To replace whole lighting setup or not to? That is the Q

[Rawsreef]

A while back I bought a cheap-ish t5 light fixture I saw online in order to save some bucks.



Does this fixture correctly power my t5 bulbs? I am asking due to the fact this fixture states 180 watts.

6x 54 watt (48”) t5s = 324 watts which is a lot more than the 180.



Could this fixture be the cause of my corals stunted growth? To even the coral deaths recently?

 

[YOYOYOReefer]

well normal output t5 are 28 watt x6 equals about 180

check with a par meter is the best way to tell

 

[Rawsreef]

well normal output t5 are 28 watt x6 equals about 180

check with a par meter is the best way to tell

Wish I could get my hands on a par meter. I hear they are very expensive, and Idk any lfs that will rent / lend one out.

after looking on their site some more I realized they do have a 324 watt fixture.

now I’m not sure which one I have.

I will check the model/serial number of the fixture I have

 

[Mooses]

BRS rents them

 

[YOYOYOReefer]

if your have a wattage meter like a Kill-a-watt to plug it into that would help , but im pretty sure the HO bulbs will fire on the normal ballast (underdiven) .

 

[Rawsreef]

BRS rents them

Don’t think they do anymore I don’t see that option. I will call them to confirm, because this would probably be the best 50$ I spend for my reef

 

[3429810]

Don’t think they do anymore I don’t see that option. I will call them to confirm, because this would probably be the best 50$ I spend for my reef

Heard Ryan mention in a recent video you could buy one then return it up to two months later and just pay a small restock fee. If I’m remembering correctly it was $50. Guess they decided that was easier than the rental.

 

[Gtinnel]

For the Apogee MQ-510 that is an open box they have the restocking fee listed at $80.
For not too much more you could probably find a used seneye for checking your par, although the seneye ha mixed reviews on how accurate it is.

 

[Mooses]

I think even at $80 it's still a good deal. Plus, you have up to 2 months to dial in your lighting

 

[ingchr1]

The fixture you posted states it's an LED fixture, not T5.

 

[ingchr1]

well normal output t5 are 28 watt x6 equals about 180...

Normal for what length bulb?

 

[Dom]

$50 is not a lot of money to spend in this hobby.