desperate looking for a T5 fixtures and vendor.

langtudatinh01 · 10/26/2009, 11:03 PM

hello all, thanks to review this thread

i am living up in Fairbanks, Alaska. i want to upgrade my lighting to T5 with limited budget. the LFS here does not carry any or will order with a very high price. Alaska is part of the US too, but we have no special offer to ship up here. once i order a fixture cost about 280 + shipping = 400, ouch........i can't even afford a light fixture............can someone help? or someone know a place to ship up here without damaging my .....pocket too much. thanks.

lordofthereef · 10/27/2009, 01:56 AM

Have you looked into retrofit/canopy? A little DIY work in it on your end but it is generally much cheaper and lighter as far as shipping goes.

returnofsid · 10/27/2009, 02:04 AM

Get in touch with Greg, at http://www.reefgeek.com/ Awesome company, great customer service AND a RC Sponsor!!

PRDubois · 10/27/2009, 02:12 AM

+1 Reefgeek

agreeive?fish · 10/27/2009, 05:45 AM

check into the snail mail operated by the US postoffice as for shipping costs, i know my brother has been in alaska for many years(12+) and has stuff shipped via the post office all the time because of cost

langtudatinh01 · 10/27/2009, 08:25 AM

thanks everyone for reply,
yeah, i think USPS will be cheaper but not everyone agree to send via USPS. i have checking with ReefGeek. their asking price for shipping is 98 dollars. as for retro fit, yes, you do save some money on the shipping, but the initial cost is already over the cost of the fixtures without any benefit of cooling yet.

SaltLifeLove · 10/27/2009, 08:40 AM

I would check out http://shop.aquatraders.com/Default.asp The price on their fixtures are amazing and I know they ship internationally so I think they would ship to Alaska.

dsn112 · 10/27/2009, 09:19 AM

That $99 T5/MH combo light is an insane deal, Would be sweet for my Cad 12g

corbett_n · 10/27/2009, 11:32 AM

reefgeek rocks

lalo809 · 10/27/2009, 11:58 AM

Premiumaquatics.com i just bougt t5ho for $259 with built in timers and lunar lights take a look they are the best

jflick345 · 10/27/2009, 01:10 PM

My understanding with Aquatraders' fixtures is that they use bulbs that aren't standard size...something like 1/8" shorter than normal so other brands of T5s won't fit the fixture. Just something to keep in mind

SaltLifeLove · 10/27/2009, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jflick345

My understanding with Aquatraders' fixtures is that they use bulbs that aren't standard size...something like 1/8" shorter than normal so other brands of T5s won't fit the fixture. Just something to keep in mind

http://shop.ebay.com/fishman911/m.ht...&_trksid=p4340

There is a guy on eBay who sells the same odyessa fixtures as aquatraders, and has a great price. It also says he ships to US and Canada.

I am unsure about what jflick said about the bulb size, I haven't had to change mine yet. I guess that means odyessa fixtures are all 1/8 smaller? I will research what I can. I know you can buy replacement bulbs from aquatraders as well, so even if size was different, there is somewhere to get them...any more info on this would be great!?

jet fixer · 10/27/2009, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lalo809

Premiumaquatics.com i just bougt t5ho for $259 with built in timers and lunar lights take a look they are the best

Which fixture? they sell several

lordofthereef · 10/27/2009, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by langtudatinh01

thanks everyone for reply,
yeah, i think USPS will be cheaper but not everyone agree to send via USPS. i have checking with ReefGeek. their asking price for shipping is 98 dollars. as for retro fit, yes, you do save some money on the shipping, but the initial cost is already over the cost of the fixtures without any benefit of cooling yet.

