Help with PC brands

I am planning on purchasing some compact fluorescent lights for my 55 gal tank (after some much needed advice from some of you). Was wondering if any of you could tell me if there are particular brands and/or models to go with or avoid. I'm looking at a Current Sunpaq model (4x65w with moonlight for $199.99). Was also directed to a CoralLife Lunar Aqualight (4 x 65w with moonlight for $219.99), there's also JEBO and possibly others out there. Because I'm not that knowledgeable about lights, don't know if I'll be "had" purchasing any of these. Any info?

 

James,
I purchased the Coralife and have had it for 4 months with no problems, plenty of light and I like the idea of having 3 separate power cords. The lunar light is kinda neat also. I like the legs that keep it off the aquarium and kept me from having to hang it. Plus there are plenty of places that sell their bulbs and the plastic lens under the lights slide out for cleaning. (well known name brand)
This doesn't mean that other fixtures aren't just as good or better.
I only have experience with the Coralife. I hope you get a great one for an even better price.
Jim

 

Personal opinion I would go with the Currents. They are well constructed and very nice looking. We have been selling them for a while now(both the Satellites and the Orbits) and have yet to have problems with any of them. Stay away from the JBJ's in Helios's in my opinion.

 

I like to blend form and function with a major preference towards function, coralife gives you that nicley. I would of agreed with staying away from JBJ a few years back but they have really stepped up thier quality through an extensive consumer feedback study (no i dont work for em, just research the market alot for work). I perfer coralife as even thier HQI hoods are about 2.5-3" thich as opposed 5-8" thick. But Im a major DYI person and perfer my own work as far as lighting goes, or at least to improve upon existing fixtures. THough pricey, most higher end models such as coralife and currents are top of thier class with current bieng much larger but also very stylish and with great quality sodders and awesome support if ever have problems with the equiptment. Out of all the brands we sell at work Coralif and Currents have by far the least returns and defects in tier price range.

 

Good to here the JBJ's have upped the quality and sounds like I may well have wrongly put them in the same catagory as the Helios's.

 

For the money, and I do mean cheap. Jebo lights aren't bad, I have had a 24" and 48" 330 watt set up for about 6 mos. and they work well. The major drawbacks being no fan installed and no solid plug on the bulbs. I plan to diy a full hood and get end caps. Other than that, I have been satisfied.

 

I like mine..Jebo..but dont use them anymore. Halides
The best feature is the price. $79 cant beat that for there 48 inch. But although I am satisfied with their construction the others are far better material. And support is nonexistant with jebo. But you save 150 bucks so for me its worth the trade off/risk.

Jay

 

I sell both Current USA and Coralife and after selling hundreds of each over the last year I would recomend the coralife. Both lights are good but current USA is hard to contact if you have warranty issues, they accept E-mail contact only. Coralife always answers the phone and is great as far as customer service is concerned!

I would stay away from Jebo lights, They use horrible bulbs and the ballasts are very weak when compared to coralife or current USA. You do get what you pay for!

 

You said it bro! The Jebos fry....ALOT! I've noticed the same with customer support through coralife....very quick turnarounds whenever ive had a return one one.

 

Probably pretty rare that you have to return one I bet! I have had 2 bad ones in a year and a half selling about 3-5 a day!


As far as jebos go, you get what you pay for. They are like the Kia of the aquarium light world!