Aquatic Life T5 Hybrid alternative

[Piker]

Hey all, I'm getting closer to finishing my build and need to get my light fixture. I've been planning on getting the Aquatic life 48'' fixture from BRS for 299, and throwing in two AI prime LED's. Unfortunately I'm seeing some really bad reviews regarding the T5's melting into the fixture on the BRS website...

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/48-h...re-with-led-mounting-system-aquatic-life.html

Does anyone have any suggestions for alternatives in this price range? I'm using it on a 75 gallon.

 

[scuzy]

I guess you could wait for the geismann version.

 

[Piker]

I guess you could wait for the geismann version.

I'm sure that will be outside of my budget at the moment, but thank you!

 

[T-5unsystem]

I have some ideas!

 

[Piker]

I have some ideas!

I'm all ears! (Eyes...)

 

[PNWCoralFarmer]

Is it possible to replace the bulb clips with ones that dont have the rubber coating?

 

[Piker]

Is it possible to replace the bulb clips with ones that dont have the rubber coating?

I really don't know, I'm only using LED's on my first tank and haven't any experience with T5's. If there is a solution I'm interested as well though.

 

[scuzy]

Just cut them out.

 

[PNWCoralFarmer]

Just cut them out.

And replace them with what? No clip = the bulb hanging out of the fixture.

 

[scuzy]

And replace them with what? No clip = the bulb hanging out of the fixture.

Cut the rubber off not the clip. It's metal inside.

 

[Piker]

Cut the rubber off not the clip. It's metal inside.

Have you done this? If it still works after removing a clip I'll stick to my original build.

 

[scuzy]

Yes mine got stuck on old bulb. Pulled the rubber off. It's just a rubber coated metal clip.

 

[Piker]

Yes mine got stuck on old bulb. Pulled the rubber off. It's just a rubber coated metal clip.

Perfect, thanks... I couldn't find a better affordable lighting option

 

[pelphrey]

Better off cutting them out from the get go, I had a bulb stuck in the clip and broke. Luckily I had the fixture off of my tank when I broke it. Had I been a little more patient I feel like I could have got the bulb out without it breaking.

 

[Piker]

Better off cutting them out from the get go, I had a bulb stuck in the clip and broke. Luckily I had the fixture off of my tank when I broke it. Had I been a little more patient I feel like I could have got the bulb out without it breaking.

Yeah I'll be taking this advice, thank you

 

[pelphrey]

Yeah I'll be taking this advice, thank you

They may have changed that design by now.

 

[AquaticLifeProducts]

We stopped using the T5 coated clips for around 6 - 8 months depends on the size. The white coating seemed to stick on some applications so we removed them from all fixtures. If you have a setup with them they are removable and if you would like we can send out replacement clips if needed.

If the lamps are cold and stuck we have had a few people tell us that using a hair dryer to warm the clips will allow the lamps to release.

Let us know if you have any questions. Just know that the clips have been changed for a while and we are now using 7.5' power cords on all the fixtures since the first production.

 

[Piker]

We stopped using the T5 coated clips for around 6 - 8 months depends on the size. The white coating seemed to stick on some applications so we removed them from all fixtures. If you have a setup with them they are removable and if you would like we can send out replacement clips if needed.

If the lamps are cold and stuck we have had a few people tell us that using a hair dryer to warm the clips will allow the lamps to release.

Let us know if you have any questions. Just know that the clips have been changed for a while and we are now using 7.5' power cords on all the fixtures since the first production.

Perfect!

 

[arafas]

I used the reefbrite T5 fixtures from BRS and made a frame with aluminium from homedepot.