Another T5 question

[BW208]

I had a ATI Fixture on my old tank and I loved it. I have a 75 now though and need a 4ft fixture. The ATI is a little out of my price range. Is there another t5 fixture out there that will be close to as good without spending more than like 300-400? I will be using ati bulbs and probably supplementing with a LED bar eventually just for color.

Thanks in advance. Sorry for... :deadhorse:

 

[KorL]

tek lights are less expensive. They use individual reflectors for each bulb. they don't have fans installed in the fixture

 

[BW208]

I was thinking TEK also. Fans arent hard to put in though and arent expensive.

 

[swk]

Look for a used ati. They hold up great and all the various guys can be bought and replaced if needed

 

[monsterup]

So is there a difference in a t5 shop light . Or can the bulbs be changed and call it good. Light has individual reflectors for each bulb, has 4 bulbs total

 

[DGee]

So is there a difference in a t5 shop light . Or can the bulbs be changed and call it good. Light has individual reflectors for each bulb, has 4 bulbs total

Not all t-5s are created equal... The reason ATI leads the pack is because they've perfected what makes a T5 fixture truly work, quality reflectors, high quality HEP ballasts and the design of their active cooling.

No other T5 unit can compare... If you can't afford to buy a new ATI unit then buy a used one.

 

[Kennyb1]

Lol you can get a 4bulb 4 foot t-5 from a hydro store for $100.00 (depending on how well you know the owners) throw some high quality bulbs in there and its more than guaranteed to get you by. I've seen plenty of successful tanks ran with those lights and even the knock off bulbs.

 

[N1Husker]

Most shop lights are T8's, not T5's. I had good luck with Coralife T5's, had it for over 5 years, never had a problem. I changed bulbs out every 9 months. I know most reefers don't like Coralife, but I had good luck with mine.

 

[BW208]

I ran a ATI fixture on my 20L and I loved it. I guess I will just save and get a ATI.

 

[WindeyD]

I bought a used coralife 4bulb t5 fixture on craigslist and have found it to be an excellent low budged fixture. Bought some ATI bulbs and the tank looks great!

 

[monsterup]

Well I currently run two 250w Mh . But I was at a job that ran these nice looking T5 lights. I did grab two in the demo. Hung the t8 in my garage but still have a 4 bulb t5. Would I be able to upgrade the ballets or would it be a waste of time and money. The fixture is just so nice

 

[DGee]

Well I currently run two 250w Mh . But I was at a job that ran these nice looking T5 lights. I did grab two in the demo. Hung the t8 in my garage but still have a 4 bulb t5. Would I be able to upgrade the ballets or would it be a waste of time and money. The fixture is just so nice

More than likely you'll just be wasting your money... I'd wait and invest in an ATI fixture either new or used.

 

[duke4130]

I have had the aquatic life t5 fixtures in the past and they work great. Great part about them is that they have their own on board controller and one cable