Which Metal Halide Fixture?

ClearRain · Nov 21, 2015

Hi everyone, I have a dilemma on which HQI fixture to choose for my new 54 corner. My first choice was the Hamilton Caymen Sun double ended 250w w/ LEDs but then I came across the Hamilton Bimini Sun double ended 250w. Which would you choose for a 54 corner? Thanks for any input!

143MPCo · Nov 23, 2015

ClearRain said:
Hamilton Caymen Sun

Both are great fixtures and I will take nothing away from either of them, but for me the Cayman Sun has a better reflector than the Bimini Sun. The overall spread and penetration lends itself better to the Cayman Sun producing, depending on choice of bulb, better results. Ultimately, a PAR meter would need to be used to provide you with best mounthight and PAR values at sandbed heights that you are looking for.

ClearRain · Nov 23, 2015

Thanks for the input 143MPCo. BRS did a great video on halides in their 52 weeks of reefing series, which is actually how I found the Bimini..
I think I'm going to use the Phoneix 14000k on whichever I choose, plus supplement with 2 ATI Blue+.

143MPCo · Nov 24, 2015

Just curious, is there a reason why you wouldn't go with a Giesemann Fixture?

spartanman22 · Nov 24, 2015

My first vote would be for the Giesemann Spectra. Second suggestion would be the ReefBrite Hybrid Pendant. I have no personal experience with the Spectra, but have heard nothing but good things. There's a reason the Giesemann brand is regarded as one of the nicest lighting brands on the market. I have used the reefbrite pendant on a 25 gallon cube and like it a lot. I would certainly use on again. The only issue with the reefbrite is that it is not the most visually appealing fixture, which is why I voted for the Spectra first. Not only does it have a reputation for being an outstanding fixture, but it also looks the part.

ClearRain · Nov 27, 2015

143MPCo said:
Just curious, is there a reason why you wouldn't go with a Giesemann Fixture?

I'd love to, but unfortunately I can't drop $700 on my lighting.

spartanman22 · Nov 27, 2015

I'd go with the reefbrite hybrid pendant then. I'm going to suggest the Odyssey fixture as well (although I'm sure I'll get crucified). They can be decent economical fixtures as long as you change out the stock ballasts for quality ballasts. When I was reefing on a budget several years ago I ran a 48" odyssey metal halide fixture but swapped out the ballasts for Lumantek e-ballasts. It ran fine for over 5 years no issues.