Good T5 lighting fixture

Brandonsegula · May 24, 2017

Right now I'm run. Two dual 248 HO fixtures four bulbs and know this is isn't best fixture out on the market. They were given to me. I also have ati bulbs in it. My question is what's a good t5 HO quad fixture?

Scurvy · May 24, 2017

I guess it depends on your budget really. Pac Sun, ATI and Giesmann being the best and then probably Aquaticlife, Coralife in the mid range.

cjd · May 24, 2017

Bang for the buck is ATI all day. Proven higher par output than competitors. Looks wise is Giesmann. Sleek, sexy fixture that looks amazing over any aquarium with less output. This can be compensated by having the fixture closer to the water line .

Brandonsegula · May 26, 2017

I know those are the best but has anyone ever used or heard about the odyssea fixtures. Generic I know but how are they?

Water Dog · May 26, 2017

Be wary of the Odyssea fixtures. They use very cheap ballasts that may burn out quickly. There were reports of their MH fixtures causing fires way back in the day. In addition, they probably use a single sheet reflector which will drastically reduce output along with no active cooling for the bulbs which will also reduce bulb life.

When looking for a quality T5 fixture, you want programmed start ballasts (not rapid start), active bulb cooling and individual reflectors for each bulb. All of these features are found in an ATI Sunpower fixture.

Brandonsegula · May 26, 2017

Water Dog said:
Be wary of the Odyssea fixtures. They use very cheap ballasts that may burn out quickly. There were reports of their MH fixtures causing fires way back in the day. In addition, they probably use a single sheet reflector which will drastically reduce output along with no active cooling for the bulbs which will also reduce bulb life.

When looking for a quality T5 fixture, you want programmed start ballasts (not rapid start), active bulb cooling and individual reflectors for each bulb. All of these features are found in an ATI Sunpower fixture.

I need mounting legs which is why I don't wanna get and ati fixture. I live at home and my parents won't allow me to drill into the ceiling

Water Dog · May 26, 2017

If you're handy, you could build a conduit light hanger that you could attach to the back of your stand. Home Depot sells 3/4" 10' sections of steel conduit. Use the pipe bender to put of 90 degree bends in two pieces, trim to size, paint it black, attach it to your stand and you're good to go!

Brandonsegula · May 26, 2017

Water Dog said:
If you're handy, you could build a conduit light hanger that you could attach to the back of your stand. Home Depot sells 3/4" 10' sections of steel conduit. Use the pipe bender to put of 90 degree bends in two pieces, trim to size, paint it black, attach it to your stand and you're good to go!

Doesn't sound like a bad idea. What about this light??

http://www.fishtanksdirect.com/48-4...jb25562.aspx?gclid=CLOWk4eMj9QCFdS3wAod8WUFCw