Noophysche T5 fixtures designed for hybrid setups? other options?

[C. Eymann]

Still searching for a nice tank and stand, but thinking of my lighting options, I do not believe my old halide/t5 fixture will be a good practical choice anymore. Tanks foot print will be 48"× 18-24"

LED wise, Im probably going to go with two or three XR30pros or two xr30pros + xr15. either way going to use 4x T5s in addition.

I have heard the aquatic life t5 led ready hybrids have cruddy weak ballasts that dont run the bulbs near 54w, plus I have never really been impressed with their past products.

Noophysch sells a similar fixture that people seem to like more, do these fixtures have decent ballasts? reflectors?

Was also wondering about building my own out of two older dual T5 fixtures, replacing not only the reflectors with better ones, but also rewiring it to be powered by a remote ice cap660 vho ballast to overdrive them.

Thoughts? Also might decide to just do two t5 supplement bulbs instead of four and have two Orphek LED strips.

Really appreciate input from people currently running similar setups.

Thanks in advance !

 

[Mastiffsrule]

Good day, hope all is well.

I would think if you are talking 3 xr30 g4 pro that would be enough. I would not see a benefit of 2 of the 30 and 1 15. Would not see a need for the hybrid unless I am missing something.

I have an aquatic life hybrid with AI hd 52. I have not measured par so I can’t speak about their ballast output. I cannot see any fault in the reflector or the housing. 20 years ago, and probably still today I will say ice cap made some nice VHO stuff.

@dantimdad is a good resource to talk lights

 

[C. Eymann]

Im in a conundrum.

I just ordered a 80gal 48x24x16 shallow rimless
tank.

I feel two xr30pros + t5s will be a good choice, but maybe overkill??
I am also kind of thinking about finding a used 6bulb ATI T5 fixture as T5s are great for shallow tanks and mounting two Orphek LED bars on it for color enhancement as well as glitter lines that I think Ill miss with T5 only.

I think if I go with only radions/led only I will miss the crazy growth I am used to with halides, but I realize wont get the best color potential out of pieces thats possible with LED. I feel T5s are a in the middle, best of both worlds setup maybe?

Then there is my love of 10-12 k halide lit shallow reef crest look.

lighting is going to be a really hard thing to decide for me, main thing for now is to get it plumbed and wet so its mature sooner.