Why couldn't I use T5 fixtures from Home Depot

[Jyetman]

They are half the price and this model is slim enough to affix to my maxspect razor for supplement lighting? Any suggestions?

http://www.homedepot.com/p/ViaVolt-2...-V21/203124380

[ReachTheSky]

That's most likely catered to land-based plants which don't use the same spectrum of light as reef corals do. Do you know what does thrive under that spectrum though? Algae.

[Jyetman]

Originally Posted by ReachTheSky

That's most likely catered to land-based plants which don't use the same spectrum of light as reef corals do. Do you know what does thrive under that spectrum though? Algae.

That may be true for that bulb but for $25 that fixture can be used with other bulbs more suited for reef lighting right? The cheapest 24" fixture starts at $100 and up but this fixture doesn't include all that bulkiness that's what I need a slim fixture.

[S13<3]

yes you can run other t5 bulbs in there but that light has no reflector and its just not gonna do what you want IMO

[Jyetman]

Originally Posted by S13<3

yes you can run other t5 bulbs in there but that light has no reflector and its just not gonna do what you want IMO

Why can't I make a reflector I don't have much room to attach bulky fixtures to the underside of my LED light.

[sirreal63]

If you want to do it right, LET retro from ReefGeek.

[Fishy 1]

Mate go for it, I use a duel t8 unit from bunnings which is similar to home depot. The unit came all rigged with a power cord, I made a reflecter from aluminum foil(the shiny side) and added reef tubes. I was using this light along with another t8 to grow zoas and a hammer close to the lights, I am planning to use the light until I can afford to get a t5 ho unit and I'll be ordering that in two weeks. So go for it mate it does work

[Cu455]

I used high bay t5s and switched to ones made for the aquarium. I liked the high bays better. The only issue is there is no protection from water.

After you get a reflector and a bulb you aren't really saving much money if any. You can get 2 bulb fixtures for not that much more.

[Rognin]

I'd rather use t5's where the bulb connection is sealed from the humidity. Second, adding a reflector will add a substantial amount of light for your money compared to naught.

So with that being said, a cheap t5 retrofit kit with clip-on reflectors in the marine hobby market will be cheaper and about as effective as a full fledged fixture. But you need a way to hide it, and that's the only concern really.

my 2 cents

[MorganAtlanta]

The retrofit reflectors just clip on the bulbs, so you could add one. That light may not be suitable for a moist environment, but for $25, you could give it a try.

[Jyetman]

My LED fixture is hanging a good 11" above the tank with fans blowing across shouldn't this help prevent moisture problems?

[zachts]

if you just want to supplement for color not growth just use that home depot light with a Coral Plus bulb, run the bulb till it burns out and let the Razor provide the light for coral growth. an aluminum foil reflector works just fine and is around 80% reflective, where as you might get 97% reflective material from a purpose built reflector (not counting the shape of a proper reflector but foil is far better than nothing. You shouldn't have any issues with moisture as it will be hanging some distance above your tank if attached to the razor. Just keep it clear of salt splash and secure t properly so it can't fall in the tank.

[gentledental4u]

any updates

[Jyetman]

This is what I ended up buying 4 years ago and is still working good today. ATI bulb, amazon 24" T5 HO ballast and reflector all came under $60 bucks.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Joe0813]

Id rather spend the extra money and get something that is for aquarium use. You get what you pay for. buy cheap, expect cheap results and quality

[LQT]

If you want a good economical T5 unit, check out these Sunlight Supply Sunblaze T5 grow fixtures. They have individual reflectors for each bulb which makes a huge difference in par output.

24” units -
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002Y...rch&th=1&psc=1

48” units -
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000A...dSL&ref=plSrch