T5 Hood Question

[D3DPrintedThingz]

Do all T5 bulbs work in all T5 fixtures? I am seeing stuff on Amazon and facebook marketplace for significantly cheaper than buying new T5 fixtures.

For example -
Would this work for growing corals, if I were to put in the correct bulbs ?

 

[Lbrdsoxfan]

Do all T5 bulbs work in all T5 fixtures? I am seeing stuff on Amazon and facebook marketplace for significantly cheaper than buying new T5 fixtures.

For example -
Would this work for growing corals, if I were to put in the correct bulbs ?

Yup. I did it for a bit, works fine.

 

[Tuan’s Reef]

I think with T5's and Metal halides , its all about the power supply , the ballast.

6 sockets for a total 324 watts = 54 watts per bulb. that will defintely work.

 

[D3DPrintedThingz]

Ok so last dumb question. If there are products that exist like these, why would someone spend 300-500 on a T5 fixture? I feel like I am missing something

 

[Lbrdsoxfan]

Ok so last dumb question. If there are products that exist like these, why would someone spend 300-500 on a T5 fixture? I feel like I am missing something

Quality as some say... IMHO Frankly your not missing anything, lol. There are a few of us here going the diy route for T5's for one reason or another.

Biggest thing between the grow fixture I used and a ati fixture is components and active cooling also higher end reflectors and ballast.

I'm still using a diy setup, I just went to parabolic reflectors instead as my lights are under a canopy. The closed canopy can create a LOT of heat, like to the point that in my minimally temp controlled house in the winter (So. Cal.) My 250w heater was barely cycling (if at all) when the T5's are lit. That's on a 4ft 120g tank. FYI, I also run dual 90mm fans in the canopy for keeping bulb/tank temps in check.

 

[D3DPrintedThingz]

I have 3 48" OR3 orphek lights, and was going to create a canopy for my 90g, 4' length. Was planning on building the canopy around the t5 fixture and fitting the LED's in on either side, 2 in front one in back, and putting a computer fan in there to cool. Just wanted to make sure there wasn't a reason to spend dumb money on an expensive fixture when I've the capability of putting one together with myself.