Reefbrite Supta T5 reviews ?

[Abhishek]

Hi,

Not sure if its the right forum but here's my question. Sorry Dana if I have posted in wrong forum.

Currently running 2 geisemann crystal 250 watt halides and wanted to move to a MH-T5 combo.
Plan to use a single 400 watt radium with 2 - 2x retrofit kits of T5 from reefbrite supra .
I know these are not ATI fixtures and hence doesn't have the active cooling to lengthen the life of the bulbs.
But since ballast is included, wanna know how good is the light output with the included ballast .

If anyone has experience with the reefbrite supra please chime in. Even better if you PAR numbers.

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/supra-slim-line-dual-t5-retrofit-fixture-reef-brite.html

Regards,
Abhishek

 

[hybridazn]

I run 2 36" supras over my 180. I have them hanging on the back side of my halide reflectors so you barely see them. I run them for 12 hours a day (2 ati blue+ mostly for supplement). Even with running them that long they don't get insanely hot, so that is a plus.

My only "issue" with them is that my gfci pops every once and a while with them. I don't think it's the lights themselves doing this, my gfci is getting a bit old. They will turn on and off without a hitch for 3-4 weeks at a time and then out of the blue trip off for 4 days straight lol. Very weird but again I don't think it's the lights fault.

When/if I upgrade ever I will buy the dual bulb supras to run on the wider tank.

 

[Abhishek]

I run 2 36" supras over my 180. I have them hanging on the back side of my halide reflectors so you barely see them. I run them for 12 hours a day (2 ati blue+ mostly for supplement). Even with running them that long they don't get insanely hot, so that is a plus.

My only "issue" with them is that my gfci pops every once and a while with them. I don't think it's the lights themselves doing this, my gfci is getting a bit old. They will turn on and off without a hitch for 3-4 weeks at a time and then out of the blue trip off for 4 days straight lol. Very weird but again I don't think it's the lights fault.

When/if I upgrade ever I will buy the dual bulb supras to run on the wider tank.

Thanks man for the review !! Did you ever get a chance to get a PAR reading from them ?
How do the supplements look like with your radium ? Do they get washed out by the halides ?

Regards,
Abhishek

 

[hybridazn]

Thanks man for the review !! Did you ever get a chance to get a PAR reading from them ?
How do the supplements look like with your radium ? Do they get washed out by the halides ?

Regards,
Abhishek

Never did a par reading, I can't imagine the 2 bulbs doing much in that regards with how they are mounted and angled.

And yes, everything is washed out by the halides lol

Here is a couple pics on how I have them mounted

 

[A. grandis]

I ordered 2 of the Reef Brite halide pendants/ballasts and 2 of their slim T5 fixtures for a new 75gal I was going to set up here.
Problem with halides some people complained was weird flickering and also I didn't like the idea of their ballast because they run at at a lower wattage cause it would change spectrum and possibly life of bulbs, after searching.
I actually received the order and took a look at the T5 fixture and it looks great! Well and solid built, but didn't turn it on and returned the whole thing to get a Giesemann Spectra after. I know the Spectra is the prime of all halide/T5 systems. It runs hot and normally that problem is solved with a fan directed between the water surface and the fixture. It has 2 T5s on each side and 2 halides. Master power!! Great option to use either halides only, T5s only or both, as needed/wish.
People like Reef Brite LEDs a lot. Not many people have their T5 fixtures, as far as I know.
Their LEDs aren't like VHOs though, as they claim. That isn't accurate IMHO.
Good luck!
Grandis.