Will this work

[Djtonton]

Will this work - Lighting?

So I have 4 t5s and 2 metal halids and just dont care for the metal halides im not a fan I want a new t5 fixture this seems like a steal is this worth it???

HTG Supply - GrowBright 4 Foot 8 Lamp High Output T5 With Choice of Bulbs

I can def swing 270

If it will work what type of bulbs should I get or would u recommend

Thanks my reef2reef friends!!!!

 

[redfishbluefish]

The bulb choices look like it’s either 3000K or 6500K bulbs……plant grow bulbs. If you want a very white looking tank with dull looking corals, then that is the fixture for you.


When I ran T5’s, I preferred ATI bulbs. They put out the highest PAR amongst T5 bulbs. I would recommend a combination of Coral Plus, Blue Plus and a Purple Plus or two. But realize at 22 to 23 bucks a bulb, that needs to be changed at least yearly, you’re looking at a pretty good bill just in bulbs. Go LED! No bulb changing cost, low electrical consumption and very low heat impact. Take a look at ReefBreeders Value Fixture….good bang for the buck.

 

[Djtonton]

The bulb choices look like it’s either 3000K or 6500K bulbs……plant grow bulbs. If you want a very white looking tank with dull looking corals, then that is the fixture for you.


When I ran T5’s, I preferred ATI bulbs. They put out the highest PAR amongst T5 bulbs. I would recommend a combination of Coral Plus, Blue Plus and a Purple Plus or two. But realize at 22 to 23 bucks a bulb, that needs to be changed at least yearly, you’re looking at a pretty good bill just in bulbs. Go LED! No bulb changing cost, low electrical consumption and very low heat impact. Take a look at ReefBreeders Value Fixture….good bang for the buck.

I wasnt going to use their bulbs I was planning on buying ati. I really like t5s and dont have the cash for leds over my 120. Good ones I have seen run 300+ a piece and I need at least 4 or 5. Dont have thay cash yet. I wish i did

So if I can get this fixture with 160 $ in bulbs or just use 4 that I have and get 4 new ones. It works for me and sell my current fixture. Help pay for this. If I go ati bulbs will this work? And ill jist control this via apex controller

 

[Djtonton]

The bulb choices look like it’s either 3000K or 6500K bulbs……plant grow bulbs. If you want a very white looking tank with dull looking corals, then that is the fixture for you.


When I ran T5’s, I preferred ATI bulbs. They put out the highest PAR amongst T5 bulbs. I would recommend a combination of Coral Plus, Blue Plus and a Purple Plus or two. But realize at 22 to 23 bucks a bulb, that needs to be changed at least yearly, you’re looking at a pretty good bill just in bulbs. Go LED! No bulb changing cost, low electrical consumption and very low heat impact. Take a look at ReefBreeders Value Fixture….good bang for the buck.

Ill have to look at reef breeders havent looked into that only ai and ecote h o think

 

[Djtonton]

Would this run 54w bulbs or would I have to get different watt bulbs

 

[redfishbluefish]

I’m confused! And that is easy to do. The cost of eight ATI bulbs is the cost of the Reefbreeder’s Value Fixture. Two of these fixtures (with your currecnt T5 fixture) should be more than enough light. With having to replace T5 bulbs at least every year, these two LED fixtures pay for themselves in two years. Any time after that is cash in your pocket??? What am I missing.

 

[Djtonton]

I’m confused! And that is easy to do. The cost of eight ATI bulbs is the cost of the Reefbreeder’s Value Fixture. Two of these fixtures (with your currecnt T5 fixture) should be more than enough light. With having to replace T5 bulbs at least every year, these two LED fixtures pay for themselves in two years. Any time after that is cash in your pocket??? What am I missing.

like i stated earlier i was looking at ai's and the other brand i didnt know about these havent really heard about them. Do you run these? Ill have to start researching these

 

[Djtonton]

on a side note do you know how much this fixture would go for?

2 250 watt metal halides with ballast 4 t5s with new coralife ballast

 

[Djtonton]

also how many do you think over a 120?

 

[Djtonton]

Well i think i might just stick with T5's don't have the 400$ for the two fixtures and i dont know much about them. i also have a bunch of t5 bulbs laying around if i had to cut the budget.

I think im going to go with this unit does anyone see anything bad about this?
Hydrofarm EnviroGro T5 4FT 8 Tube Fixture w/6400K bulbs - Plantlighting Hydroponics

 

[Derbird]

With T-5 fixtures its all about the reflectors. You really want to find something with individual reflectors. This can easily double if not triple the amount of light you are getting to your tank. The first fixture did mention a reflector but not individual and the second didn't even mention them. Most plant grow lights don't have the punching power that the reef lights do as plants don't need it. I would personally look on here and your local reef forums for a used Tek or ATI fixture. With so many changing over to LED's you should be able to find a really nice unit at a great price I run a eight bulb 80 watt Tek light on my 125 gallon reef and it has served me well.