Best t5 lighting out there

David M. · Dec 16, 2015

Diesel said:
Ok, we looking for clarification here........
Are we talking the Best T5 Fixure or the best T5 Bulb??

Your question got me wondering, what bulbs would you say are best? I always assumed ATI.

Tegridy Reef · Dec 16, 2015

Really appreciate feed back thanks guys. Was surprised no one had the new giesman but going with ati thanks again

scardall · Dec 16, 2015

Custom retro fit is the best way of going if you want waterproof endcaps and refectors in the same enclosure. Plus one coralVue electronic ballast per par of light so you can ramp up and down your lights,which now gives you the abity to chooose what type of lights to come on/off and when.

scardall · Dec 16, 2015

That guy said:
Really appreciate feed back thanks guys. Was surprised no one had the new giesman but going with ati thanks again

I didn't mention geisman lighting (german) because they are pricey.( #1) URL would be a #2 choice. I have used URL T12's for over 15 years. Yes I still am using them on a 45g sw fish only with rock tank.

AllSignsPointToFish · Dec 16, 2015

So, I've been giving this more thought. If I install two 80W T5HO fixtures, what should the bulb choice be? I'm currently running 3 Kessil A360WEs, and I want to supplement.

ClearRain · Dec 16, 2015

Another user of TEK light + ATI bulbs. True actinics can really grow some coral.

AllSignsPointToFish · Dec 17, 2015

So I'm thinking one 80W ATI true actinic and one coral plus. Thoughts?

gacolt · Dec 17, 2015

If you have the cash I would dump the AI'S and buy a ati fixture and one or two reefbrite strips.to me thats the best of both worlds and they fit together so well.

Tegridy Reef · Dec 17, 2015

gacolt said:
If you have the cash I would dump the AI'S and buy a ati fixture and one or two reefbrite strips.to me thats the best of both worlds and they fit together so well.

Think that's what I'm going do

Tegridy Reef · Dec 17, 2015

Another question is if the fixture is where u need to spend the money at? are there big difference with the brands of fixtures or is it all in the bulbs?

ClearRain · Dec 18, 2015

AllSignsPointToFIsh said:
So I'm thinking one 80W ATI true actinic and one coral plus. Thoughts?

I run 2 24" true actinics and 2 24" coral+ on my 2o.

AllSignsPointToFish · Dec 18, 2015

ClearRain said:
I run 2 24" true actinics and 2 24" coral+ on my 2o.

What is a 2o? lol

ClearRain · Dec 18, 2015

whoops. 20 gal high with sps and lps

adhd_nerd · Dec 18, 2015

So I run ATI w/AI. In my experience, the ATI fixture makes very efficient use of real estate. I could only put in 4 bulbs with retro kits whereas I was able to put in a 6 x 60" using the ATI. I have the 6 x 60 in the middle and AI Hydras on both sides.

AllSignsPointToFish · Dec 18, 2015

ClearRain said:
whoops. 20 gal high with sps and lps

I'm not completely sure you were responding to me, but I'm trying to supplement my three Kessils with some T5s. I have a 125 gallon tank, so that would add 160 watts to the 270 watts of Kessil LEDs I already have.

Tegridy Reef · Dec 18, 2015

adhd_nerd said:
So I run ATI w/AI. In my experience, the ATI fixture makes very efficient use of real estate. I could only put in 4 bulbs with retro kits whereas I was able to put in a 6 x 60" using the ATI. I have the 6 x 60 in the middle and AI Hydras on both sides.

That's sweet love to see pics

adhd_nerd · Dec 18, 2015

Before.

After.

Tank is 36" tall.

Tegridy Reef · Dec 18, 2015

adhd_nerd said:
Before.

After.

Tank is 36" tall.

That's awsome great work

ClearRain · Dec 18, 2015

AllSignsPointToFIsh said:
I'm not completely sure you were responding to me, but I'm trying to supplement my three Kessils with some T5s. I have a 125 gallon tank, so that would add 160 watts to the 270 watts of Kessil LEDs I already have.

Just saying I use the bulbs you were thinking of getting and they do great.