Recommendations on a T5 fixture for BC29?

Wesley42079 · Jul 14, 2011

I currently have a BC29 running a Sunpod 150w 14k Phoenix bulb. I am only keeping LPS and chalice's (well, my tank crashed this past 4th of July weekend when I was out on vacation).

I'm beginning to think that the Sunpod might be a little too much light for my tank. I have been using the Sunpod for the last 6 months. I am looking to switch to a T5 fixture.

I would like to hear some of your recommendations on a good affordable T5 fixture, preferably 4 bulb.

What do you think about Current's T5 fixtures? Would it be good enough to run ATI bulbs?

revhtree · Jul 24, 2011

Anybody have any experience with this to help a reefer out?

Dasani · Jul 24, 2011

24" ATI Sunpower...

lps1212 · Jul 24, 2011

If you could afford an ati than that's what I would go for 6bulb imo but I use an aquatinics 5 bulb on my bc29 and it has my corals lookin good for now I might be makin switch over to a 6bulb ati though gl with your choice

Wesley42079 · Jul 25, 2011

Thanks everyone, looks like I'll be purchasing an ATI 24" Sunpower 4 bulb.

GSMguy · Jul 26, 2011

That would be my first choice, what bulbs did you order?

Tyrrell109 · Jul 26, 2011

Im having the same problem with my BC/HQI. The sunpod just puts out too much light for the LPS, even with the coral at the front of the tank(only 2 like it). I made a dark shady area to put them in and they love it there, but I will need to eventually get a T5 fixture. Let me know how it goes.

Rick · Jul 28, 2011

Look into a sunlight supply sun blaze 2ft 4bulb it's got individual reflectors and retails for under 200 bucks.
run korralen zucht bulbs the new gen is a great daylight looks around 14-15 k a bit nicer looking than the aqua blue special

Lateral72 · Jul 28, 2011

Rick said:
Look into a sunlight supply sun blaze 2ft 4bulb it's got individual reflectors and retails for under 200 bucks.
run korralen zucht bulbs the new gen is a great daylight looks around 14-15 k a bit nicer looking than the aqua blue special

For almost the same price, I would get the Sunlight Supply New Wave 4x24" fixture. It's got the same ballast as the TEK lights and better reflectors than the sun blaze.

+1 on the KZ bulbs. I love them. I would do 2 x Superblue, 1 x New Gen and then a ATI Actinic.

bige · Jul 29, 2011

I made my own. Using stock hood. But my t-5s are supplements to my leds. But if you had the hood you could remove old lights and jus tfill with the t-5s. I took a hagen 24 w retrofit and put 18" bulbs on it. It even fits inside the clear plastic cover so the fans cool it too. Having said all that, if I had the money I would get an ati fixture with a mixture of their bulbs.

Wesley42079 · Jul 31, 2011

Wesley42079 said:
Thanks everyone, looks like I'll be purchasing an ATI 24" Sunpower 4 bulb.

GSMguy said:
That would be my first choice, what bulbs did you order?

I haven't ordered any lights yet. I have been scouring the forums to see which lights people are using. Having used the Sunpod 150w Phoenix 14k, I would still like to get the same look.

Wesley42079 · Jul 31, 2011

Tyrrell109 said:
Im having the same problem with my BC/HQI. The sunpod just puts out too much light for the LPS, even with the coral at the front of the tank(only 2 like it). I made a dark shady area to put them in and they love it there, but I will need to eventually get a T5 fixture. Let me know how it goes.

I got a 20" Current NEP 6 bulb from one of my friends. The bulbs are still stock, but my corals are liking it a whole lot better. I would keep the fixture, but the bulb selection is terrible. I heard that NanoTuners are selling 18" UVL bulbs, but I would have to MOD the ballast and fixture.

Once I get my new T5 system running, I'll keep you posted.

Wesley42079 · Jul 31, 2011

Rick said:
Look into a sunlight supply sun blaze 2ft 4bulb it's got individual reflectors and retails for under 200 bucks.
run korralen zucht bulbs the new gen is a great daylight looks around 14-15 k a bit nicer looking than the aqua blue special

Rick thanks for the recommendation. I checked out the website and the 2ft 4 bulb system is selling for $122. That is a great deal of savings from an ATI fixture; However the website didn't specify if there are two on/off switches or 1.

Also, I wish it came with legs instead of hanging the fixture.