T5 fixtures from hydro grow shops???

Rarend99 · 11/29/2012, 12:55 AM

Has anyone used the T5 fixtures from hydro stores and just put new bulbs in them? They are WAY less expensive than your average marine fixture I can get a 48in 4bulb for 120 and a 48in 8bulb for 150! Any thoughts?

Jeremy B. · 11/29/2012, 08:43 AM

They will work just fine, however I would suggest finding one that at least uses individual reflectors for each lamp. Stay way from them if they're using one single reflector that bends over all four bulbs.

rtparty · 11/29/2012, 08:43 AM

Most use low end ballasts and terrible reflectors. They also lack active cooling which will kill output and bulb life.

Replacing 8 bulbs will run another $200 and plan to replace them every 6-7 months with a fixture like that. An ATI unit may cost more upfront but will save you money and headaches in the future.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

Cbechdel · 11/29/2012, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rarend99

Has anyone used the T5 fixtures from hydro stores and just put new bulbs in them? They are WAY less expensive than your average marine fixture I can get a 48in 4bulb for 120 and a 48in 8bulb for 150! Any thoughts?

i've discovered my local hydro store, and am amazed at all the aquarium stuff there, and as you say, its far cheaper, some even the same brands and models (rio pumps, Hydor aerators, for example!)

I use a Quantum badboy fixture in humid environment, it has individual bulb lenses, is supposed to be specially designed to focus lighting down and not allow scattering. its open in design, so self cooling. mines been fine now for a year and a half. And an 8 bulb unit cost less than $200. My hydro guy also sells t5 bulbs for about $2.55 each, yes $2.55.

They also sell kissel's and will special order as needed to get aquarium specific spectrum.

Michigan Mike · 11/29/2012, 10:12 AM

I kinda like that quantum bad boy t5 , I think fixtures like that are great for shallow frag tanks.

cdivine · 11/29/2012, 01:54 PM

They work fine, but I would add a fan to them to extend the bulb life. If you have the money go with an ATI for the extra features and quality of the fixtures.

The cool thing about gro lights being cheap is that you can use them for all sorts of things if you ever decide to upgrade lights. For example my local hockey rink has been using them for over 10 years. Just tons of fixtures light up the rink from a really high distance. They are fairly easy to sell too.

11/29/2012, 12:55 AM	#1
Rarend99 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Rohnert Park, CA Posts: 1,304	T5 fixtures from hydro grow shops??? Has anyone used the T5 fixtures from hydro stores and just put new bulbs in them? They are WAY less expensive than your average marine fixture I can get a 48in 4bulb for 120 and a 48in 8bulb for 150! Any thoughts?

11/29/2012, 08:43 AM	#3
rtparty Raise The Reef! Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Utah Posts: 7,404	Most use low end ballasts and terrible reflectors. They also lack active cooling which will kill output and bulb life. Replacing 8 bulbs will run another $200 and plan to replace them every 6-7 months with a fixture like that. An ATI unit may cost more upfront but will save you money and headaches in the future. Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2 __________________ Ryan Click on my user name and check out my homepage! Current Tank Info: 50g Cadlights/Giesemann Spectra (250w Radium, 2 ATI Blue Plus, 2 ATI Actinic)/2 x Vortech MP10wQD/Skimz SN123/Eheim Compact 3000+

11/29/2012, 08:43 AM	#2
Jeremy B. Registered Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Indianapolis, IN / Muncie, IN Posts: 8,219	They will work just fine, however I would suggest finding one that at least uses individual reflectors for each lamp. Stay way from them if they're using one single reflector that bends over all four bulbs.

11/29/2012, 10:12 AM	#5
Michigan Mike Freedom costs a buckofive Join Date: May 2012 Location: Michigan Posts: 3,002	I kinda like that quantum bad boy t5 , I think fixtures like that are great for shallow frag tanks.

11/29/2012, 01:54 PM	#6
cdivine Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: South Bend, IN Posts: 45	They work fine, but I would add a fan to them to extend the bulb life. If you have the money go with an ATI for the extra features and quality of the fixtures. The cool thing about gro lights being cheap is that you can use them for all sorts of things if you ever decide to upgrade lights. For example my local hockey rink has been using them for over 10 years. Just tons of fixtures light up the rink from a really high distance. They are fairly easy to sell too.