Thoughts on these T5 fixtures - Agrobrite

[Steverd]

From my greenhouse days I already own these T5 light fixture in 4ft 4 bulbs and 4ft 6 bulbs.

How do you think these would be over a Low Boy frag tank with the correct bulbs?
What type of problems might I run into with these?

Link: https://amzn.to/2Lg2v1S

Thoughts?

 

[Land Shark]

A friend of mine runs several of those over his 500gal tank and loves them.

 

[Velcro]

Tidal gardens uses them on frag tanks with apparently great results. Have some extra ballasts around just in case, IMO.

 

[BoomCorals]

I had one over a lowboy. They tripped a 20A breaker constantly for some reason. Exchanged it and had the same thing happen.

 

[Velcro]

I had one over a lowboy. They tripped a 20A breaker constantly for some reason. Exchanged it and had the same thing happen.

Was it a GFCI breaker? I had an ATI fixture that loved to trip my GFCI if I powered it back on while it was still hot.

 

[BoomCorals]

Was it a GFCI breaker? I had an ATI fixture that loved to trip my GFCI if I powered it back on while it was still hot.

Yes but powering on while hot is normal to trip any breaker. They have to cool before you can power back on.

This one would be on for 3-6 hours and just randomly trip the breaker.

 

[jda]

I use some like them over a pair of fuges - they are likely all very much the same as unbranded china fixtures. They have good output. My only concern is that they will not last a decade like an ATI will... but they are also a fraction of the price. I use mostly GE 6500k bubls in them since the chaeto, dragons[flame,breath] and few frags love it.

 

[Steverd]

I use some like them over a pair of fuges - they are likely all very much the same as unbranded china fixtures. They have good output. My only concern is that they will not last a decade like an ATI will... but they are also a fraction of the price. I use mostly GE 6500k bubls in them since the chaeto, dragons[flame,breath] and few frags love it.

I also think the bulbs about cost $100 per four 48" bulbs from BRS.
Then how often should I change them, vs how often I really would change them?
Cheaper start up, maybe to get this tank started then save for the some Radion lights.
Or use 2-3 Black box lights until I have the $$ for the Radion XR30W Pros.

Thoughts?

 

[Kmack0415]

I have one I modded over my DT, moved the t5s out to make room for a strip of LEDs between them, had a cheap Marineland led I cannibalised, I got it off eBay cheap because the bulbs were broken so they were selling for 50$! Figured would be fun to try out, has been working great with no issues for 3 months now. I'll still be happy when I can replace the cheap LEDs with something good but till then it will be just fine.

 

[GrndHog]

I incorporated a Reefbreeder Photon II into a 4 bulb unit but had to get rid of one to fit the Reefbreeder. Ive been running it for about a year and love it.