T-5 fixture recommendations?

2516 Views 16 Replies 12 Participants Last post by TheBohunk, Nov 16, 2010

TheBohunk

Discussion Starter · Nov 10, 2010

I'm thinking about replacing the DIY 4x48" T5 canopy on my 75 with a couple 2x48" clip-on T5 fixtures. I can't remember the last time I didn't DIY my lighting, so I don't pay much attention to reviews and stuff...what people like, etc.

I was thinking about one 4 bulb fixture, but I can't find a model that isn't all 4 bulbs on or off, so I figured two 2-bulb fixtures is the way I want to go.

I don't want to ceiling mount, so I'm looking for something that clips to the tank top. I know there are lots of models out there, but I'd like some personal recommendations - it seems like every fixture I look at is going to come loaded as if I was putting it on a reef tank (actinic/10K). O well I guess.

What's out there that caters to plant tank use, isn't going to burn my house down, fall into the tank, etc and can be had for less than a ludicrous amount of $$$? I'd like to get both fixtures for under $400 total.

TIA...

1 - 17 of 17 Posts

chris.rivera3

· #2 · Nov 10, 2010

you should look into Catalina light fixtures...they do good custom light fixtures...I too myself am in the market for a 4-bulb fixture but 36" in length...oddly, Catalina's 48" light fixtures are generally cheaper than the 36" light fixture

Capsaicin_MFK

· #3 · Nov 10, 2010

4 bulb T5HO ($345) --->http://www.bigalsonline.com/Fish_Li...gh-Output-T5-Fixtures_8545793_82.html?tc=fish

2 bulb T5HO ($135 so total of $270) --->http://www.bigalsonline.com/Fish_Li...tput-X2-Lighting-Fixtures_9916161_82.html?tc=

volatile

· #4 · Nov 10, 2010 (Edited)

TheBohunk said:
I was thinking about one 4 bulb fixture, but I can't find a model that isn't all 4 bulbs on or off, so I figured two 2-bulb fixtures is the way I want to go.

You can also consider the Current USA 36" Nova Extreme T5HO Fixture 4x39W. It retails for around $240 online and there are 2 on/off switches so you don't have to turn on all 4 bulbs at once.

cfi on the fly

· #5 · Nov 10, 2010

look at the catalina lights, they have 4 bulb fixtures that can be independently turned on and off. Call them and they will pretty much set it up any way you like and give you any type bulbs you want with them.

Price is very good too and customer service is awesome.

Hoppy

· #6 · Nov 10, 2010

I'm not sure what you are referring to as "clip on" fixtures. The examples recommended above just sit on legs on top of the tank - they don't actually clip on to the rim.

TheBohunk

Discussion Starter · #7 · Nov 11, 2010

That's what I meant. As I said, I have never paid attention to fixtures before, so a bit ignorant.

Thanks for the suggestions. Think I'll try the Novas.

Satirica

· #8 · Nov 11, 2010

Unless something has changed the Novas don't have particularly good reflectors. IN fact, unless they have changed they have downright awful reflectors.

NJAquaBarren

· #9 · Nov 11, 2010

I like the aquaticlife fixtures. Built in timer, separate control on each bank of 2 t5ho bulbs and LEDs.

Quality reflectors. Will provide the lower range of high light with just 2 bulbs when mounted on the legs.

volatile

· #10 · Nov 15, 2010

Satirica said:
Unless something has changed the Novas don't have particularly good reflectors. IN fact, unless they have changed they have downright awful reflectors.

What didn't you like about their reflectors? Nova Extremes don't have any fancy features like a built-in timer or moonlights, but they are reliable and probably the least expensive option for high light.

See less See more

Satirica

· #11 · Nov 15, 2010

Put the bulbs in, look straight down at the fixture (have it perpendicular to your eyes) and count how many bulbs you can see in the reflectors. With the best reflectors positioned properly you can see multiple bulbs. With the current extreme reflectors you can't see any whole bulbs in the reflectors, at least that was the case the last time I looked at one of their fixtures. The bulbs were positioned too close to the reflectors and thereflectors were poorly angled. That is why I say unless something has changed, they suck.

We spend tons of money on bulbs and fixtures. Truth is you can often upgrade your lights by doing little more than taking what is already contained in your light fixture and rebuilding it properly with the correct alignment of bulbs and reflectors. It's my opinion that if you are going to pay for the cost of a fixture then the manufacturer should have built it correctly from the start.

See less See more

JCoxRocks

· #12 · Nov 15, 2010

I have to echo the recommendations above for Catalina Aquariums. I bought a 20" fixture for my 20g high tank and loved it so much I bought 3 more 36" fixtures for my 38g and my 125g. They will custom build whatever you are looking for. LEDs, number of electrical plugs, etc. You tell em what you want and they make it happen. For much cheaper than some of the quotes for store bought fixtures above.

http://www.catalinaaquariums.com

J

hbosman

· #13 · Nov 15, 2010

volatile said:
What didn't you like about their reflectors? Nova Extremes don't have any fancy features like a built-in timer or moonlights, but they are reliable and probably the least expensive option for high light.

I have this one as well, the 4x39 watt (36") version. Maybe not the best reflectors but, I only use two of the four bulbs and still have to trim stems weekly. Now that alot of people realize that 2 T5HO bulbs are more than sufficient for growing plants, there doesn't seem to be quite the need to spend the big bucks on the high end Tek lighting fixtures as there was a few years ago. I bought my 4x39 watt a few years ago for about $180.00. It does the job and I won't be swapping it out any time soon. If I had to do it over, I would buy the Catalina 3x39 watt so I could have them configure the on off switches the way I want and can order it with the desired kelvin rated bulbs. Bottom line, you don't have to spend a great deal of money to get the desired growth rates with your plants.

TheBohunk

Discussion Starter · #14 · Nov 15, 2010

It seems like most of the fixtures will come in at under 4 bills...

I've still not decided for sure, but I'm about a month out anyway. I'll look into Catalina as well, but their prices don't strike me as all that competitive just looking at what they have listed. The more I look at them, the Aquatic Life fixtures seem pretty nice, actually. Don't really need the moon LED, but it would add a nice fluff factor...I like the built-in timers on the 4-light fixtures. Would allow me to not have to go with two 2x48" fixtures. The only thing I'd worry about is the longevity of the timer/ballasts. I've primarily used Icecap ballasts since day one... I have some that are getting-on 10 years old and still work great. I've had other ballasts, including Workhorses fail in less than 3 years.

captain_bu

· #15 · Nov 15, 2010

The aquatic life fixtures look considerably more expensive than the Catalina.

The Catalina 4x54 fixtures are almost always on sale for under $200 and include 2 cords so you can run each bank of two bulbs on its own timer. They also have a new 4x54 model that has 3 cords which allows you to run one, two, three or four bulbs at a time.

For a 75 gallon tank I would go with a Catalina fixture and get them to build it for you with a wider housing than the stock one so that you can space the bulbs further apart. They usually do this for no additional charge.

Da Plant Man

· #16 · Nov 16, 2010

I was thinking of getting this one:
http://www.aquatraders.com/Odyssea-48in-4x54W-T5-HO-Light-Fixture-Extendable-p/52304.htm

TheBohunk

Discussion Starter · #17 · Nov 16, 2010

Ah, I was looking at the wrong ones. For whatever reason, I was looking at 47" which are more expensive than 48". Go figure. Catalina's do appear less expensive, my bad.

1 - 17 of 17 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.