Homedepot T5’s

cane · Oct 20, 2017

Found these today. Would this work for my aquarium using ATI T5s? This will be in conjunction with my LED’s

Fishhands · Oct 20, 2017

They dont look like they have reflectors. I wouldn't use them.

redfishbluefish · Oct 20, 2017

How can you see reflectors if the bulbs are covered with a milk colored diffuser?

But you're probably right, there's no reflector under there!

In addition, the end caps are not water resistant and will most likely rust prematurely if in close proximity of the water.

Zagreus · Oct 20, 2017

If you going on the cheap, try to get T5 grow lights as some of there kits have moisture resistant caps and reflecters. Tidle Gardens did a piece about this. You may want to look for one of their videos. Otherwise BRS has some cheap kits for salt water tanks. Check out my build thread and you can see the Aruba Sun kits I installed if your interested.

Salty1962 · Oct 20, 2017

I'd be worried about rust from salt vapor.

glagunda · Oct 20, 2017

cane said:
Found these today. Would this work for my aquarium using ATI T5s? This will be in conjunction with my LED’s

Hydroplanet on amazon running ati bulbs with diy fans.

Zagreus · Oct 20, 2017

glagunda said:
Hydroplanet on amazon running ati bulbs with diy fans.

Now those are some nice grow lights. If you ever get tired of reefing... you can grow some cool plants.

A. grandis · Oct 21, 2017

Glagunda's light with the fan is great!
You need to get something like that, like what Coral Gardens got:

Grandis.

jda · Oct 21, 2017

You can totally use Home Depot T5s, but the output will be a bit lower and they won't last long. I use them over fish-only tanks and stuff where output does not matter. They do rust and eventually quit working, but at $10-15 a pop, a lot of people can live with this.

If you are going to be in this for the long haul, at least get some Hydroponics units - they will made to handle some moisture and have better reflectors.