Recommendations on a 4 or 6 bulb T5 fixture?

[Boca Kris]

I am looking to increase the light, and I am interested in opinions on getting a 4 or 6 bulb T5 spread.

I currently have a 55g, and am not 100% certain of its future, as it is still relatively new (10 mos). I would like to slowly add to it to see what the tank can handle.

I was currently sold a 2 bulb T5 fixture (1 x 10,000K & 1 x Actinic, both 48" andonly 28W)

After learning more, I realize my LFS was wrong about my ligthing needs.

Any suggestions on a good setup, and maybe where to buy one from?

Thanks in advance for the help!!!

[d4a2n0k]

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

Thats your best choice at a reasonable price.

[roushracer]

Originally posted by d4a2n0k
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merch...de=Aquactinics

Thats your best choice at a reasonable price.

I second that, Aquactinics is the way to go.

[Snausy]

Why not a TEK fixture?
http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_...unlight_Supply

[zack85]

id go t5 nova for price

[Boca Kris]

Those units look pretty good.

- The Aquatinics unit doesnt come with bulbs
- Its another $80+ for bulbs for the Tek unit

- Any prices on a NOVA fixture?

Anyone have any success with any of these fixtures?

[Nereaga]

With any T5 fixture, you will want one that has individual reflectors for each bulb NOT a single reflector. With the individual reflectors, the bulbs are 3X brighter than with running single reflectors. As far as I know the Nova fixture is a single reflector. Fistures with individual reflectors will be more expensive than the cheaper ones. But this hobby is ''you get what you pay for''. From what I have been reading the Aquactinics fixtures are up at the top for a T5 fixture. I have heard that with the Tek lights that once you install the splash sheild you lose a lot of PAR.

IMO, go Aquactinics.... I am doing it on my 75g.

Brad

[Boca Kris]

Yeah, from what I've read on here, individual reflectors is the way to go for sure. I'd like to get a fixture setup that I know alot of people have already had success with, hopefully on a widespread scale.
Alot of people mention Aquatinics. Are they one of the market leaders when it comes to reef lighting?

So far, based n the posts, it looks like Im gonna be in the $350 - $450 range, all said and done.

I had someone reply to a different post about a 4 bulb T5 spread for around $80.....thats too good to be true, right? And what the hell is a T8, and are they any good??

Thanks for all the help so far!!

[IPT]

I have the TX5 aquatinics fixture and I am very pleased with it. You should read that monster T5 Q&A thread, it's loaded with info. Active cooling (fans) and individual (parabolic) reflectors can improve a fixture's output by 30-40%. It is pretty much agreed upon that the TX5 (5 bulb fixture) has more output overall that the TEK 6 bulb fixture. You do get what you pay for I was looking for the cheep way out but opted not to play games.

[mdelcomyn]

A T8 is a fluorescent tube just like a T5 or a T12. The number after the "T" refers to the diameter of the bulb in 8ths of an inch. Therefore the T5's are 5/8's" in diameter, the T8's are 1" in diameter, and T12's are 1 1/2" in diameter.
One of the reasons T5's are more efficient than T8's or T12's is that because the bulb itself is smaller, it blocks less of the light which (with individual reflectors) is then usefully reflected back down into the tank.

[Snausy]

Originally posted by IPT
I have the TX5 aquatinics fixture and I am very pleased with it. You should read that monster T5 Q&A thread, it's loaded with info. Active cooling (fans) and individual (parabolic) reflectors can improve a fixture's output by 30-40%. It is pretty much agreed upon that the TX5 (5 bulb fixture) has more output overall that the TEK 6 bulb fixture. You do get what you pay for I was looking for the cheep way out but opted not to play games.

This is very interesting because not only do you save money on electricity(5 vs 6 bulbs) the TX5 is designed so that you can just set it directly on top of the tank without spending the cash on hangers or legs. I have an acrylic tank with top already so it won't be exposed to splash.

I was about to get the TEK but now I'm leaning towards the TX5...this is why I'm here!

[Boca Kris]

It sometimes seems like companies pay people to come on here and plug thier product! If in fact thats true, what a great way to increase business!!! Ha ha!!

It seems like most people lean towards TEK or Aquactinics as industry standards. Isnt thier a lighting expert guy who tests all the lights on Reef Central?

Anyone know what that guy recommends???

[s3aL]

For T5 fixtures the top 3 choices in order would be....

ATI
Aquactinics
TEK

I wouldn't bother with anything else.

[Boca Kris]

So what online retailers usually give the best price on those units? I think my LFS is gonna be MUCH more expensive, seeing that I paid almost $300 for a 2-bulb unit I have now!?

[s3aL]

If your thinking about getting the Aquactinic fixture. Go to the RC sponsor forum and go to Aquactinic and ask Tom about pricing. Im sure he will give you the best deal.

[salty child 79]

The fixture with the most output is the ATI PowerModule. Reefgeek.com sells them. The 4 bulb unit is like 550 with bulbs and will put out what an 8 bulb tek will do.

[Boca Kris]

I will check out the sponsor forum, thanks for the tip!

$550 for an ATI? Wow, that seems like alot for light bulbs!!

Is an ATI better than Aquatinics?

[Boca Kris]

I just took a peek at the sponsor page, and although I see alot of the sponsors listed, I dont see any links to anything? Only on a couple of them...

Is it normally like that?

[Boca Kris]

Originally posted by s3aL
If your thinking about getting the Aquactinic fixture. Go to the RC sponsor forum and go to Aquactinic and ask Tom about pricing. Im sure he will give you the best deal.

Any idea how I can get in touch with him? Couldnt find the link on the Sponsor forum?

[luke33]

Boca, just get the aquacintics from Premium aquatics or DIYReef, both will give you the best price and have excellent customer service and they both have all the best bulb's out there. You won't be disapionted with CS, price or the fixture. For a 55g you don't need an ati.

[GSMguy]

for a 55g go aquatinics tx5

[Boca Kris]

tx5 = 5 T5 bulbs?

Im new at this!

[luke33]

Yup

[Snausy]

Originally posted by Boca Kris
Any idea how I can get in touch with him? Couldnt find the link on the Sponsor forum?

It's here. I just asked the same question of him. You might want to look at the "Hi Tom..." thread started by Snausy. It should be near the top.
http://reefcentral.com/forums/forumd...hp?forumid=356