Not sure what retrofits versus fixtures you have been looking at, but I have never found that to be true. I just did a 4x 48" T5 retrofit for about 100 bucks shipped... (fyi there is no need to buy as a kit)

langtudatinh01 · 10/27/2009, 06:31 PM

lordofthereef, where did you find all the equipment if you dont mind i ask. the bulb alone is already 20 bucks. 4x20=80 already. ballasts and reflectors plus all the accesories, and shipping.

mjm1969 · 10/28/2009, 01:47 AM

I'm at Elmendorf AFB, Anchorage, AK and am facing the same problem... I'm waiting for the HHG (household goods) to arrive and will need new lighting shortly. My bro works for FedEx and gets an insane discount, so I'm looking into the cost ordering with a low cost shipping deal to the lower 48 and then having him ship it. If I find a way around this price gouging on shipping I'll be happy to share.

langtudatinh01 · 10/28/2009, 01:55 PM

Thanks Michaels, glad to hear it from another Alaskan. haha, sometime i feel like we are not part of the US. it must be our fault to live up here. please lets me know the shipping deal.

lordofthereef · 10/28/2009, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by langtudatinh01

lordofthereef, where did you find all the equipment if you dont mind i ask. the bulb alone is already 20 bucks. 4x20=80 already. ballasts and reflectors plus all the accesories, and shipping.

I guess I wasn't considering bulbs because of the fact that I would replace the junk stock bulbs in a fixture as well so I would add on the price of 4 bulbs anyway. If you are ok with the bulbs you are getting, I agree that would be the cheaper way to go.

langtudatinh01 · 10/29/2009, 02:28 PM

lordofthereef, i am interesting to put together a retrofit canopy. i already have a built canopy, just have to detach the PCs. Where can i find the retrofit that cost 100 shipped. i want a 24" 4x24 T5. i will add some moonlight system as well. Could you tell me where to find the retrofit kits? so far, i only found the cheapest one at 89 dollars for 2x24. thanks.

lordofthereef · 10/29/2009, 04:55 PM

Personally a pieced mine together in the buy/sell/trade forums here. Here is an example of one that is currently for sale http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1729925
More than 100 bucks, but this one comes with everything you need as you wanted (including some decent bulbs). Aside from that, if you wanted new all you would need to do is piece together a ballast, wiring, and 8 water proof endcaps.

10/26/2009, 11:03 PM	#1
langtudatinh01 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Fairbanks, Alaska Posts: 399	desperate looking for a T5 fixtures and vendor. hello all, thanks to review this thread i am living up in Fairbanks, Alaska. i want to upgrade my lighting to T5 with limited budget. the LFS here does not carry any or will order with a very high price. Alaska is part of the US too, but we have no special offer to ship up here. once i order a fixture cost about 280 + shipping = 400, ouch........i can't even afford a light fixture............can someone help? or someone know a place to ship up here without damaging my .....pocket too much. thanks. __________________ Tuanito Tranito Current Tank Info: my little heaven: 40 Breeder nano reeftank (1 year old-refugium/sump 20 gallons)

10/27/2009, 01:56 AM	#2
lordofthereef One reef to rule them all Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Leominster, MA Posts: 5,299	Have you looked into retrofit/canopy? A little DIY work in it on your end but it is generally much cheaper and lighter as far as shipping goes. __________________ "A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself" ~ Josh Billings Visit My Home page for current build thread (click my user name and select "Visit LordoftheReef's Homepage" in the drop down menu!

10/27/2009, 02:12 AM	#4
PRDubois Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Chester, VA Posts: 3,626	+1 Reefgeek __________________ http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2534403 Current Tank Info: 225 gal Reef, 60 gal reef & 40b frag tank

10/27/2009, 08:25 AM	#6
langtudatinh01 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Fairbanks, Alaska Posts: 399	thanks everyone for reply, yeah, i think USPS will be cheaper but not everyone agree to send via USPS. i have checking with ReefGeek. their asking price for shipping is 98 dollars. as for retro fit, yes, you do save some money on the shipping, but the initial cost is already over the cost of the fixtures without any benefit of cooling yet. __________________ Tuanito Tranito Current Tank Info: my little heaven: 40 Breeder nano reeftank (1 year old-refugium/sump 20 gallons)

10/27/2009, 08:40 AM	#7
SaltLifeLove Impatient Reefer Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Sarasota, FL Posts: 213	I would check out http://shop.aquatraders.com/Default.asp The price on their fixtures are amazing and I know they ship internationally so I think they would ship to Alaska. __________________ My husband knew he was in trouble when I turned down a new purse for a new fish... My Fish are SMARTER than your Fish because I filled my tank with Smart Water ;) Current Tank Info: 75 Gallon Reef Tank

10/27/2009, 02:04 AM	#3
returnofsid Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 3,852	Get in touch with Greg, at http://www.reefgeek.com/ Awesome company, great customer service AND a RC Sponsor!!

