T5 on Ebay..

[texgirl]

All,

I am looking at buying a T5 reto set on EBAY from the seller aquariumlights.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4355036369&fromMakeTrack=true

Has anyone bought them off of EBAY before. The price sounds to good to be true.

Thanks, John

[GrndHog]

I would worry about how many negative feedbacks that company has gotten over the last 12 months, 85!!!!!

[sherm71tank]

I bought one of their 8 bulb units. You get what you pay for. They work well but are not built very well. Also I recommend using some extra ventilation to get rid of the heat they produce. Mine ran very hot. If you plan on using "kid gloves " then its a good way to go. If you are looking for a bullet proof system then look some where else.

[drock59]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=46314&item=4355860699&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

i wouldnt buy from anyone with a private message over their feedback. THat means they are hiding something. If a company doesnt have 96 + positive feedback i dont even bother.

[carpetride]

Also remember that with T5's the reflector plays a major role in performance. Take a look at the SLS reflectors, IMO they set the standard. Bought my unit from reefgeek and couldn't be happier, but you will definitely spend more dollars.

My .02

[drock59]

carpetride, sound advise! I knew i forgot to mention something.

[horkn]

yep, that reflector doesnt take advantage of the t5s small size


if you want cheaper and good t5 ho's go to www.aqualuxlighting.com and order all the parts separately including the computer designed reflectors.

i did,and am quite happy....

not using individual parabolic reflectors on t5 ho is pointless

[masterswimmer]

Originally posted by horkn
yep, that reflector doesnt take advantage of the t5s small size


not using individual parabolic reflectors on t5 ho is pointless

Absolutely 100% agreed!!!!

The reflectors and HO quality bulbs are the key.

[texgirl]

OK Thanks for all the feedback.

What combination of bulbs should I buy?

I am getting 2- 6bulb 39watt retrofit kits.

Any suggestions? It is for a 125 gallon 72x18x22

Thanks,

[masterswimmer]

Originally posted by texgirl
OK Thanks for all the feedback.

What combination of bulbs should I buy?

I am getting 2- 6bulb 39watt retrofit kits.

Any suggestions? It is for a 125 gallon 72x18x22

Thanks,

Aaaaahhhh, not even the question du jour!!! This certainly is the question of the year. Not really, lol. What it all boils down to is personal preference.

I enjoy a bit of a blueish hue to my tank. Seems to bring out the colors nicely. However, going that route you foresake a bit of growth. A nice mix of the two would be a happy medium.

I'm becoming less of a fan of the T-5 actinics. Nobody seems to make a good one yet. I prefer the blue +. I also have the 6 bulb TEK. What I'm now using is:

- 2 Actinics (don't flog me after my earlier stated displeasure, I've had them since I started. I will replace them with another temperature bulb come time for replacement)

- 2 Blue +
- 1 6500k daylight
- 1 60/40

Not necessarily everyones preference, not even mine at the moment. I'm sure my taste will change with time.

A friend of mine goes the even balance route with 3 blue + and 3 6500 daylight. Good growth, good color.

Tomato, tomahto

Russ

[carpetride]

I like the blueish color also.

8x54 tek fixture with

5-6500K
1-actinic 03
2-Blue plus

Most likely will replace 1-2 of the GE's 6.5K with a Blue Plus.

[fservillon]

To aquariumlights' credit, I ordered three times from them: dual 250watt MH retrofit w/ 10K's, didn't like the 10k bulbs so I ordered the 20k's and I like them so far. I also ordered 72W (36Wx2) PC for my 10g nanotank. All orders arrived on time, packaged well and they provided me with tracking numbers on all of them. I am not by any means endorsing the company, just letting you know my experience with them. hth.