bang for the buck fixture?

[bdirtdiver]

i want to start a 20 gallon reef, would like to hear about 24" fixtures people use, that won"t break the bank, thanks

 

[dustin323]

If you really want to go cheap here it is. http://www.aquatraders.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=309

I have the 48" 260w PC one & so far it has held up fine.

 

[RedEyeElf]

anyone else tried these things?

 

[sclones]

These prices are good maybe to good. Has anyone else use any of these and if so for how long has it been running.

 

[pjf]

Inexpensive T5 Fixtures

Inexpensive T5 Fixtures

I think that you are better off with inexpensive T5 (~100 lumens per watt) fixtures than with PC (~60 lumens per watt) fixtures:

http://www.marineandreef.com/shoppro/power_aqualightT5.htm

The reflectors on these T5 fixtures are not the best but neither are PC reflectors.

 

[moprint]

go to commodityaxis.com and get 2 of there 24" helios t-5 ho light strips. they have individual reflectors and moisture resistant end caps. get an antic and a 10000k that will run about $50. these have built in ballasts and you throw them away instead of replacing them. just a thought.

 

[RedEyeElf]

not saying they were optimum, think you missed the point, it is almost 400w for acouple hundred bucks, i don't care if it's the t5 or not, I just meant, will the fixture run for more than a week or two before i have to have a tweaker friend try and rewire the thing

 

[kodyboy]

those fixtures are pretty crappy, I would avoid if possible. Maximum wattage is not as important as good spectrum bulbs, a decent ballast and good reflectors. T5s are FAR better than PCs and you would do better with less than half the wattage in T5s than PCs. Get a decent, as mentioned above, T5 fixture and you will not be dissapointed.

 

[moprint]

Redeye what fixture are you talking about? none of the links are to a 400 watt fixture. I have the 2 x 65 odyssea fixture that is linked. The legs are not very impressive, the fans are quiet, but one of mine quit. I have ordered a Coralife fixture to replace it. I didn't find the Helios T-5 HO until after I ordered the Coralife.

 

[hahnmeister]

Bang for the buck... I know it doesnt sound like it at first, but a 4x24watt Tek retrofit is the best bang for the buck... just get the Icecap SLR upgrade.
http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5...:_4-24W_T5_HO_Fluorescents_by_Sunlight_Supply

If you want a fixture, not a retro, then a Tek 4x24wattT5 is the best bang for the buck. It will outdo the output from a 4x65wattPC fixture, its less than 100 watts, and the bulbs can give you a good year or two of service and average less than $20 per bulb. Just be sure to add a fan blowing across the bulbs.
http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5...24_inch__Tek_Light:_4-24W_T5_HO_Fluorescents_(Black)_by_Sunlight_Supply

 

[bdirtdiver]

the aquatraders deal was too good to be true!! out of stock!!

 

[bigbenji]

Odyssea light setups have horrible reviews. Search for them, you might try placing "fire" in the search as well.