...or increase an hour a day?
Thoughts on adding a T5HO fixture to current setup
- Thread starter bluecheese
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bluecheese
Active Member
Gotcha. I just like to get more opinions.
bobnicaragua
Well-Known Member
I agree with JDA, an hour a day with 2 additional T5 should be fine.
If you’d rather add 20 or 30 minutes a day, that’s fine also.
As noted above, T5 are gentle compared to LED.
If you’d rather add 20 or 30 minutes a day, that’s fine also.
As noted above, T5 are gentle compared to LED.
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bluecheese
Active Member
You've both sold me.
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bluecheese
Active Member
The look of the T5s are starting to grow on me. I'm tempted to pick up another fixture to make the T5 lighting 4 bulbs total.
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bluecheese
Active Member
Thoughts on this fixture? Its relatively cheap. Its marketed as a reptile enclosure light, but its T5ho.
https://www.lllreptile.com/products/36315-t5-ho-single-bulb-light-strip--48
https://www.lllreptile.com/products/36315-t5-ho-single-bulb-light-strip--48
Ken101Ward
Community Member
I added HO T5 fixtures to supplement my LED lighting. I'm on a budget so I got mine from HTGsupplycom . They have a wide range of fixtures that are reasonably priced. I used a similar fixture in your post above but the fixture didn't last long and is a disposable product.
Probably 1/2 doz like brands out there.
Sunblaster line has some nice add ons though.
LED & T5HO Strip Light ~ Accessories
These thin but sturdy metal design holds your lights firmly, and takes practically no vertical space away from your lighting installation, allowing you to get the most plant in the least amount of space. Always use 2 clips per light for a secure, stable installation. Item#0900297
Though most of my experience with like lights was the shop variety most of those "built in" ballast types are hit and miss to longetivity as Ken101Ward mentioned.
Burn out or start to whine type stuff.
Oh yea, years ago I had some discussions of the actual reflector angle ect of the Sunblaster.. Was never resolved but most don't really define it either.
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bluecheese
Active Member
How long have you had the HTG Supply light on your tank?
Ken101Ward
Community Member
I brought two 4' 2 lamp fixtures on black friday 2023. So discussions on their potential lifespan is pointless, but I can replace the ballasts or lamp sockets should they fail down the road. Repairability and the fact both fixtures with lamps were under $150 to my door is why i brought them. The single lamp fixture, like the one in your post, didn't last me 12 months. FWIW, the HTG Supply fixture is a "generic" flourescent fixture, not designed for aquarium applications. I couldn't find many options avaiable for a stand alone 2 lamp fixture at their price point.
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bluecheese
Active Member
Ken101Ward
Community Member
That's the exact model I purchased. I'm running 10,000K lamps in them and my corals seem to like it.
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bluecheese
Active Member
At $73 it’s hard to pass up.
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bluecheese
Active Member
So if I do decide to get this fixture, let’s talk bulb selection. I’m currently running an ATI Blue+ and a True Actinic. I was thinking of adding another Blue+ and a Coral+.
Ken101Ward
Community Member
I don't think you can go wrong with that combo.
RedoubtReef
Valuable Member
Have you considered looking for a good used ATI fixture? I see them for sale all the time in the sale forums.
On bulb combos, check out these videos:
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bluecheese
Active Member
I checked the sale forums. The prices for the used ones still can't compete with the $73 grow lights online.
I saw those videos, which is why I got the Blue+ and Actinic bulbs for the current fixture. Looking at ATI's website it looks like a mix of the Blue+ and Coral+ will give me the color I'm looking for.
One concern is availability of T5 bulbs. Bulk Reef Supply has some, but they do not have them for the 48" fixture I'm thinking about getting. I do have a LFS that sells ATI bulbs. I need to talk to them and see if they believe they will continue to get new stock in.
I saw those videos, which is why I got the Blue+ and Actinic bulbs for the current fixture. Looking at ATI's website it looks like a mix of the Blue+ and Coral+ will give me the color I'm looking for.
One concern is availability of T5 bulbs. Bulk Reef Supply has some, but they do not have them for the 48" fixture I'm thinking about getting. I do have a LFS that sells ATI bulbs. I need to talk to them and see if they believe they will continue to get new stock in.
RedoubtReef
Valuable Member
Premium Aquatics keeps them in stock. I just ordered from them and have bulbs showing up today.
T5 & VHO Lamps | Premium Aquatics
Aquarium & Fish Supplies Superstore. Guaranteed Low Prices. Free Shipping for qualified orders. Aquarium supply for your aquarium fish, saltwater aquariums, freshwater aquariums and ponds. The best aquarium lighting, protein skimmers, aquarium chillers, calcium reactors, aquarium pumps for fish...
Saltwateraquarium.com also stocks them: https://www.saltwateraquarium.com/48-t5-ho-fluorescent-bulb-54-watt-ati/
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