Help with Lights...

phunkie99 · 10/03/2007, 08:27 PM

Newbie here needs help with any suggestions on lights for my 55gal (48inch) tank. I would like to have clams eventually. I like all the benefits for T5's so I think I'm going to go with those. I have about $450-$550 to spend. I have no canopy nor any hood (dont want a retrofit kit) so I'm looking for a complete fixture.

I was looking at these fixtures so far any input on them (good or bad) would help. Also if anyone has others they would suggest I would really appreciate your help. Thanks

http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_...unlight_Supply

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merch...de=Aquactinics

Mark75 · 10/03/2007, 08:33 PM

The Aquactinics is a much better light.

phunkie99 · 10/03/2007, 08:56 PM

I like this fixture as well

http://www.hellolights.com/index.asp...ROD&ProdID=561

Steve973 · 10/03/2007, 09:11 PM

I'm buying the aquactinics fixture for my 29 gallon sps/clam/etc tank. I think either the tek or the aquactinics fixture would work well for you. The only thing that I don't like about the PFO fixture is that it's a single reflector. If I understand correctly, and those with better knowledge can certainly correct me, but I think you get more optimal results with individual reflectors for each bulb. The aquactinics fixture has one less bulb than the tek, but it appears to be the better value. I don't have experience with either vendor, so take my advice for what it's worth.

bag151 · 10/03/2007, 09:19 PM

Steve you are right about the individual reflectors, you will get better results because you are placing the light source in the middle of the parabolic shape, placing more then one in the same space will cause light from some bulbs to be reflected into the back of others because of the shape.

phunkie99 · 10/03/2007, 10:31 PM

thanks for mentioning that Steve I didn't even realize that the PFO was single reflector thats why I didn't get the Nova unit

If anyone else knows of a unit that is good that maybe I just havent seen yet I would appreciate any info

phunkie99 · 10/04/2007, 06:01 PM

bump

hahnmeister · 10/04/2007, 06:28 PM

ATI powermodule... but good luck getting one. The Aquatinics is the one I would go with. The reflectors are better than the Tek, and it has active cooling. Simply put, even though it has one less bulb, its 20% more efficient, so its a wash. And not having to use/replace one extra bulb isnt a bad thing.

phunkie99 · 10/04/2007, 06:42 PM

Would it be worth it to save some more $$$ and buy this fixture if I understand correctly it acts as lid as well (2 birds 1 stone)

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merch...de=Aquactinics

hahnmeister · 10/04/2007, 07:24 PM

Its 14" wide, and 7 bulbs is a bit overkill... your pick though. I think 5 bulbs is plenty for a 55g though.

Steve973 · 10/04/2007, 07:33 PM

That looks like a fantastic fixture. I just got my aquactinic fixture today, and I'm thrilled with it. You have SO many bulb options with a 7 bulb fixture, too!

slant77 · 10/04/2007, 07:37 PM

I think 7 bulbs over 55 is over kill if you are using a fixture with individual reflectors.

10/03/2007, 08:27 PM	#1
phunkie99 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 537	Help with Lights... Newbie here needs help with any suggestions on lights for my 55gal (48inch) tank. I would like to have clams eventually. I like all the benefits for T5's so I think I'm going to go with those. I have about $450-$550 to spend. I have no canopy nor any hood (dont want a retrofit kit) so I'm looking for a complete fixture. I was looking at these fixtures so far any input on them (good or bad) would help. Also if anyone has others they would suggest I would really appreciate your help. Thanks http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_...unlight_Supply http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merch...de=Aquactinics

10/03/2007, 09:19 PM	#5
bag151 Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 279	Steve you are right about the individual reflectors, you will get better results because you are placing the light source in the middle of the parabolic shape, placing more then one in the same space will cause light from some bulbs to be reflected into the back of others because of the shape. __________________ -Brett Current Tank Info: 336g Penninsula Reef Tank

10/03/2007, 08:33 PM	#2
Mark75 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: East Tenn. Posts: 740	The Aquactinics is a much better light.

10/03/2007, 08:56 PM	#3
phunkie99 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 537	I like this fixture as well http://www.hellolights.com/index.asp...ROD&ProdID=561

10/03/2007, 09:11 PM	#4
Steve973 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Baltimore, MD Posts: 469	I'm buying the aquactinics fixture for my 29 gallon sps/clam/etc tank. I think either the tek or the aquactinics fixture would work well for you. The only thing that I don't like about the PFO fixture is that it's a single reflector. If I understand correctly, and those with better knowledge can certainly correct me, but I think you get more optimal results with individual reflectors for each bulb. The aquactinics fixture has one less bulb than the tek, but it appears to be the better value. I don't have experience with either vendor, so take my advice for what it's worth.

10/03/2007, 10:31 PM	#6
phunkie99 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 537	thanks for mentioning that Steve I didn't even realize that the PFO was single reflector thats why I didn't get the Nova unit If anyone else knows of a unit that is good that maybe I just havent seen yet I would appreciate any info

10/04/2007, 06:01 PM	#7
phunkie99 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 537	bump

10/04/2007, 06:28 PM	#8
hahnmeister Moved On Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Brew City, WI Posts: 10,156	ATI powermodule... but good luck getting one. The Aquatinics is the one I would go with. The reflectors are better than the Tek, and it has active cooling. Simply put, even though it has one less bulb, its 20% more efficient, so its a wash. And not having to use/replace one extra bulb isnt a bad thing.

10/04/2007, 06:42 PM	#9
phunkie99 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 537	Would it be worth it to save some more $$$ and buy this fixture if I understand correctly it acts as lid as well (2 birds 1 stone) http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merch...de=Aquactinics

10/04/2007, 07:24 PM	#10
hahnmeister Moved On Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Brew City, WI Posts: 10,156	Its 14" wide, and 7 bulbs is a bit overkill... your pick though. I think 5 bulbs is plenty for a 55g though.

10/04/2007, 07:33 PM	#11
Steve973 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Baltimore, MD Posts: 469	That looks like a fantastic fixture. I just got my aquactinic fixture today, and I'm thrilled with it. You have SO many bulb options with a 7 bulb fixture, too!

10/04/2007, 07:37 PM	#12
slant77 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 611	I think 7 bulbs over 55 is over kill if you are using a fixture with individual reflectors.