Tell me why I can't use MH/T5 lighting systems designed for hydroponics?

Whiskey · #1 03-18-2009, 09:01 AM

Why can't I do this?
It seems that they employ the same manufacturers and just change the bulbs to be more red. Prices for the fixtures are really cheap, integrated 150-250 Watt systems run ~$120-150. Why not just get a more appropriate lamp and use them?

Same for the T5 fixtures, the bulbs aren't great but the fixtures look pretty good.

Please let me know what the thinking is around these products.

whatcaneyedo · #2 03-18-2009, 09:51 AM

Several of the manufacturers out there make equipment for both the hydroponics market as well as the aquarium hobby.

http://www.sunlightsupply.com/ is one example. I think Hamilton and PFO do as well.

Progressive Reef www.progressivereef.com is a shop in Victoria that sells both hydroponics and aquarium products. They have a sponsor page on this forum and might be able to better answer product specific questions that you may have.

RCFA · #3 03-18-2009, 02:13 PM

I don't see why this would be a problem. I have a couple hydroponic systems and a reef, and there are only couple of key distinctions. Bulbs, and reflectors. My T5s for my hydroponics have significantly inferior reflectors than those on my reef and the bulbs are totally different (unless you are trying to grow a lot of macro you probably want different bulbs). Other than that, the T5s come in the same HO wattages that I use on my reef tank. One other thing to keep in mind when comparing systems, is that there are quality differnces in the componets such as active cooling, moisture resistant encaps and better quality ballasts that will all raise the price of reef lighting above hydro.

banditpowdercoat · #4 03-18-2009, 02:54 PM

yup, it's the reflectors that are the price killer. The Plant ones will work but you may not be getting ALL the light you can out of your Bulbs. Depends on what you want to keep in your tank

Myka · #5 03-18-2009, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by banditpowdercoat

yup, it's the reflectors that are the price killer. The Plant ones will work but you may not be getting ALL the light you can out of your Bulbs. Depends on what you want to keep in your tank

...and how much electricity you don't mind wasting.

reeferious · #6 03-18-2009, 10:16 PM

we all know aquatic aquarists are in the minority and so anything destined for this trade will automatically be marked up 50% no exception.