T5 Fixture, good deal?

[cpreefguy]

DO you guys think this is a good deal for a 24" 8 bulb T5 fixture?
http://www.reeftanksupply.com/product_info.php?products_id=377

[ckorb7]

looks like a really good deal to me. i have a aqua medic MH fixture and have been very happy with it.

[Ed]

Sean,

It looks like a good deal. IME Aqua Medic makes nice stuff. The only caution I have is to check out what the reflectors look like. Reflectors make a HUGE difference with T5s. HTH.

[don-n-sa]

Ed is exactly right , the reflectors are key with the T-5's , next are the bulb choice, which there are a ton of them.

Sean, if the reflectors are not like the ones that they sell on that same sight ( individual Slr's ) then it is not a good deal.

[cpreefguy]

I was hoping youd post Donny :)
So if they dont each have individual parabolic reflectors then thier purpose ids basically defeated?
It doesnt look like that fixture has them. Can someone point me towards a fixture that has individual SLR reflectors?
Thanks!

[Ed]

Sean,

IIRC, Sunlight Supply makes fixtures that use TEK reflectors.

[cpreefguy]

I looked into those, $330 for a 24" 6 bulb fixture, bulbs not included, so it would come out to like $450 for the light w/ bulbs, too pricey for me!

[don-n-sa]

If you are on a budget, then I recommend going retro and building your own as I did. There is a store in town selling T-5 ballasts, reflectors ( ice-cap ) and water proof end-caps real cheap...they are selling bulbs as well but they are just the basic ones.

[cpreefguy]

which store?

[don-n-sa]

Wolf reef, I just saw the stuff today and was told that they were on sale.

[cpreefguy]

What about this one?
http://cgi.ebay.com/T5-HO-24-8-X-24-watt-Retro-w-bulbs-New-light-aquarium_W0QQitemZ7708510054QQihZ018QQcategoryZ463 14QQcmdZViewItem

[Ross]

Decided the halide isn't enough?

[cpreefguy]

no, for a different tank :)

[Ross]

already got another one in mind?

[cpreefguy]

you know me! :lol

[don-n-sa]

That one is better for sure, but those end-caps do not look like they are waterproof, unless you use a shield of some sort I would be worried about the splashing and creep.

[cpreefguy]

What kind do you have Donny?

[cpreefguy]

What about this fixture? Its for horticulture but Id get aquarium bulbs for it:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=008&sspagename=STRK%3AME WA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=180037774675&rd=1&rd=1

[don-n-sa]

That one I am skeptical of

This is the one you should get
http://www.reefgeek.com/products/categories/lighting/104186.html

[cpreefguy]

Yeah, I saw that fixture but Ive heard some bad things about them.
Plus, I have a 24" ATI PowerModule on order from ReefGeek :)

[cpreefguy]

I should have one of these babies in about a month or so:
http://www.atiaquaristik.com/content/images/56f8e1a257d427fa029b53f274ce1296.jpg
http://www.atiaquaristik.com/content/images/2238061f51131918f0e8b1a1ae4f7f03.jpg

It will be 6x24w going over a 24x24x12"H tank. I also get my choice of bulbs, which bulbs are the best?

[don-n-sa]

Depnding on your preference in look ( I like bluish ), with a six bulb config. I would go with:

front to back

UV - super actinic
ATI - Blue plus
ATI -12000k Aquablue special ( these are not blue )
another aquablue 12k or UV-10k
ATI - BLue plus
UV - super actinic

THE UV super actincs are awesome...just as good as VHO IMO

[cpreefguy]

Cool, Ill tell them. I like a bluish look too :)
Will it be like a 14k blue, or a 20k blue?

[don-n-sa]

14k Look

[cpreefguy]

cool :)