10/27/2009, 05:45 AM	#5
agreeive?fish Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 3,803	check into the snail mail operated by the US postoffice as for shipping costs, i know my brother has been in alaska for many years(12+) and has stuff shipped via the post office all the time because of cost

10/27/2009, 09:19 AM	#8
dsn112 Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: South Jersey Posts: 1,139	That $99 T5/MH combo light is an insane deal, Would be sweet for my Cad 12g __________________ I'm disturbed! I'm depressed! I'm inadequate! I got it all!! Current Tank Info: Fluval Edge w LED freshwater. Looking at doing a 20-40g long penninsula fowlr soon

10/27/2009, 11:32 AM	#9
corbett_n Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: SC Posts: 1,271	reefgeek rocks

10/27/2009, 11:58 AM	#10
lalo809 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: west,Indianapollis Posts: 346	Premiumaquatics.com i just bougt t5ho for $259 with built in timers and lunar lights take a look they are the best

10/27/2009, 01:10 PM	#11
jflick345 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 884	My understanding with Aquatraders' fixtures is that they use bulbs that aren't standard size...something like 1/8" shorter than normal so other brands of T5s won't fit the fixture. Just something to keep in mind

10/27/2009, 06:31 PM	#15
langtudatinh01 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Fairbanks, Alaska Posts: 399	lordofthereef, where did you find all the equipment if you dont mind i ask. the bulb alone is already 20 bucks. 4x20=80 already. ballasts and reflectors plus all the accesories, and shipping. __________________ Tuanito Tranito Current Tank Info: my little heaven: 40 Breeder nano reeftank (1 year old-refugium/sump 20 gallons)

10/28/2009, 01:47 AM	#16
mjm1969 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Wasilla, Alaska Posts: 99	I'm at Elmendorf AFB, Anchorage, AK and am facing the same problem... I'm waiting for the HHG (household goods) to arrive and will need new lighting shortly. My bro works for FedEx and gets an insane discount, so I'm looking into the cost ordering with a low cost shipping deal to the lower 48 and then having him ship it. If I find a way around this price gouging on shipping I'll be happy to share. __________________ Michael Current Tank Info: 120RR FOWLR Awaiting release from storage

10/28/2009, 01:55 PM	#17
langtudatinh01 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Fairbanks, Alaska Posts: 399	Thanks Michaels, glad to hear it from another Alaskan. haha, sometime i feel like we are not part of the US. it must be our fault to live up here. please lets me know the shipping deal. __________________ Tuanito Tranito Current Tank Info: my little heaven: 40 Breeder nano reeftank (1 year old-refugium/sump 20 gallons)

10/29/2009, 02:28 PM	#19
langtudatinh01 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Fairbanks, Alaska Posts: 399	lordofthereef, i am interesting to put together a retrofit canopy. i already have a built canopy, just have to detach the PCs. Where can i find the retrofit that cost 100 shipped. i want a 24" 4x24 T5. i will add some moonlight system as well. Could you tell me where to find the retrofit kits? so far, i only found the cheapest one at 89 dollars for 2x24. thanks. __________________ Tuanito Tranito Current Tank Info: my little heaven: 40 Breeder nano reeftank (1 year old-refugium/sump 20 gallons)

10/29/2009, 04:55 PM	#20
lordofthereef One reef to rule them all Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Leominster, MA Posts: 5,299	Personally a pieced mine together in the buy/sell/trade forums here. Here is an example of one that is currently for sale http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1729925 More than 100 bucks, but this one comes with everything you need as you wanted (including some decent bulbs). Aside from that, if you wanted new all you would need to do is piece together a ballast, wiring, and 8 water proof endcaps. __________________ "A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself" ~ Josh Billings Visit My Home page for current build thread (click my user name and select "Visit LordoftheReef's Homepage" in the drop down menu!