T5 budget lights?

[Novicereefer]

Hey,

I was wondering if there are any recommended t5 budget lights for a 40 breeder. It's a mixed reef. Looking for a 4-6 bulb fixture.

Thanks

 

[blaxsun]

Define "budget"...

 

[Novicereefer]

Define "budget"...

Under $300 if possible. $400 max but I'd prefer $300

 

[Someguyfromsc]

Hey,

I was wondering if there are any recommended t5 budget lights for a 40 breeder. It's a mixed reef. Looking for a 4-6 bulb fixture.

Thanks

Odyssey can find on eBay and a few places like 80$ for a 4 bulb 36” . I Dont have any currently but have used them in the past with no problems besides the moonlight going out .

 

[Big E]

These would be my go to-- It's the same as what's in an ATI Sunpower. The LET lights will have a wider footprint too.
https://www.chewy.com/let-lighting-2x39w-miro-4-t5-high/dp/263850
You only need 4 bulbs

The DIY skills are minor.

You can get those kits and 4 ATI bulbs for under $250

 

[Novicereefer]

Odyssey can find on eBay and a few places like 80$ for a 4 bulb 36” . I Dont have any currently but have used them in the past with no problems besides the moonlight going out .

Thank you!

 

[Novicereefer]

These would be my go to-- It's the same as what's in an ATI Sunpower. The LET lights will have a wider footprint too.
https://www.chewy.com/let-lighting-2x39w-miro-4-t5-high/dp/263850
You only need 4 bulbs

The DIY skills are minor.

You can get those kits and 4 ATI bulbs for under $250

Thank you! I'll check these out

 

[piranhaman00]

Any horticulture light on Amazon. I recommend Vivosun

 

[Novicereefer]

I found these. They seem like they're for plants but I guess they can work.

VIVOSUN T5 Grow Lights 4 ft., 324W(6 X 54W), T5 Light Fixture Bulbs, 6500K HO Fluorescent Tubes, High-Output T5 Bulbs for Indoor Plants, UL Listed, 6 Bulbs, 8 ft. Power Cord, 2 Hanging Cables https://a.co/d/8U5s4lR

 

[Big E]

Aren't you looking for a 36"? Those horticulture grow lights will work but will rust & have no waterproof end caps, crappy reflectors and ballasts are cheap. It's basically a throw away in a few years.

The LET fixture will last you a lifetime and will give you better performance.

Initial investment---

LET 36" fixtures- $144 + 4 ATI bulbs $88 = $232

Vivosun 48" fixture-$140 + 4 ATI bulbs $100 = 240

 

[edd59]

cheap lights have poor quality reflectors, so you loose a lot of light and cheap ballasts.
cheap isnt good and good isnt cheap.

 

[Lbrdsoxfan]

Aren't you looking for a 36"? Those horticulture grow lights will work but will rust & have no waterproof end caps, crappy reflectors and ballasts are cheap. It's basically a throw away in a few years.

The LET fixture will last you a lifetime and will give you better performance.

Initial investment---

LET 36" fixtures- $144 + 4 ATI bulbs $88 = $232

Vivosun 48" fixture-$140 + 4 ATI bulbs $100 = 240

This. The vivosun lights work, but depending on your application they will be junk fast. I ran a 4 bulb fixture in a canopy and it was totally rotten within a year. If your planning on going the distance buy the let setup (I diy'ed something similar).

 

[piranhaman00]

Mine work well :)

 

[Grog]

I use, and like, the Odyssea fixtures but will caution that the stock bulbs that come with them are complete garbage. Plan on getting a name brand set of bulbs and tossing the ones that come installed with the fixture.