18w t5 bulb options
- Thread starter jaybfresh
- Start date
zooman72
New member
Well, the older style 10K and 460 nm actinic bulbs have been replaced with what they call their "TrueLumen" brand which has 12K, 460nm and 420nm actinic options (also have a freshwater bulb too I think...).
NanoTuners/ NanoCustoms had worked with UVL to produce ~18"/ 18W bulbs in their commonly carried spectrums, but they had issues with an overseas manufacturer that resulted in bulbs being 1/4" too short. They could still work in the Extreme Pro fixtures if you used all the same length bulbs as you could adjust the endcap placement. Last I heard they were out of at least the 454 blue's, but were trying to have new bulbs made for all spectrums with the correct length (16.5" I think...).
I have read some comments on various boards (including nano-reef) that the TrueLumen bulbs were better than the older style. Anyways, good luck, although I am not sure of running that many T5's over a Biocube 14! You might be able to get away with 2 of the 18" 2 bulbs fixtures from Current, and they are on sale/ clearance for around $57 at PetMountain - I just picked up one (and a MagFloat) to replace the 20" 40W PC Current fixture over my 5g at the office, and shipping is free for purchases over $60. That would be cheaper the the Extreme Pro and more compact - those Pros are wide!
Note: I never thought the old bulbs were that bad - seemed a crisp white to me.
NanoTuners/ NanoCustoms had worked with UVL to produce ~18"/ 18W bulbs in their commonly carried spectrums, but they had issues with an overseas manufacturer that resulted in bulbs being 1/4" too short. They could still work in the Extreme Pro fixtures if you used all the same length bulbs as you could adjust the endcap placement. Last I heard they were out of at least the 454 blue's, but were trying to have new bulbs made for all spectrums with the correct length (16.5" I think...).
I have read some comments on various boards (including nano-reef) that the TrueLumen bulbs were better than the older style. Anyways, good luck, although I am not sure of running that many T5's over a Biocube 14! You might be able to get away with 2 of the 18" 2 bulbs fixtures from Current, and they are on sale/ clearance for around $57 at PetMountain - I just picked up one (and a MagFloat) to replace the 20" 40W PC Current fixture over my 5g at the office, and shipping is free for purchases over $60. That would be cheaper the the Extreme Pro and more compact - those Pros are wide!
Note: I never thought the old bulbs were that bad - seemed a crisp white to me.
Since the uvl t-5 bulbs have internal reflectors they dont need reflectors. So you best option would be to get this
http://www.aquatraders.com/Odyssea-20in-4x18W-T5-HO-Light-Fixture-Extendable-p/52302.htm
Get uvl t-5 vho bulbs and you will be running at 120 watts plus have good color selection. I am running one of these over my ap12 and t looks great.
http://www.aquatraders.com/Odyssea-20in-4x18W-T5-HO-Light-Fixture-Extendable-p/52302.htm
Get uvl t-5 vho bulbs and you will be running at 120 watts plus have good color selection. I am running one of these over my ap12 and t looks great.
jaybfresh
Pitcher Hill Reef Society
Thanks guys... Just the stuff I needed to know. I wa only going to use 4 of the 6 bulbs (I think one ballast powers 4 and the other powers 2). The refurb price was the only reason to get the 6 bulb fixture
Klink, will the legs on the aquatraders fixture go inwards to fit a 15" tank? And have the ballasts been good for you?
Klink, will the legs on the aquatraders fixture go inwards to fit a 15" tank? And have the ballasts been good for you?
zooman72
New member
I am not here to bash Aquatraders, but the Current fixture(s) will be higher quality (definitely higher quality ballasts), and you won't have to upgrade bulbs right away, so the cost of the 2 Current fixtures ($57 x 2, free shipping...) would still be less since when buying the Aquatraders you would probably want to upgrade bulbs right away ($50 plus shipping plus $60-$70 in bulbs...) - your call though!
jaybfresh
Pitcher Hill Reef Society
Yea I think klink was suggesting to use tue aquatraders fixture with the UVL bulbs since they have no need for individual reflectors
Will the ballast in the current fixture actually drive the NanoTuners uvl bulbs at 30w? If that's the case I'll just use 2x30w and save a lot of cash
Will the ballast in the current fixture actually drive the NanoTuners uvl bulbs at 30w? If that's the case I'll just use 2x30w and save a lot of cash
Actually the stock aquatraders bulbs are decent color wise and the ballast are pretty good. You could just start out with the aquatraders fixture and then slowly change out the bulbs when you want to. Aquatraders has really stepped up there game. I had the current usa hood lighting on my tank and I wasnt impressed.
zooman72
New member
Well, the Current fixture will not overdrive the newer VHO bulbs - would need an upgraded ballast I believe.
