T5 HO Fixture question

DracoKat · Aug 8, 2018

My well loved Coralife T5 fixture stopped working.

I can't afford a $500+ set up

Right now, I am looking at the 48" Sunblaze

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/48-sun-blaze-t5-ho-lighting-fixture-sunlight-supply.html

it has good reviews.

However, the 4-bulb and 6-bulb is out of stock. I am in a bit of a crunch and have no idea how long it'll be for them to get in stock.

If I go for the 8-bulb, could I leave a few sockets empty? just do 4, then 5 and slowly work up my bulbs? I am not sure if keeping some sockets empty would be a bad idea.

If anyone has any other suggestions for a cheap T5 fixture- 4 -6 bulb, please do suggest!

Oh, I am probably going ot buy from Amazon- its cheaper

Montiman · Aug 8, 2018

You could do a 4 or six bulb Fiji Sun

https://www.marineandreef.com/Hamilton_FijiSun_48_4_X_54W_T5_HO_Lighting_System_p/rhta91006.htm

Montiman · Aug 8, 2018

Montiman said:
You could do a 4 or six bulb Fiji Sun

https://www.marineandreef.com/Hamilton_FijiSun_48_4_X_54W_T5_HO_Lighting_System_p/rhta91006.htm

It may be more expensive but it comes with bulbs is made for aquariums and has mounting legs. I would probably do the 6 bulb if it is in the budget.

saltyfilmfolks · Aug 8, 2018

DracoKat said:
My well loved Coralife T5 fixture stopped working.

I can't afford a $500+ set up

Right now, I am looking at the 48" Sunblaze

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/48-sun-blaze-t5-ho-lighting-fixture-sunlight-supply.html

it has good reviews.

However, the 4-bulb and 6-bulb is out of stock. I am in a bit of a crunch and have no idea how long it'll be for them to get in stock.

If I go for the 8-bulb, could I leave a few sockets empty? just do 4, then 5 and slowly work up my bulbs? I am not sure if keeping some sockets empty would be a bad idea.

If anyone has any other suggestions for a cheap T5 fixture- 4 -6 bulb, please do suggest!

Oh, I am probably going ot buy from Amazon- its cheaper

It should be fine. More importantly, make sure how many switches (circuits) it has. So you can easily separate or leave tubes out.

You could look at eBay , topdogsellers are my go to guys.
Odyssea with timers built in.

Wave point t5 fixtures is another brand to look for. They make Led as well for reefs

Aquatic life may have a four tube available.

Def look at the ati scratch and dent here on R2r as well and maybe even pm them
The guy who posts the stuff is a super cool old school reefer. I’ve talked Light with him a lot.

If you wind up with a six tube , it’s super cheap now to retro some led in too just for am pm pop.
Like an old current orbit fixture.
(By retro I mean I used zip ties ).

Wish I had better suggestions for you.