T5 lights

[lwilliams8]

Does anyone know where I can get T5 light kits without breaking the bank. I traded and bought a tank from a lfs and when i went to pick it up well no lights. i have learned a lesson here. they would be 48". Thanks.

 

[Mariner]

T5's just seem extraordinarily high, especially the fixtures designed for aquarium use. IF you wanted to semi-DIY something, you could get a T5 fixture like this 6 bulb fixture for $160.00 Hydrofarm 6 lamp 65K T5 Fluorescent Grow Light - Plantlighting Hydroponics I have single bulb version of this for supplemental light on my 135g. The bulbs are 6500K, so you'd have to replace at least a couple of them with actinic, and maybe a couple more with 10,000K's. Don't know how you'd come out in the long run compared to buying a fixture made for aquariums.
FWIW,
Marine

 

[lwilliams8]

thanks

Thanks alot. They do seem high. I have a 60 gal cube with t5's and i love them so I was looking for those for the new tank also.

 

[KingRicky]

Try Helo Lights, I purchased a T-5 Retro Kit that came with the balast, bulbs, reflectors, end caps and all the wiring needed and I thiink they are selling for just over $100.00 right now.

 

[lwilliams8]

Thanks for the help Ricky. I found a setup from a guy north of Huntsville. He had a setup with 4 54 watt T5's, 2 HQI's in the middle, led moonlights under 1 housing. we looked it up and was 950 new. they are a couple yrs old and got them for 375. Just not familiar with the HQI's yet, hope they are not a problem. You guys are a great group on here and I hope I can come to a meeting one day.

 

[KingRicky]

Well, we are having a meeting tomorrow.

 

[lwilliams8]

I have to work, I would really love to and I am soon. My work slacks off in October which isn't too far away.

 

[gflat65]

What size tank are you putting them over? I'm running (3)-250W DE's with VHO actinics (switching to T5's when time to replace these bulbs) over a 125 and it does great for an SPS tank.

 

[lwilliams8]

i bought a 120. the fixture i found has four t5's at 54 each. i may run actinics. it also has 2 14,000 hqi's. im not sure what i can keep with this setup as i am still kind of new to this. i have 2 other tanks, a 60 gal cube and a 12 gal nano. i have had saltwater for only about a year.

 

[KingRicky]

With those lights, you can keep anything you want.

 

[gflat65]

Yup. What brand is the fixture (or did I miss that above?)?

 

[lwilliams8]

Current 1077 i think