T5 question

[KJones90s]

Found a set of t5 shop lights for $50.
Is this suitable for a saltwater aquarium?
Worried about rust and corrosion.
Thinking maybe you have to get a t5 light specifically marketed as aquarium lighting.
Thanks for your help.

 

[WVNed]

You have to put the correct bulbs in it but it will work. Better aquarium T-5 fixtures have well made reflectors that direct more light into the tank. That is usually the biggest difference.

No light fixture will survive getting wet repeatedly.

 

[RJ F.]

Proper spectrum is a must. If it's just a fixture you can make your own reflectors and just pop in the right bulb. As previously stated aquarium t5 fixtures are made to direct light into the tank. Most normal fixtures on casting broad light on everything

 

[KJones90s]

Proper spectrum is a must. If it's just a fixture you can make your own reflectors and just pop in the right bulb. As previously stated aquarium t5 fixtures are made to direct light into the tank. Most normal fixtures on casting broad light on everything

Yes, it’s just the fixture.
I will make sure I get the correct bulbs and can even put in some reflective material in the tank myself.

 

[Awesome Dennis]

T5 or T5HO?

 

[KJones90s]

T5 or T5HO?

The description says T5
Can you inform me on the difference?

 

[RJ F.]

T5 or T5HO?

That's a great point. Good catch. T5ho is used because they are stronger lights in the same form factor. However the ballast used are dif.

 

[KJones90s]

That's a great point. Good catch. T5ho is used because they are stronger lights in the same form factor. However the ballast used are dif.

But both will work for a SW aquarium correct?
I’m sorry, I’m a little confused.
New to the whole thing.

 

[RJ F.]

That comes down to what you are trying to keep in the tank. T5 will not produce enough light for corals alone. You will need supplemental led lighting. Its best to use t5ho from the beginning. Never buy under what you need. You will end up upgrading and spending more than you would of if you just bought the more expensive light in the beginning. Imo I wouldn't use t5. T5ho is the way to go.

 

[RJ F.]

1 t5ho has the same power of 2 normal t5.

 

[KJones90s]

That comes down to what you are trying to keep in the tank. T5 will not produce enough light for corals alone. You will need supplemental led lighting. Its best to use t5ho from the beginning. Never buy under what you need. You will end up upgrading and spending more than you would of if you just bought the more expensive light in the beginning. Imo I wouldn't use t5. T5ho is the way to go.

Got it.

 

[KJones90s]

That comes down to what you are trying to keep in the tank. T5 will not produce enough light for corals alone. You will need supplemental led lighting. Its best to use t5ho from the beginning. Never buy under what you need. You will end up upgrading and spending more than you would of if you just bought the more expensive light in the beginning. Imo I wouldn't use t5. T5ho is the way to go.

I’ll inquire wether or not it’s a t5 or a t5ho.
I definitely plan on keeping coral.
Right now I’m running a gen 1 current marine light. Looking to upgrade a little bit.

 

[Aardvark1134]

Or you can use 2x as many T5.

 

[Awesome Dennis]

The fixture should have a sticker on the reflector or if you take the cover off the ballast will list what bulb combinations it can run.
The sockets are the same for a T5 or T5HO the ballasts are different, if you plan on keeping corals don’t waste your time with regular T5.

 

[RJ F.]

Just imagine. You would need 10 t5 to get the same lumens as 5 t5ho.

 

[A. grandis]

Found a set of t5 shop lights for $50.
Is this suitable for a saltwater aquarium?
Worried about rust and corrosion.
Thinking maybe you have to get a t5 light specifically marketed as aquarium lighting.
Thanks for your help.

Get the good T5 systems for aquarium, yes. ATI is one of the best and has been in the market forever with great reputation. There is much more to a fixture than just the look and the price. The Sunpower will last much longer than cheaper fixtures. It will be way more efficient because of the cooling system it has in it and the reflectors. Use only good bulbs too, like the ATI and Giesemann.