I found that the T5 bulbs were flickering on and off. Grrrr. If I don't swap it out for LEDs, I might remove the glass cover plate between the bulbs and the water, which would allow me access to the bulbs, but that does not seem like a real solution. If I were going to go with halides, I would definitely do the Lumen Brite reflectors.

Good luck.

[Tweaked]

Absolutely love this light and have been running for a few months now. The mounts that come with it are a joke, and just went with. Hanging kit from outer orbit I had laying around. This way we can raise and change bulbs. Down the road I am planning to get the Hamilton m80 ballasts and run the Radiums.

Build thread.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=2274204