Thinking of switching from Halides to 100% T5's ?

[Plumstr8]

I currently have to 175 Hamilton Mh's, I was going to do some supplement lighting, but I think Im going to use 8 x 54watt T5's.
With the following bulbs:
2- ATI 10k's 2- ATI Actinic 2- Colormax 2- Purple Plus
Anyone running something similar?
I have a 100 gallon Truvu 60"x 18"x 22" deep.

I know Im going to loose the shimmer but I dont mind.

 

[Kensington Reefer]

It's going to cost more to replace all of those bulbs!

 

[Plumstr8]

Yea, a little bit. Im paying about $130 + tax for my MH's these are going to be around $180ish for all 8. I just really like the ability to change the spectrum so much

 

[Kensington Reefer]

just my 2 cents worth. its a personal preference. i love that shimmer!!

 

[iani]

Are you sure you have the name of the bulbs right?

 

[patchin]

I have a 4 ft 8 bulb fixture that I may be selling.

 

[Elite]

How are you going to fit 8xT5s on a 18"W tank?

 

[Plumstr8]

I have a 4 ft 8 bulb fixture that I may be selling.

How much would you be selling it for? What Brand? Thx

 

[Plumstr8]

Are you sure you have the name of the bulbs right?

ATI 12k's Aquablue (Had this one wrong)

ATI True Actinic

ATI Purple Plus

Coralife ColorMax

 

[patchin]

I'm not home now, so I'll check tomorrow. Phong has a good point, though. It's 24" wide, I believe.

 

[Plumstr8]

How are you going to fit 8xT5s on a 18"W tank?

I found a couple of light fixtures that are only about 12" - 14" front to back.

 

[patchin]

How are you going to fit 8xT5s on a 18"W tank?

I found a couple of light fixtures that are only about 12" - 14" front to back.

Prob don't have individual reflectors.

 

[Plumstr8]

How are you going to fit 8xT5s on a 18"W tank?

I found a couple of light fixtures that are only about 12" - 14" front to back.

Prob don't have individual reflectors.

I didnt think I would find one, but check this out.
http://www.catalinaaquarium.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=71_7_68&products_id=1354

 

[tuberider]

How are you going to fit 8xT5s on a 18"W tank?

I found a couple of light fixtures that are only about 12" - 14" front to back.

Prob don't have individual reflectors.

I didnt think I would find one, but check this out.
http://www.catalinaaquarium.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=71_7_68&products_id=1354

Eek, not a very reputable company.....

 

[Plumstr8]

Bad reviews from there products? Any suggestions?

 

[eldiablosrt8]

stick to a 6 buld t5 from tek or 8 bulb t5 from tek but 8 bulb is useless you tank aint wide enough

 

[tuberider]

Bad reviews from there products? Any suggestions?

The lowest I'd go is a Tek fixture, the Catalina's have many issues.

Look at it this way, if you buy a higher quality fixture you can get by with six bulbs (shoot even four bulbs, look at hooked's tank in its prime [same dimensions]), thus saving money in the long run and not tossing 2 more out mercury filled bulbs every 6-8 months.

 

[gimmito]

My friend Mike has a BNIB Tek T5 6 bulb fixture-$275 for sale. Shoot him a email at Mike@FishDoctor.US if interested.

 

[xcaret]

ATI Power Module fits perfect over an 18" tank; 8xT5

 

[Plumstr8]

Im getting torn after talking to a couple of friends about it :~ I was going to add 4x54 watt t5's to my halides for supplement lighting. I want to make the right choice the first time. Everyones got great tips, pros & cons about it. Thanks for all this input I need it!