Review for Blueline Aurora

Al · 10/29/2014, 02:36 PM

As it says a review for Blueline's T5/Halide light fixture.
I bought it because it has two 150 W Halides in the 36" size, and I wanted more 'spread' in the light than would be available from the more typical single bulb fixture. I would have preferred a Hamilton or some other American made product, but they are all one bulb fixtures.

First impression: It is well and solidly built, and well designed. It was easy to remove a side piece and install the HQI bulbs and the T5s. My previous fixture was a Tek 6 bulb setup and it was a real chore to remove the shield and then get into a tight space to change the bulbs. This was a lot easier. Everything slid back into place and locked down without a problem, all the lights (2 T5s, 2 150 W HQIs and 2 moonlights lit up when tested.

There are separate switches for the moonlights and the T5s, no switches for the halides or the fan. Four separate power cords (one each for the halides, one for the fan, and one for the T5s and the moonlights). A hanging kit and legs for tank mount are provided.The HQI bulbs that came with this fixture are 14Ks, a nice light, very much like the ATI aquablue. The T5s were some weird purple light (Wavepoint Plant & Reef Accelerator?) which I immediately replaced with two of my well worn aquablues.
The electronic ballasts have a three year warranty, and the hood has a one year warranty.

Issues: The moonlights and the T5s are on the same cord. That doesn't bother me because I wouldn't use them very often but anyone wanting these on a separate timer is out of luck.
The legs for tank mount. I don't like these. They don't quite fit on the plastic trim of a 36" tank, I had to put the legs under a little tension to get it on the tank. They are also very short, holding the light about 2 3/4" inches above the tank. In a way that's good, you get no side glare with the light so close to the tank.
Fan noise. Not too bad but it's there. I'm not sure if it's always on or what but for now it looks like I'll have to put them on a timer to get them to shut off at night.

Anyway, it seems to be a solid unit at a good price, though the way it is wired seems a little strange to me.

Also, thanks, John at Fishtanks Direct, where I bought this and who answered a lot of questions for me about lighting options in general.

10/29/2014, 02:36 PM	#1
Al Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 503	Review for Blueline Aurora As it says a review for Blueline's T5/Halide light fixture. I bought it because it has two 150 W Halides in the 36" size, and I wanted more 'spread' in the light than would be available from the more typical single bulb fixture. I would have preferred a Hamilton or some other American made product, but they are all one bulb fixtures. First impression: It is well and solidly built, and well designed. It was easy to remove a side piece and install the HQI bulbs and the T5s. My previous fixture was a Tek 6 bulb setup and it was a real chore to remove the shield and then get into a tight space to change the bulbs. This was a lot easier. Everything slid back into place and locked down without a problem, all the lights (2 T5s, 2 150 W HQIs and 2 moonlights lit up when tested. There are separate switches for the moonlights and the T5s, no switches for the halides or the fan. Four separate power cords (one each for the halides, one for the fan, and one for the T5s and the moonlights). A hanging kit and legs for tank mount are provided.The HQI bulbs that came with this fixture are 14Ks, a nice light, very much like the ATI aquablue. The T5s were some weird purple light (Wavepoint Plant & Reef Accelerator?) which I immediately replaced with two of my well worn aquablues. The electronic ballasts have a three year warranty, and the hood has a one year warranty. Issues: The moonlights and the T5s are on the same cord. That doesn't bother me because I wouldn't use them very often but anyone wanting these on a separate timer is out of luck. The legs for tank mount. I don't like these. They don't quite fit on the plastic trim of a 36" tank, I had to put the legs under a little tension to get it on the tank. They are also very short, holding the light about 2 3/4" inches above the tank. In a way that's good, you get no side glare with the light so close to the tank. Fan noise. Not too bad but it's there. I'm not sure if it's always on or what but for now it looks like I'll have to put them on a timer to get them to shut off at night. Anyway, it seems to be a solid unit at a good price, though the way it is wired seems a little strange to me. Also, thanks, John at Fishtanks Direct, where I bought this and who answered a lot of questions for me about lighting options in general. Last edited by Al; 10/29/2014 at 02:58 PM.