What is the Best HO t-5 Lighting System Available?

[gmanjeep]

Hi, I currently am running a blend of 2- 28 watt t-5s with 2 400 watt MH, but I am seriously thinking of going to an all T-5 setup because of the added electric and added heat of the Halides. I know a lot of you run regular t-5 setups and then run an ice caps on them to boost them up. Does anyone make a 48 inch setup that is completely plug and play that is any good? I have looked at Tek and also Nova, but I really dont have any experience with t-5s per say. I am not into a lot of wiring or putting things together. Would rather just buy someting and plug it in. I am willing to spend whatever it takes to get an above average lighting system. Does anyone have Any suggestions?

 

[jeep9783]

what are your tank dimensions...i have and ice cap overdriving alll of mine and it is amazing...cant keep softies but who cares

 

[nickskains]

I would say the aquatinics lights if you got the money or the teks if your semi budget conscious. I have the 8 bulb tek on a 90g and it puts off great light and provides good growth. Just have to get the right bulb combo to your taste and the rest is all gravy.

 

[realfish]

I've done a good amount of research lately on the T5s. Have to agree with the comments above. The Teks are a good value but I really like the aquatinics. Purchased the TX5 myself because I have a fairly shallow tank. If you have some depth, I really like the Solar Flare from Aquatinics. 6 bulbs, overdriven with IceCap ballasts, individual IceCap reflectors, built in moonlights and three switches.

 

[cdub]

ati powermodule is top of the line plug and play fixture, but very expensive!

 

[lees]

Current or Tek IMO

 

[mikesommers]

I have had my eye on this one!

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/aquatic-supplies/AT-AQIC4800-K.html">http://www.premiumaquatics.com/aquatic-supplies/AT-AQIC4800-K.html</a>

Just added T5 supplements to my reef tank. I am hooked. I am going all T5 when I get the money.

Also I found someone on ebay selling the Tek 8 bulbs for 281.00 free shipping!!

[IMG]http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120159200298">http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120159200298</a>

I can not decide witch way to go?!?!?!

 

[mikesommers]

Correction that is a 4 bulb on ebay. Sorry

 

[weaglereefer]

I was looking at this 6 bulb fixture. Either it already has contoured reflectors, or at least the room to add them with how wide it is.

http://www.hydrofarm.com/pb_detail.php?itemid=9011#">http://www.hydrofarm.com/pb_detail.php?itemid=9011#</a>

Also, 2 switches that I'm sure could easily be wired into relays for actinics and daylights.

[IMG]http://www.hydrofarm.com/image.php?image=/i/jpg/FLT46_9479.jpg&width=320&height=320" alt="" />

 

[mikesommers]

au01st;334157 wrote: I was looking at this 6 bulb fixture. Either it already has contoured reflectors, or at least the room to add them with how wide it is.

http://www.hydrofarm.com/pb_detail.php?itemid=9011#">http://www.hydrofarm.com/pb_detail.php?itemid=9011#</a>

Also, 2 switches that I'm sure could easily be wired into relays for actinics and daylights.

[IMG]http://www.hydrofarm.com/image.php?image=/i/jpg/FLT46_9479.jpg&width=320&height=320" alt="" />[/QUOTE]

Nice price

 

[weaglereefer]

Yup, and an acrylic shield and you're all set.

 

[mikesommers]

au01st;334160 wrote: Yup, and an acrylic shield and you're all set.

Does that have HO ballasts?

 

[weaglereefer]

The 6 bulb fixture is rated at 324watts, or 6x54; my T5-HO fixture is 4x54 so it should be the same, though it won't overdrive them like an Icecap ballast.

 

[gmanjeep]

Hi, Sorry I didnt get back on here sooner, but the great outdoors was calling on me this weekend. I currently have a 125 gallon setup.(48x24x24) I havent got a chance to look up the lights that were suggested in the threads yet. I currently have 2- 250 watt MH by PFO lighting. I am running Pheonix 14K bulbs. Every year The temperature of my tank goes up by about 10 degrees in the summer because of the MH. I thought about a chiller, but that would just add to my electric bill. I also get a big bloom of red slime algae every summer. I really think t-5s would be the way to go for me

 

[fish scales2]

Or an 8 bulb fixture for MSRP-20%

 

[nickskains]

That 20% on any of them? I have a 75g in my garage that I have been thinking about doing as a FOWLR or a Zoa only tank. Looks like a great light. I have the 8 bulb tek now on my 90g.

 

[fish scales2]

Yes 20% on any of thier fixtures and includes the Teks