looking for t5 fixture advice

shecter · Jun 2, 2012

I'm running a standard 75 gallon reef ready tank. Mostly zoa dominated but starting to delve into sps. I'm up to 8 peices I like and plan to grow out. My light fixture is a deep blue solar extreme 4 bulb 36" light with digital timer and 4 led moonlights. I'm looking to upgrade to a 6 bulb 48" light in the next couple weeks. I had planned on buyinh a tek light until I found out thwy have no timers which is a must for me. I'm looking for a 6 bulb 48" light with moonlights and a digital timer preferably with built in fans like my deep blue. Also keeping in mind price is definitely a factor. Id like a good quality fixture at a decent price

any ideas?

FateX8 · Jun 2, 2012

theres only a few fixtures that include timers
best bet would to just buy some timers as most decent t5 fixtures dont include timers
the tek fixture is pretty good, especially from the cost to quality stand point

Steven R · Jun 2, 2012

ATI makes some amazing fixtures I am running a 8 bulb ATI fixture love it. Aquatic life makes a nice fixture also with timer.

Loki · Jun 2, 2012

I would still go with the tek light. I would also (as stated above) run ATI's bulbs (not actinic). They have some good ones. I personally like a blue tank so I run ATI Blue +.

I would also get a timer (a controller would be infinitely better) and plug the fixture into it. I have found that most of the time if products start doing extra stuff, it usually means they have spared/cut corners in another area.

Poseidon · Jun 2, 2012

ATI Sun Power/Power Module are top of the line. Aquatic Life probably next best, with TEK 3rd. I did a DIY 6 bulb, using IceCap on my 90, and SPS was growing out of control, but acans melted on the sandbed, even on the shade.

shecter · Jun 2, 2012

I was looking at the ati power units but they are a little more than I'm willing to spend. I believe where I saw them it would be the same price to get a radion led fixture. Id like to stay under 500 for the fixture if possible or I will probly go led. And thanks for the advice on the bulbs as well. I'm running ati blue plus and blue specials as well as a fiji purple kz bulb. I'm a big fan of the ati bulbs

shecter · Jun 3, 2012

Could you recommend a good timer? I know its a dumb question but its not something I've purchased before and I need it to be reliable.

Loki · Jun 3, 2012

Reef keeper light. It's has a battery in it so if the power goes out it will keep time and all the settings. If you don't want a controller it would be. Good idea to get a timer with some sort of battery in it. Just to remember the time if nothing else. I have a cheap timer from Wally-world on my 16 gallon. Every time power goes out I have to reset the time on it.

blackx-runner · Jun 3, 2012

Check out the Tek elites. Basically they are Teks with fans. They may have a better reflector material, but I am not positive on that. They don't include timers, but there are cheaper than the ATIs. I use a coralife timer and it has worked very well for me.
Coralife Timers for Aquarium Lighting

rjcranor · Jun 3, 2012

Aquatic life has a nice fixture

Reef Breeders · Jun 3, 2012

rjcranor said:
Aquatic life has a nice fixture

+1, had theirs before I upgraded to LEDs, and it is defenitely a nice fixture. I would consider new bulbs though.

MBG75 · Jun 3, 2012

Whichever light you choose. Make sure it has active cooling (fans). Properly cooled bulbs produce more par and a longer bulb life.
If you go Tek. Get the elite.