T5 Lights

Ross · #1 12-03-2009, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Black Phantom

So I was looking at my new flyer from Princess Auto this morning and I noticed this light. A four foot T5 for $100 bucks. Sure you would have to change the bulbs but can anyone see a reason why this won't work as a light for LPS and softies.
http://www.princessauto.com/vmchk/fa...ial-shop-light

When I got the flyer I thought the exact same thing.

I would have grabbed one by now, except that I only have a 3' tank for now (ssshhh dont tell the wife)

H2o2 · #2 12-03-2009, 09:19 PM

Well i went and looked and they are 4 28w bulbs in it but if it is a work horse ballast you could could rewire and burn 2 54w bulbs and buy 1 more ballast.As far as the fixture goes its aluminum and its fine but i dont know about in your front room but you could make it nice with some paint..IMO

Myka · #3 12-04-2009, 01:01 AM

Double check the wattage to make sure they are T5HO. A 48" T5HO bulb will be 54w. If it's not HO then good bulbs are difficult to find...well they don't really exist.

Black Phantom · #4 12-04-2009, 03:46 AM

Well I went and looked at them. Wrong ballast for what I want. I guess if a guy wants to start swapping then the fixture would work.
I got a PM from another reefer saying that a good deal can be had at Eecol electric. Seems they have the same type of fixture at half the price.
Might be worth checking that as well.

kien · #5 12-04-2009, 12:50 PM

Recently I priced out putting a T5 light together with all the pieces.. 8 Reflectors, end caps, ballasts, clips, etc.. and it all came out to around $400! That was with a free fixture that someone was going to give me. You can get a whole Tek T5 HO unit (8 bulb) for $439 (or at least I can), from a LFS..