New T5 Lights

TJSlayer · #1 05-23-2008, 04:21 AM

Well I had my tank setup for about 5-6 weeks now and need lights, was originally looking at TEK Lights but really could't get them in the budget because it was $650-700 including legs, bulbs and shipping for the 6 bulb version. So then I looked into the Nova Extreme Pros, which recieved fair reviews but couldn't find anyone with them instock in Canada and to ship them form the states they wanted another $140 on top of the $370 price tag, and figured I would get into trouble when duty came around so again they worked out of my price range so then I finally came accross some lights from Catalina Aquarium (Here)

I actually bought them off a guy on Ebay here

Well I can Honestly say I'm impressed...

Bulbs may not be the greatest but more than adequate for now and I will get better bulbs when I need to, 6 bulbs with reflectors on each moonlights that are dimmable, and 3 plugs to contol everything1 = 2 T5's, 2 = 4 T5's, 3 = Moons.

Best part is it only cost $356 total after shipping, exchange, duty and taxes for everything!

Here are some pictures

Hope this is useful to anyone looking for lights on a tight budget.

TJ

digital-audiophile · #2 05-23-2008, 02:09 PM

Looks cool, I really like the built in moonlights.. I wish my Tek had that!

TJSlayer · #3 05-23-2008, 02:30 PM

Yeah they seem to work well the moonlights are really nice.....

You can pick up sets on ebay to add them to the tek.....

digital-audiophile · #4 05-23-2008, 02:40 PM

The only problem with that is the tek has all six bulbs clustered together with no space in the middle for the moonlights

Oscar · #5 05-23-2008, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TJSlayer

6 bulbs with reflectors on each moonlights that are dimmable,

TJ

Hmm...The Cad39 has 2 built in moonlights with its own separate power source. I always thought it was too bright, never thought that they might be wired to be dimmable.

sphelps · #6 05-23-2008, 05:08 PM

Is it just me or are those bulbs really close together. The tek and ice cap reflectors look wider, I believe they are about 2.5". How does that compare?

TJSlayer · #7 05-23-2008, 10:10 PM

Yeah they are narrower but output seems pretty good. Very Bright and looks good from what I can see from other tanks I have looked at.

For the money I think they will be hard to beat.
I think with better bulbs they would even be better...

The dimable feature on the moons work well, I still have it turned right up, but may change that around...

TJSlayer · #8 05-23-2008, 10:12 PM

I don't have them here at work but I would get about 13/4 for each reflector or so possible 2 but not 2.5....