As for the Aquatraders fixtures and their ballasts - I have seen both recently in opened fixtures and there is a big difference in quality, at least in my opinion.
As for the bulbs, color is only part of the discussion - PAR (and maybe PUR?) would be more of a concern. If I were to rank more affordable fixtures it would be Current, Fish Need It, and Aquatraders would be bringing up the rear. I have had all 3 brands, and let me put it this way - I still have all of my Current fixtures (8 total) and have had no issues with any of them (some are several years old), still have the one FNI with no issues, and no longer have any of the Aquatraders (went through 3) due to ballast or wiring issues...having 7-8 nanos over the last few years has afforded me the opportunity to try lots of different combinations, and I have found that you tend to get what you pay for.
I am sorry if it seems like I am bashing Aquatraders - actually tried not to! I also am not affiliated with any lighting companies!
Edit: I forgot to include Coralife fixtures - went through 3 of them too, so they are tied with Aquatraders!
As for the Aquatraders fixtures and their ballasts - I have seen both recently in opened fixtures and there is a big difference in quality, at least in my opinion.
As for the bulbs, color is only part of the discussion - PAR (and maybe PUR?) would be more of a concern. If I were to rank more affordable fixtures it would be Current, Fish Need It, and Aquatraders would be bringing up the rear. I have had all 3 brands, and let me put it this way - I still have all of my Current fixtures (8 total) and have had no issues with any of them (some are several years old), still have the one FNI with no issues, and no longer have any of the Aquatraders (went through 3) due to ballast or wiring issues...having 7-8 nanos over the last few years has afforded me the opportunity to try lots of different combinations, and I have found that you tend to get what you pay for.
I am sorry if it seems like I am bashing Aquatraders - actually tried not to! I also am not affiliated with any lighting companies!
Edit: I forgot to include Coralife fixtures - went through 3 of them too, so they are tied with Aquatraders!
I actually own the fixture in question and can say after owning coralife and current usa fixtures that they are all the same. I have seen older aqua-traders fixtures with issue but that was at least two years ago. I also had there 150 watt pendant it was great for my and the actinics were better than current usa.
I will agree that you use to have issues with these fixtures but that isnt the case anymore. As for 18 in. bulb the current bulbs are below average compared to the uvls and since they have internal reflectors the odyssea is a better option.
I will agree that you use to have issues with these fixtures but that isnt the case anymore. As for 18 in. bulb the current bulbs are below average compared to the uvls and since they have internal reflectors the odyssea is a better option.
Also there pendant might be a good option. I knew it grew sps in my aquapod like crazy.
http://www.aquatraders.com/Odyssea-18in-Metal-Halide-Pendant-p/54242.htm
http://www.aquatraders.com/Odyssea-18in-Metal-Halide-Pendant-p/54242.htm
The ballast have really impressed me. The fixture comes with two external ballasts and they dont get really hot. Nova Extreme has one internal ballast which is not ideal.
Also My aquapod is around thos dimensions and it fits perfectly on the tank. The pendant also fit nicely on the tank.
zooman72
New member
Well, suffice it to say, klink and I will have to disagree. I do not think you will find too many other people raving about the quality of Aquatraders light fixtures. I am not saying the Current are up there with ATI's or even TEK's, but they are definitely a step above the Coralife's and Aquatraders, and even the FNI.
I am not sure what is impressive about the ballasts from Aquatraders, other than on the company's website the one review for the 20" T5 fixture mentioned above states that the reviewer needed to replace the fixture due to a ballast problem...
Look, for budget-concious aquarists, inexpensive brands can be very useful, and I myself have used various items effectively that were on the less-expensive side. However, to be fair, you usually get what you pay for. Can either work - sure...but I would not just take my word for it - go and read up on reviews outside of this forum and I am sure that you will find fewer issues with certain brands.
