An idea about Lighting.

[sytanek]

Ok, so while at work up on a lift, I look over and notice the lights hanging are, pretty darn nice looking T5HO's. 6 of them with individual reflectors. So I decided to look online to see how much industrial T5HO Lighting fixtures run.

After looking online I found out these light fixtures are cheaper than what even Teklight's go for, much less the more expensive ones.


Here is an example.
http://www.warehouse-lighting.com/item/104946/6-Lamp-T5HO-Lighting-Fixture.aspx?source=google


What do you guys think about buying one of these and using it?

I realise you would need to buy all new bulbs, but Teklights don't come with bulbs either.

Let me know what you think.

Brannon

 

[mfp4073]

I have thought about that myself.. but figured there had to be a reason no one used them...Im new to the stuff so figured someone else had already thought of it.

 

[sytanek]

lol, I forgot the name of the brand of the ones that were there, but I'll look again tomorow. I just found that link by searching for industrial T5HO lighting.

 

[Don Lino]

The reflectors are not a mirror finish, you are defeating the purpose of getting T5HO bulbs using white reflectors. It is cheap,

 

[sytanek]

Would think these would be x100 more long lasting, since they use them in commercial applications.

 

[sytanek]

Ok, well the ones at work were mirror finish, I will have to look it up tomorow.

 

[sytanek]

What about this one? lol

http://www.prolighting.com/6lat5flhibay.html

 

[Don Lino]

Definately LMK, icecaps are going for about $300 plus for a retrofit kit of four and one 660 ballast...

 

[sytanek]

http://fins.actwin.com/aquatic-plants/month.200104/msg00098.html

http://www.ahsupply.com/36-55w.htm

 

[sytanek]

This is info about the reflector of the second light I posted.

Since the typical polished aluminum reflector material has a total reflectivity of 86%, you may wonder how a more reflective material could ever result in a 21% increase in light output. After all, isn't the difference between 86% and 100% only 14%? Well, that's true, but consider the fact that with an 86% reflective material 14% of the light intensity is lost each time the light is reflected. In all but the perfect reflector, some of the light is reflected more than once before it leaves the unit. So in an actual application such as this one, the MIRO 4 material can produce 21% more light because only about 5% of the intensity is lost each time the light is reflected.

The state-of-the-art coating on MIRO 4 has the additional benefit of increasing the integrity of the reflective surface. Better manufacturers typically warrant their 86% reflective material for 10 years. The manufacturer of MIRO 4 enhanced aluminum offers a 25 year warranty that says, in part: "the products supplied for lighting-purposes under normal interior environmental conditions will not splinter, yellow, darken, peel-off, blister, crack or develop any other surface-deterioration reducing the reflectivity when used with fluorescent tubes and can withstand a temperature of max. 100C (=212F)."

 

[Don Lino]

One more thing, make sure its waterproof...you wouldnt want to get moisture in the lighting and cause it to short out...Other than that it seems pretty good.

 

[sytanek]

True, maybe someone has experience doing this and could chime in, I am pretty interested, lol

 

[hexedagain]

I would not buy one of these for use over a saltwater tank.
The housing on these fixtures is not very sturdy. It will also more than likely rust quickly.
I would pass on this, unless you want to gut it and use it as a retro fit. You would also have to have some kind of sealed end cap for the bulbs/lamps.
This is just my opinion.

 

[sytanek]

Just interested what people think so all opinions welcome

Some valid points, will have to look into that.

 

[hexedagain]

Now the second fixture you posted looks to be built a bit better. I still think you will have rust issues, and you will still have to have sealed end caps.

 

[Don Lino]

Hexed cant he just get glass versa tops for his tank?? Light wont penetrate as good, but he wont have moisture issues will he??

 

[sytanek]

It seems most of them have a rust inhibiting coat. So that would help in that department. Now to the sealed end caps thing.

 

[hexedagain]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9767786#post9767786 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Don Lino
Hexed cant he just get glass versa tops for his tank?? Light wont penetrate as good, but he wont have moisture issues will he??

Yeah, that would help alot.

Brannon, I know it states it is coated, but the coating isn't what they make it out to be. It will help, but only help to delay the rust from starting. I have installed similar fixtures, and have found when exposed to any type of moisture, over a period of time, they will start rusting. It worries me that the salt would accelerate the rust.
Sealed end caps would still be a good idea , even with using glass tops, if you chose that route.
I just have a gut instinct if you bought this fixture, your next post about it would be Do not try this at home....
Not trying to hate on you or anything, just trying to help.

 

[Don Lino]

U can always replace them...do the math and see if its worth that route
http://www.championlighting.com/product.php?productid=21646&cat=689&page=1

 

[lusenut2]

I think its worth a try as long as the bulbs have the same end caps. I mean damn $200 bucks is cheap. I say you buy it and if it works I will follow. lol