My new HO T5

triggerlovr1990 · Aug 3, 2014

So I need some input guys. I bought
48" 324W T5 HO Aquarium Light Hood 6x54W Fluorescent Actinic Lamp LCD Timer REEF
this light and im pretty sure its the right light i need to grow all kinds of corals and keep an anemone and clam eventually. I have a 55 gal, will I regret this purchase or is it what i need? Thanks so much guys:bigsmile:

vic67 · Aug 3, 2014

It should work fine; it depends on the quality of bulbs that come with it. You can always purchase different bulbs to get the coloring you want. My reservation about this fixture is that it looks like it has a single reflector for all the bulbs; individually contoured or individual reflectors would be better.

hybridazn · Aug 3, 2014

The only problems with these cheap fixtures are the stock bulbs which are junk, and sometimes the ballasts. If the ballasts don't push the bulbs correctly they will underdrive them causing them to lose life much faster than with a proper ballast.

triggerlovr1990 · Aug 4, 2014

Thanks guys- it is one piece as far as reflectors go but it doesn't get too hot and doesn't effect water temp so at least I have that going for me. Eventually ill definatly invest in a long term fixture but for now i wanted to make sure this is the kind of HO T5 needed to get my reef started. Great advice as far as bulbs go- Going to go pick up 6 quality bulbs and hope to turn a cheap light into an acceptable fixture. Can any bulb of the same length be swaped out or do different brands only take certain bulbs. Right now I have the standard 3 antinic and 3 T5 12000 k that came with it and it makes my tank have a green tint