As I said previously, good luck with your choice, and be sure to post up a few pictures after you have it set up.
I am not sure what is impressive about the ballasts from Aquatraders, other than on the company's website the one review for the 20" T5 fixture mentioned above states that the reviewer needed to replace the fixture due to a ballast problem...
Look, for budget-concious aquarists, inexpensive brands can be very useful, and I myself have used various items effectively that were on the less-expensive side. However, to be fair, you usually get what you pay for. Can either work - sure...but I would not just take my word for it - go and read up on reviews outside of this forum and I am sure that you will find fewer issues with certain brands.
As I said previously, good luck with your choice, and be sure to post up a few pictures after you have it set up.
jaybfresh
Pitcher Hill Reef Society
I will avoid Aquatraders based on my own experiences, but would have no problem using one strictly for a cheap bulb housing. However, I'm down to 3 options now...
Find an old 16.5" 70w sunpod
Upgrade a 2 bulb Nova Extreme fixture to a 2x30w setup
Try to retro 3x20w UVL T5 bulbs into the biocube hood (only 12" bulbs!)
This won't be an SPS tank because my intention was to have a low maintenance setup after taking down my main tank, rather than leaving the hobby alltogether. My main concern is heat problems with the stock hood, so maybe retro-fitting 3 T5 bulbs in to the hood won't be a good option
Find an old 16.5" 70w sunpod
Upgrade a 2 bulb Nova Extreme fixture to a 2x30w setup
Try to retro 3x20w UVL T5 bulbs into the biocube hood (only 12" bulbs!)
This won't be an SPS tank because my intention was to have a low maintenance setup after taking down my main tank, rather than leaving the hobby alltogether. My main concern is heat problems with the stock hood, so maybe retro-fitting 3 T5 bulbs in to the hood won't be a good option
mr86mister
Saltaholic
Jason, if you can find 2 70w Sunpods, let me know. I've been looking for one for almost a year...lol. Have you looked into LED retro?
I would do the t-5 retro so you can avoid the heat of a halide.
What impressed me about the odyssea t-5 is that it had EXTERNAL electronic ballasts not internal which current has and causes the fixture to get very hot and shorten bulb and ballast life. Any good fixture has external ballasts.
The t-5 retro is the best out of all the options. You can add a silenx fan on the top and it would stay cool compared to your pc lights. Also I would do a 4x20 watt so you have more control over the color and more light output.
What impressed me about the odyssea t-5 is that it had EXTERNAL electronic ballasts not internal which current has and causes the fixture to get very hot and shorten bulb and ballast life. Any good fixture has external ballasts.
The t-5 retro is the best out of all the options. You can add a silenx fan on the top and it would stay cool compared to your pc lights. Also I would do a 4x20 watt so you have more control over the color and more light output.
mr86mister
Saltaholic
Well, someone put a 70w Viper on ebay for $50, so that'll work for me
SCORE!!!
I am thinking of getting a 70w to put over a 10gallon nano.(Future project)
mr86mister
Saltaholic
External ballasts do help the unit keep cool but I think you should check out the t5 light fixtures,Tek and it's biggest competitor ATI. Both have internal ballasts and have proven over and over to be the best on the market. Though you will pay a few extra shiny pennies for them...lol.
zooman72
New member
Nice find on the 70W Viper J - honestly can't beat the overall look of a good halide when it comes down to mimicking natural sunlight, at least what one would find in shallow water IMO. BTW...does that sucker come with a bulb at that price?! If not, what color are you going to go with - 10K, 14K, or 20K? I was always tempted to try one of those 70W Vipers but never did - be sure to post some good pics when you get it!
FWIW - got out the ol' infrared temp gun: 2 Current T5 fixtures w/o fan are 99F, 2 Current T5 fixtures w/ fans are 87F...definitely not a huge difference, nor very hot. I wonder what that 70W halide will get to!
FWIW - got out the ol' infrared temp gun: 2 Current T5 fixtures w/o fan are 99F, 2 Current T5 fixtures w/ fans are 87F...definitely not a huge difference, nor very hot. I wonder what that 70W halide will get to!
