T5 Retrofit - Looking for opinions, experience, or thoughts

[lhoy]

I came across this retrofit on ebay and it is from Catalina Aquarium and I hadn't heard about them before. It does have individual reflectors and three cords with switches.

http://cgi.ebay.com/T5-HO-8-X-54-watt-Retro-w-bulbs-New-Reef-light-aquarium_W0QQitemZ7719788186QQcategoryZ46314QQrdZ1 QQcmdZViewItem

Any thoughts, actual experience, opinions?

Thanks,

Lee Hoy

[Ed]

I run T-5s and can tell you that the reflector makes all the difference. The reflectors on this unit do not look all that great to me. Take a look at a Sunlight Supply light fixture that uses TEK reflectors. The TEK reflectors have 9 bends and really focus the light well. I believe Frederick ( Polkster13) can hook you up.

HTH.

-Ed

[gjuarez]

Yup Frederick can hook you up. I have seen those catalina fixtures for sale and I have asked around only to hear that people dont feel to good about them. I was tempted myself, it does seem like a good deal though. I think I am just going to get the coralvues.

[Polkster13]

lhoy,

Give me a ring. You are more than welcome to come by and see several different systems using T5 only, T5 w/ MH and MH only systems at my place (I live in Lago Vista - about 30 minutes from Georgetown).

I sell T5 and MH lights and offer very competative pricing.

I look forward to hearing from you,

Frederick
Coral Reef Bazaar
512-680-6647

[longhorn_20m]

What is the best way to clean the tek reflectors? I wiped my down the other day but it seems the salt creep has eaten into the metal? It won't come off. How do I get the shine back?

[Polkster13]

Once the salt has "eaten" through the metal, there is not a lot you can do. You could try using some metallic paint to cover the spots (but I don't think you will like the results). If they are too large, your best bet would be to replace the reflector. They are not that expensive. You also might want to start wiping down the reflectors once a week to prevent it from happening again in the future.

[longhorn_20m]

Man seems like a lot of hassle, once a week. I never had this problem with reflectors before, I guess it is something to do with the material the SLS reflectors are made out of.

[alton]

The web site pictures show nema 1 connections and light sockets. I think you want either an enclosed fixture or weather proof end caps.