60" T5s from Global Aquarium Supply

[meixner55]

I'm planning to add more T5s to my tank and have researched a number of online and local vendors. Global Aquarium Supply (online) offers the 60" T5 retrofit kit (turn-key) with 4 80w bulbs included for $259, plus shipping.

Does anyone have experience with Global Aquarium Supply? Here's the link: http://www.globeaqua.com/t5_kits.html

How about T5s in the 60" length? Are there any known problems with this length? I'd like to avoid the 48" length because I'd have to buy 2 separate fixtures to cover the 72" length of my tank. I don't have that much space available unless I move my existing lights.

Any feedback would be welcomed. Thanks!

[cpreefguy]

Depending on what you want to keep, that may be an alright setup.
What makes T5s so effecient and bright is when they each come with their own parabolic reflectors. That unit just has one big reflector so it will not be too effecient.

[FireWater]

I agree with Sean. I have been going back and forth on deciding to go with T-5ho's on my new 90g. I have done countless hours of reading everything I can find on the subject. Spend the extra money and make sure you get the individual reflectors of a great quality. I have not heard or read any negatives on the 60" bulbs yet.

[seamonkey2]

correct, individual reflectors is a must, also what are your plans, if you want to keep sps's, put as much light as possible, so my suggestion would be, to half your set up, 2 sets of 36" that way all the bulbs are the same lenght when it comes time to buy new ones, and you get full coverage

I got T5s in both of my tanks, so you can come and check it out for Ideas if you want, there is another maast menber here whom also has nothing but T5s

good luck

Jose

[meixner55]

Thanks for the comments. I have 2 dual 48" T5s already installed. They came with my canopy, but don't have ANY reflectors -- so I've got to fix that. I figured the 216w of existing light combined with the 320w of 60" quad T5s would afford me enough light to keep most corals -- except hard. I have considered the 36" option, but they are limited to 39w per tube -- so I'd lose some wattage if even I installed 2 quad 36" T5s. And, of course, there's more cost with separate 36" fixtures -- compared to the 48" or 60".

How hard is it to add separate reflectors to my existing (and even to new) fixtures?

Jose -- I'll let you know if I need to take you up on your offer to show your lighting setup. Thx.

Irene

Again -- I appreciate all the feedback. It sure helps a newbie like me.