What T-5 light fixture

gkimble · 07/08/2007, 10:28 PM

I have researched and researdched pretty much all the ligting fixtures for t-5's. I whant to get the best quality lighting possible. I am just havving trouble deciding. I have a 72 gallon bowfront aquarium and need a 48 in fixture or retrofit. I have looked at tek lighting, ocean lights, nova, and the aquatinics (sp?) Now is the aquatinics solar flare series worth the extra $400. I am looking to keep clams and some sps and zoas. Is a t-5/mh fixture better? I was almost sold on the oceanlight setup, but I want to get the best lighting system for my money. I am not looking to spend over $1000 or I would just spend $1000 more and get led lighting. I would prefer to stay around $600 for a good lighting system. Sorry just have never had t-5's and there doesn't seem to be many reviews on specific products.

gkimble · 07/09/2007, 03:40 AM

UPPPP

Reefbox · 07/09/2007, 03:54 AM

I have had the 48" Nova T-5 and the Tek t-5 on my old 55. The Tek T-5 has individual bulb reflector's which puts out about 300% more light than non individual bulb reflector's, but the Tek does not have the LED night lights which I like. Whatever way you go the individual bulb reflector's make a big difference.

kolokefalo · 07/09/2007, 07:04 AM

If you are going to go with T5s then Aquatinics or Tek Lights are the way to go since they, right now, are the only brands to have individual parabolic reflectors.

DarG · 07/09/2007, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Reefbox
I have had the 48" Nova T-5 and the Tek t-5 on my old 55. The Tek T-5 has individual bulb reflector's which puts out about 300% more light than non individual bulb reflector's, but the Tek does not have the LED night lights which I like. Whatever way you go the individual bulb reflector's make a big difference.

No, they put out 300% more light compared to NO REFLECTOR AT ALL.

The experts agree that the Aquactinics unit is better than the TEK.
You have the money, go with the Aquactinics or do a DIY using a retro with Ice Cap SLR reflectors.

gkimble · 07/09/2007, 10:09 AM

ok thanks. do you guys think a mh/t5 is better lighting?

DarG · 07/09/2007, 10:35 AM

Best of both worlds so to speak. I'm not sure if that makes it better seeing how reefers have had great success with T5 only, Halide only and combination lighting.
IMO, you just can't beat the shimmer that halide gives you so from that standpoint, I think it looks better.

kookerson · 07/09/2007, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by kolokefalo
If you are going to go with T5s then Aquatinics or Tek Lights are the way to go since they, right now, are the only brands to have individual parabolic reflectors.

Hellolights.com also has retros that have individual reflectors. HTH! : )

07/08/2007, 10:28 PM	#1
gkimble Moved On Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 751	What T-5 light fixture I have researched and researdched pretty much all the ligting fixtures for t-5's. I whant to get the best quality lighting possible. I am just havving trouble deciding. I have a 72 gallon bowfront aquarium and need a 48 in fixture or retrofit. I have looked at tek lighting, ocean lights, nova, and the aquatinics (sp?) Now is the aquatinics solar flare series worth the extra $400. I am looking to keep clams and some sps and zoas. Is a t-5/mh fixture better? I was almost sold on the oceanlight setup, but I want to get the best lighting system for my money. I am not looking to spend over $1000 or I would just spend $1000 more and get led lighting. I would prefer to stay around $600 for a good lighting system. Sorry just have never had t-5's and there doesn't seem to be many reviews on specific products.

07/09/2007, 07:04 AM	#4
kolokefalo Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Tarpon Springs FL Posts: 71	If you are going to go with T5s then Aquatinics or Tek Lights are the way to go since they, right now, are the only brands to have individual parabolic reflectors. __________________ People who run BB are the type of people who sniff their socks after a day of wear, and look inside the tissue after they blow their nose. It is just not right. Current Tank Info: 58g Reef

07/09/2007, 03:40 AM	#2
gkimble Moved On Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 751	UPPPP

07/09/2007, 03:54 AM	#3
Reefbox Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Butler, PA Posts: 1,045	I have had the 48" Nova T-5 and the Tek t-5 on my old 55. The Tek T-5 has individual bulb reflector's which puts out about 300% more light than non individual bulb reflector's, but the Tek does not have the LED night lights which I like. Whatever way you go the individual bulb reflector's make a big difference.

07/09/2007, 10:09 AM	#6
gkimble Moved On Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 751	ok thanks. do you guys think a mh/t5 is better lighting?

07/09/2007, 10:35 AM	#7
DarG Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 5,515	Best of both worlds so to speak. I'm not sure if that makes it better seeing how reefers have had great success with T5 only, Halide only and combination lighting. IMO, you just can't beat the shimmer that halide gives you so from that standpoint, I think it looks better.