Most affordable hybrid led/t5

[Steamreefer]

Hey all. Like the title says im looking for the most affordable option for adding t5s to my ai hydra 32s

I see the aquatic life hybrids but I can only find them in the 24" model. My tank is 4 feet with 2 hydra 32s hanging on the hms bar from the ceiling. Ideally they would attach to the bar on either side.

Anything easy and relatively affordable?

 

[Quietman]

Premium Aquatics still have some of the ReefBrite T5s in stock.

You could also try single bulb grow lamps. Not designed for reef but will work. Quick look I did and you may have to fabricate your own shade.

I would caution you that the technology is less and less supported. Lights bulbs are harder and harder to find. If you find some first then buy a case for 10 years. I was thinking about getting T5 but after finding few options shifted over to thinking along the lines of LED bars.

 

[Steamreefer]

Good point about the bulbs. I'd be interested in finding some decent led light bars i guess, but im definitely not paying like $1000 for 1. lighting is so ridiculously priced.

I actually just located an aquatic life 48" model but its $620 here in canada and doesnt include bulbs

 

[Quietman]

I found these light bars a few months ago. Haven't purchased them yet so no review type input, but they do look good for supplemental. Quanta The pricing seems just a bit higher than a good single bulb fixture.

 

[Steamreefer]

I found these light bars a few months ago. Haven't purchased them yet so no review type input, but they do look good for supplemental. Quanta The pricing seems just a bit higher than a good single bulb fixture.

They do look very nice unfortunately I doubt i can find them in canada. I had to stop purchasing from the usa they kind of keep us in the dark on how much extra we need to pay with the trade war going on.

 

[dwest]

Good point about the bulbs. I'd be interested in finding some decent led light bars i guess, but im definitely not paying like $1000 for 1. lighting is so ridiculously priced.

I actually just located an aquatic life 48" model but its $620 here in canada and doesnt include bulbs

For bars, I would look at quanta. Although I might try a couple Nicrew gen 2 200’s.

 

[Steamreefer]

For bars, I would look at quanta. Although I might try a couple Nicrew gen 2 200’s.

Definitely going to check out nicrew.

I found orpheks light bars are available here for about $300 for a 48"

So I have the 48" hms bar that hangs from the ceiling and im wondering if people think this would work for mounting the orphek light bars to.

And if not is anyone aware of this style that would work with 2 hydra 32s

 

[Science/G]

Definitely going to check out nicrew.

I found orpheks light bars are available here for about $300 for a 48"

So I have the 48" hms bar that hangs from the ceiling and im wondering if people think this would work for mounting the orphek light bars to.

And if not is anyone aware of this style that would work with 2 hydra 32s

Yeah it looks from the picture that they clamp so I think any light bar would work.

 

[Steamreefer]

Yeah it looks from the picture that they clamp so I think any light bar would work.

I cant seem to find an owners manual for that hybrid kit. Hard to tell if theres threaded holes in the brackets that hold the orphek. I guess I could always drill some.

Any amazon light bars anyone can recommend?

 

[Science/G]

Looking at how expensive those LED bars are whether it's AI, orphek or even Reef breeders, I might just get another Hydra 32 and be done with it, if I were you. Everything will be on one app easy peasy. I run a meridian 24 with four T5 bulbs in a hybrid setup, and I love it, but if you're going to have to go with LEDs anyway that's the way I would go.

 

[Steamreefer]

I was kind of aiming for that "blanket of light" goal that pucks cant really do. I like how theyre wide but you can angle them in towards the center.

And 2 orphek 48" bars are roughly the same cost as 1 hydra 32.

Would you still go that route for almost the same cost?

 

[Science/G]

Yeah if you can make it happen and mount them easily you going to get more wattage and a little more coverage. So maybe the orphekLED bars are the way to go