Wave Point Branded T-5 Bulbs

[littlebigreef]

Time has come to replace the bulbs in my second-hand T-5 fixture. There's currently 2 Zoo Med 10K bulbs and then a 420 and 460 Coralife bulbs per side.

After looking around at the usual suspects I'm seeing about 20$ a bulb for ATI, Giesemann, ect. However, on Amazon these Wave Point bulbs are 2 for $30. Considering I'm on the hook for 8 bulbs I wouldn't mind saving myself $40. However, I do keep some coral in there so I don't want to purchase an inferior bulb.

Does anyone have experience with this brand? Thoughts?

 

[tdileo]

I’d go with the ATI bulbs. Great quality and color. If your fixture is 8 bulbs, I think something like 5 blue plus and 3 coral plus would be a fantastic combo.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Eh, I kinda have to agree.
The wave points are probably fine , honestly , I’d maybe even go with a few wavepont and and a couple ati.
If you plan , and slowly rotate the bulbs , the sticker shock is much less over the year.

The 10k is similar to the C+ , the 420 is an actinic , the 460 is close ish, to the b+.

 

[Donaldf973]

Was a fan of wavepoint bulbs for years until recently. Bought bulbs and with 1.5 months of use they dropped intensity almost 40-50%. On the sand I'm getting about 70-75 par. When I installed them and burned them in I was averaging 125-150 at the sand. Don't get me wrong I like the colors just not how bad and fast they dropped intensity.

 

[littlebigreef]

Was a fan of wavepoint bulbs for years until recently. Bought bulbs and with 1.5 months of use they dropped intensity almost 40-50%. On the sand I'm getting about 70-75 par. When I installed them and burned them in I was averaging 125-150 at the sand. Don't get me wrong I like the colors just not how bad and fast they dropped intensity.

Gotcha, thanks Donald, that was the type of insight I was looking for. I appreciate everyone who commented. I guess I'll just pop for the ATI bulbs and be done with it.

 

[A. grandis]

I would get the ATI bulbs.
Grandis.

 

[littlebigreef]

I would get the ATI bulbs.
Grandis.

The order is in! I'm already looking forward to seeing these ATIs in action.

 

[A. grandis]

The order is in! I'm already looking forward to seeing these ATIs in action.

That is great! Enjoy your tank!
Grandis.

 

[littlebigreef]

The ATIs arrived and were installed yesterday. It makes a world of difference having fresh bulbs in there. Ultimately, I'm happy I paid the premium. Its also worth noting that the ATI's daylight bulb is highly rated.

 

[skiergd011013]

I have a wavepoint fixture, but dumped the bulbs. I am running 3 blue plus and 1 actinic ati. I like the fixture, except for how you need to take apart the end with a screwdriver to get to the bulbs.