Opinions on a QT Light

dkeller_nc · 08/18/2013, 09:22 AM

I've two Coralife Aqualight PC fixtures that I've been using on a 20 gallon quarantine tank. Both ballasts have given up the ghost, and drop-in replacement ballasts for these fixtures are $40. The whole fixture is about $80, so I'm skeptical that it's worth it to replace them.

My purpose for this QT is both fish and coral (though not at the same time), so reasonably bright illumination is important. I could go LED with this tank and purchase an AI hydra. But at $400 for the fixture, plus another $150 for an independent controller and AI EXT rails, I'm hesitant. Other possibilities I've considered are the Maxspect Razor 120w at about $400, and several Current marine fixtures, also probably about $400 for the total investment.

Another option is T5HO. And this is where I'm looking for opinions. Ideally, I'd like an integrated timer, but that's a "nice to have", not a requirement. An 4-bulb ATI fixture will run me $350 - $450 (depending on whether it's dimmable with controller), and that doesn't include the bulbs, which will be another $80. Aquatic Life makes a 4-bulb T5HO fixture w/ integrated timer for $250, and that includes the lamps.

But - I've noticed that replacement ballasts for Aquatic Life units are extremely expensive, and I'm wondering if I'm saving pennies but potentially spending dollars with the AL unit. Anyone have an opinion on these? Are they junk that I can expect to last a year?

dkeller_nc · 08/19/2013, 08:26 AM

Bump - Anyone own, or have experience with Aquatic Life's T5HO fixtures?

Dmorty217 · 08/19/2013, 08:31 AM

I used a table light that sits beside the QT and sunlight from the window with fish and I would highly recommend the RapidLED Onyx fixture, dimmable if you care about that. T5's will be much more costly in the long run

ca1ore · 08/19/2013, 08:57 AM

I've been using a pair of Rapid LED Par38 bulbs (mixed with UV) over my 30 gal Fish observation/invert QT tank and they have worked fine. Found them used for $75 total, but even new, less than $175.

Not sure I'd be using the same tank for treating fish and QT inverts though.

08/18/2013, 09:22 AM	#1
dkeller_nc Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Central NC Posts: 5,062	Opinions on a QT Light I've two Coralife Aqualight PC fixtures that I've been using on a 20 gallon quarantine tank. Both ballasts have given up the ghost, and drop-in replacement ballasts for these fixtures are $40. The whole fixture is about $80, so I'm skeptical that it's worth it to replace them. My purpose for this QT is both fish and coral (though not at the same time), so reasonably bright illumination is important. I could go LED with this tank and purchase an AI hydra. But at $400 for the fixture, plus another $150 for an independent controller and AI EXT rails, I'm hesitant. Other possibilities I've considered are the Maxspect Razor 120w at about $400, and several Current marine fixtures, also probably about $400 for the total investment. Another option is T5HO. And this is where I'm looking for opinions. Ideally, I'd like an integrated timer, but that's a "nice to have", not a requirement. An 4-bulb ATI fixture will run me $350 - $450 (depending on whether it's dimmable with controller), and that doesn't include the bulbs, which will be another $80. Aquatic Life makes a 4-bulb T5HO fixture w/ integrated timer for $250, and that includes the lamps. But - I've noticed that replacement ballasts for Aquatic Life units are extremely expensive, and I'm wondering if I'm saving pennies but potentially spending dollars with the AL unit. Anyone have an opinion on these? Are they junk that I can expect to last a year?

08/19/2013, 08:31 AM	#3
Dmorty217 Saltwater Addict Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Vandalia OHIO Posts: 11,624	I used a table light that sits beside the QT and sunlight from the window with fish and I would highly recommend the RapidLED Onyx fixture, dimmable if you care about that. T5's will be much more costly in the long run __________________ Fish are not disposable commodities, but a worthwhile investment that can be maintained and enjoyed for many years, providing one is willing to take the time to understand their requirements and needs Current Tank Info: 625g, 220g sump, RD3 230w, Vectra L1 on a closed loop, 3 MP60s, MP40. Several QTs

08/19/2013, 08:26 AM	#2
dkeller_nc Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Central NC Posts: 5,062	Bump - Anyone own, or have experience with Aquatic Life's T5HO fixtures?

08/19/2013, 08:57 AM	#4
ca1ore Grizzled & Cynical Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Stamford, CT Posts: 17,319	I've been using a pair of Rapid LED Par38 bulbs (mixed with UV) over my 30 gal Fish observation/invert QT tank and they have worked fine. Found them used for $75 total, but even new, less than $175. Not sure I'd be using the same tank for treating fish and QT inverts though.