Low cost t5 fixture

[McReefer]

So after days of looking for a new t5 light for the 60g cube I'm building I found this.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hydrofarm-T5-HO-Fluorescent-2ft-8-Lamp-Grow-Light-DLX-/360370952254?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item53e7c8583e

and here

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=hydrofarm+t5&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&client=firefox-a&um=1&hl=en&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&biw=1024&bih=629&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=8333137750102318316&sa=X&ei=AK0LT7WmA4e2sQKQtdTrBQ&ved=0CGIQ8wIwAA#scoring=tp

For how cheap it is I'm sure I will some day have troubles BUT... It has a 5 year warranty. And it comes with (8) 6400K tubes. I will be changing them out but its still a good deal I think. Anyone ever try these?

 

[fusionvi]

I was looking at some of the cheap t5's on ebay as well but after talking to one of the LFS about it they informed me that some cheaps t5's have been know to catch fire. I have not checked into them after that. Too much of a risk for me to try it. I am sure someone here must have bought one and hope they give their feed back.

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[McReefer]

I ordered one tonight. I know from living in CA that Hydrofarm makes MANY products and don't think they would put there name on something like that but it is indeed cheap enough to seem plausible.

 

[SumThinhWong]

hydrofarm is a good company and makes very good products you wont have to worry about anything they manufacture. also remember a lot of the lighting technology for reefs are derived from grow lights

 

[McReefer]

Yeah thats what I was thinking. The high end Hydro shops in CA carried a lot of there products. Reguardless I'm looking forward to getting this light in and setup. I'm pouring the concrete for my tank and sump this week and hope to have it cured in the next 4 weaks and start cycling it.

 

[bimmerzs]

One quick note....quality 24W T5 bulb's cost around $20 online before shipping, so you are spending at least another $160 on this fixture. You can get a good LED fixture for that price or a top of the line AI module w/controller for about $150 and not have to worry about changing out bulb's in 9-12 months (or sooner).

Cheers,

 

[McReefer]

I am a fan of LEDs but I didn't find any in that price range. The T5's have a 7 day return policy. Where did you find AI's for 150? Or a good LED fixture for a 26x26x26?

I have also been really happy with an LED and T5 combo.

 

[daveonbass]

@DFWMAS MODS wrote:

We are all waiting with baited breath for the link to these $150 dollar AI modules with controllers. I got my money ready....

 

[Andrew]

I thnk what he was saying is
$164 fixture + $160 bulbs= led fixture
And for an extra $150 the ai module......

 

[DaveG99]

LED is the way to go if you want to save money in the long run. Pay a little more up front but save money every year you have it running.

You can build a low cost LED fixture from Aquastyle if low cost is very important to you. If you want something with more quality get it from rapid led or steve's. You can even find some already made fixtures

 

[McReefer]

This is true. I've used LEDs before (4 panoramas with 2 t5s) and had no issues with them ever. This fixture though seems perfect for my tank. Its 24x24, the inside wall of my tank is 24x24. I found a GREAT sale on Wave Point and Coralife bulbs, around 9.00 each. Wave point seems to have good reviews. I will post some pics up after its all running. I know this is the cheap route but I just don't want to invest in LED's right now. In the long run I'm aiming at solatubes + something else. Maybe par 38 LEDs. But for now I'm happy with the price and design and look forward to working out my bulb combo.

 

[bimmerzs]

@daveonbass wrote:

We are all waiting with baited breath for the link to these $150 dollar AI modules with controllers. I got my money ready....

"]

@Subsailor wrote:

Exactly....so hope you are still with us......holding your breath that long could be bad. [smilie=lol.gif]
Cheers,

 

[McReefer]

@bimmerzs wrote:

LOL. Yeah I made it like 8 mins before having to breath again. Now if only you could answer my questions in the other thread in this area about media reactors.

 

[dfwminis]

Order bulbs on marine depot. No sure if there is a limit to get free shipping but I've ordered min of 4 bulbs each time and got free shipping

 

[Guest]

I ordered t5 bulbs from SOS lighting they are local and they have coupon for either percentage off the order. They carry ati bulbs and are really good prices. If you do the coupon you can only order it online not pick it up from the store


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[McReefer]

@kuyatwo wrote:

Yeah I might spring for the ATI tubes. I shouldn't even be setting this tank up right now budget wise but what can I say... I'm an addict. So far my tank, sump, and reactors are all DIY. I kinda knocked on this guys idea for the reactor.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=km5urtls0HA

Skip to 1:20 to see the mod that I used in my design.