T5 bulb upgrade coralife

Gdk414 · Dec 20, 2016

I was told that coralife fixtures only take coralife bulbs. But this one looks like I could upgrade to ATI or geisman bulbs. Anyone know anything about these coralife fixtures? Are they any good?

Gdk414 · Dec 20, 2016

Pic

Diesel · Dec 20, 2016

I don't think they are bad.
I know for sure that ATI and Giesemann has a lot better fixture and bulbs.

cromag27 · Dec 20, 2016

Reflectors, ballasts and bulbs aren't nearly as good as ati. they can certainly work, but not great efficiency.

Gdk414 · Dec 20, 2016

Can I use ATI bulbs in this fixture?

cromag27 · Dec 20, 2016

Yes, t5 is t5.

Gdk414 said:
Can I use ATI bulbs in this fixture?

Gdk414 · Dec 20, 2016

That's what I was thinking. I'm new to the hobby and don't know too much about lighting. I was told that I have to use coralife bulbs.

Diesel · Dec 20, 2016

You can use any type of T5 in there but the effect on the spectrum won't be 100% due to the ballast in the corallife.
If you have that fixture already I won't spend a lot on the higher $$$ giesemann or KZ bulbs, maybe just the corallife or ATI are the best option for you.

Gdk414 · Dec 20, 2016

I was thinking about buying it on Craigslist. It's cheap $40 or $50 but I don't want to waste my money if it's a crap light. I was thinking I could just get better bulbs and be all set but was told I can only use coralife bulbs and also I didn't even consider the quality of the ballast as a limiting factor. Thanks for the input

Diesel · Dec 20, 2016

For $50 I'll take that risk, with some Ati bulbs of I believe $20 each you'll have a great starter light.
Most corals will do ok under that fixture even maybe some easy SPS if you place them right.
Not sure how old the fixture is or let me say how many hours it has been running.
Worst thing can happen your ballast can go down but you can replace that with a icecap ballast.
For four bulbs you need two I believe.
Good luck with the fixture and lets see some pics while it is over your tank.

cromag27 · Dec 20, 2016

A tek fixture would be better, but still not as good as ati.

Gdk414 said:
I was thinking about buying it on Craigslist. It's cheap $40 or $50 but I don't want to waste my money if it's a crap light. I was thinking I could just get better bulbs and be all set but was told I can only use coralife bulbs and also I didn't even consider the quality of the ballast as a limiting factor. Thanks for the input

Gdk414 · Dec 20, 2016

Thanks diesel. Well here's my situation I'm on the fence about. I am brand new to reefing and this is my very first tank. I got it for free in August on craigslist as a saltwater fish tank only (no corals just one BTA) and since then I've added 9 frags and upgraded to a current orbit marine pro led in september. I love the led but I'm not happy with the growth rate. The only thing that I can notice any growth with is the gsp. Maybe I'm just being impatient?? Lol here is a pic of my tank today. Also I do understand that I have some slow growing lps but honestly I can't notice any growth at all. Any opinions? What would you guys do personally?

Diesel · Dec 20, 2016

Gdk414 said:
Thanks diesel. Well here's my situation I'm on the fence about. I am brand new to reefing and this is my very first tank. I got it for free in August on craigslist as a saltwater fish tank only (no corals just one BTA) and since then I've added 9 frags and upgraded to a current orbit marine pro led in september. I love the led but I'm not happy with the growth rate. The only thing that I can notice any growth with is the gsp. Maybe I'm just being impatient?? Lol here is a pic of my tank today. Also I do understand that I have some slow growing lps but honestly I can't notice any growth at all. Any opinions? What would you guys do personally?

I would save my money and get a ATI fixture with Giesemann bulbs.
Your tank is doing good for the moment and will do better when you get a better light.
You buy that light of Craigslist you not making much improvements.