CoralVue Ballast and bulbs

[KJ5432]

I went to my local LFS and they told me that they sell CoralVue MH ballasts and light bulbs. I had never heard of CoralVue before. They said that Icecap ballasts are good but if I buy the CoralVue MH "setup" from them and it ever breaks that I could bring it back to them and they would give me a new one whereas I would have to send the Icecap one back to Icecap or marine depot or wherever I bought it from and I would be with out lights for who know how long. My main questions is this, Is CoralVue good quality?

Also, another question regarding lighting...When I first start turning on my lights should I do it gradually or should I just turn them on for 10 hours a day right from the start?


Thanks!

 

[tnguy86]

sorry, double post..

 

[tnguy86]

you're from kenner, so i'm guessing you're going to coral connection. ..coralvue is a local brand that i would say is comparable to the xm, hamilton, and ushio market. he's been in business for about 12 or so years....there is a local club in louisiana so go to lareefclub.com. some people like cv, some don't. for the money, i don't think it can be beat...CC is the best saltwater store in louisiana, imho....if you're at coralconnection, look at his tanks. they're all coralvue. if you like the color, buy it. if you're still hesitant, you can always get the icecap...they're reliable and from what i hear, and have great customer service......

if you do get the cv's, i'd advise getting the reeflux 10k. you wouldn't believe what it's doing for my tank..

 

[tnguy86]

about your light times....

i'd like to know more about your tank.....has it been set up long???
are you upgrading or is this mh setup your first???

if you're upgrading with an established tank with corals already set, then i'd say acclimate your tank to the new lighting...you can use a few layers of cheesecloth and slowly remove it, or you can begin your mh's high and slowly lower it, or you can turn the lights on for a couple of hours and add an hour a week....

if your tank is new and your tank has finished cycling, then you can turn it on for the full time period.

if your tank is new and you just put the lr in there, you can either turn the lights on or leave it off. if you have corals on your rock, the lights will keep it alive, but may promote bad algae growth. if you have it off, then you may kill of any corals on your live rock...

hth