Individual reflectors make that big of a difference?

Willieb18 · 01/10/2008, 10:38 PM

I am setting up a 20L and going with T5s. I am looking at these two fixtures one had the individual reflectors and the other does not.

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...t~CU01120.html
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...t~CU01150.html

I know the one has the build in timers and they both have the moonlights but as far as the reflectors go is there that big of a difference?

Willieb18 · 01/10/2008, 11:45 PM

bump

FranktheTankTx · 01/10/2008, 11:47 PM

Oh yea! Individual reflectors are well worth it. I wouldn't recommend buying one that didn't have them.

Willieb18 · 01/11/2008, 01:06 AM

Thanks for the reply. Anyone else have any input?

saltydragon · 01/11/2008, 01:34 AM

one word......definately...

the fixtures you linked do not have individual reflectors......but 1 reflector bent like this /\/\/\/\...and they come with the factory bulbs

the sls and icecap reflectors are actually 1 individual reflector for each bulb and each reflector has multiple bends ...google these 2 brands and you'll see what im saying...
the more expensive fixtures do not come with bulbs therefore you get to choose what bulbs you want....i would suggest ATI bulbs or geiseman......search the forum for a thread called "T5 Q&A thread " and you'll find all the info you need.

Willieb18 · 01/12/2008, 03:55 PM

bump

salty child 79 · 01/12/2008, 07:04 PM

It all depends on the types of corals that you want to keep. Unless you are starting a 20L SPS tank then you will not need anything more than what you just linked to.

The Sunlight Supply (SLS), Aquactinics, ATI, IceCap, and FaunaMarin are all great fixtures with individual reflectors, but are not needed on a 20L, unless you are going to do Acropora or other SPS.

Let us know what you plan on keeping in the tank and then we can better reccomend the right light for you. Also include your price range.

Good Luck!

b16drag · 01/13/2008, 12:12 PM

If you are doing T5's at ALL, "YES"

glassbox-design · 01/13/2008, 12:26 PM

the nova pro is on par with the tek in light output. active cooling is the major difference between the two.

01/10/2008, 10:38 PM	#1
Willieb18 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: South Carolina Posts: 104	Individual reflectors make that big of a difference? I am setting up a 20L and going with T5s. I am looking at these two fixtures one had the individual reflectors and the other does not. http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...t~CU01120.html http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...t~CU01150.html I know the one has the build in timers and they both have the moonlights but as far as the reflectors go is there that big of a difference?

01/10/2008, 11:47 PM	#3
FranktheTankTx Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 2,306	Oh yea! Individual reflectors are well worth it. I wouldn't recommend buying one that didn't have them. __________________ Frank the Tank "What, I thought we were in the trust tree... in the nest? Are we not?" Current Tank Info: Custom Rimless 60g (30.5"x24.5"x18.5")

01/12/2008, 07:04 PM	#7
salty child 79 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: South Florida Posts: 272	It all depends on the types of corals that you want to keep. Unless you are starting a 20L SPS tank then you will not need anything more than what you just linked to. The Sunlight Supply (SLS), Aquactinics, ATI, IceCap, and FaunaMarin are all great fixtures with individual reflectors, but are not needed on a 20L, unless you are going to do Acropora or other SPS. Let us know what you plan on keeping in the tank and then we can better reccomend the right light for you. Also include your price range. Good Luck! __________________ Great tanks don't come from great equipment. They come from great husbandry and great knowledge.

01/13/2008, 12:26 PM	#9
glassbox-design Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: SF Posts: 3,041	the nova pro is on par with the tek in light output. active cooling is the major difference between the two. __________________ GLASSBOXDESIGN the modern reef blog LEDs are a 50,000 hr investment. Choose wisely. Current Tank Info: ...a new glassbox is coming

01/10/2008, 11:45 PM	#2
Willieb18 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: South Carolina Posts: 104	bump

01/11/2008, 01:06 AM	#4
Willieb18 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: South Carolina Posts: 104	Thanks for the reply. Anyone else have any input?

01/11/2008, 01:34 AM	#5
saltydragon Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Westbury L.i Posts: 402	one word......definately... the fixtures you linked do not have individual reflectors......but 1 reflector bent like this /\/\/\/\...and they come with the factory bulbs the sls and icecap reflectors are actually 1 individual reflector for each bulb and each reflector has multiple bends ...google these 2 brands and you'll see what im saying... the more expensive fixtures do not come with bulbs therefore you get to choose what bulbs you want....i would suggest ATI bulbs or geiseman......search the forum for a thread called "T5 Q&A thread " and you'll find all the info you need.

01/12/2008, 03:55 PM	#6
Willieb18 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: South Carolina Posts: 104	bump

01/13/2008, 12:12 PM	#8
b16drag Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: California Posts: 903	If you are doing T5's at ALL, "YES"