Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm just curious as to who uses the biax type 96 watt CF's? Not the 4 tube ones like auctioned below, but similar to the kits sold at AHsupply.com. I know Patrick uses them in his rack setup, but I was just wanting some commentary from other people who might use them.

Do you like them? What type of setup do you use them in?

Do you find it's easy enough to buy bulbs for them?

Is there anywhere to buy them for less than $30 each (that seems a little steep, but they do put out 8100 lumens).

Is there anyone who manufactures these not specifically for the aquarium trade?

Any comments greatly appreciated.
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Homer W. Faucett III, esq.
Purveyor of Trivialities and Fine Nonsense

I can only say that I use them and love them. The premaid hoods are also fairly cheap and very nice for teh price.

As for the cost of bulbs, they are expensive, can't help you there.

joe
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4.0.0 Tinc Patricias (darn it)
0.0.5 Aurotaenia
0.0.2836 Pea Aphids
0.0.4392 Springtails
0.0.1842 FruitFlies

What type of premade hood do you use?
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Homer W. Faucett III, esq.
Purveyor of Trivialities and Fine Nonsense

Homer, check these out....These complete hoods have reflectors and fans for less than ahsupply kits. I bought the freshwater 2 x 65 coralife off ebay from these guys(webaquatics) for 100 bucks.

http://secure.microbyte.net/virtual/webaquatics/onlinestore/detail.cfm?ID=CL53016&storeid=1

http://secure.microbyte.net/virtual/webaquatics/onlinestore/detail.cfm?ID=CL53114&storeid=1
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Matt

So, do you think that being able to buy just the ballast, lamp holder, and power cord as a unitary package for $35 S&H would be better than the same thing with a fancy hood? I think with a bulb that would put the total around $67.
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Homer W. Faucett III, esq.
Purveyor of Trivialities and Fine Nonsense

What are you seeing for $35?

This is my rationale...

AHsupply: 2 x 55 watt bright kit - $64.99, bulbs - 2@$18.99
total = 102.97 plus s/h ----no hood, no fan

webaquatics coralife 2 x 65 hood (on ebay) - $98.95 plus s/h...includes hood, reflector, fans, and seperate power cords for the bulbs.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2377207891&category=46314&sspagename=STRK:MEBWN:IT&rd=1

10 more watts, 5 dollars less, and I don;t have to build a hood.

You could make one for cheaper from scratch...try www.petsupplyliquidator.com aquarrium parts....but it is still cheaper than ahsupply.
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Matt

Homer, I use the corallife hoods. They are cheap and well constructed. They are perfect for the fish tank setup or any other setup that allows the hood to rest on the Viv. I currently have a 2x36 and a 2x96. Love them both.

joe
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4.0.0 Tinc Patricias (darn it)
0.0.5 Aurotaenia
0.0.2836 Pea Aphids
0.0.4392 Springtails
0.0.1842 FruitFlies