???helios T5???

[raymond4133]

Has anyone used these particular T5 fixtures...they seem like a good alternative to some of the T5 retrokits out there and you just toss them once their lifetime is up...

Though I'am not tottally sure how long and how well do these light kits work...

Any suggestions???

here is the link...

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=VIA-27112&Category_Code=Helios

 

[duec22]

Personally I don't see it as a good deal. Once you factor in the cost of the bulb it's about $75. for 1x54w. If you are planning on more than one you are are $150 a set. Reefgeek.com sells the TEK 2x54w retro for $159 (bulbs included), then you just pay for bulb replacement rather than whole new fixtures. I run the 24" 24w retros from reefgeek, and couldn't be happier with them....

 

[Justin74]

Its a nice quick sollution, but like David said it's one that will add up on you and be more in the long run if you woulda just kicked down a lil more to begin with, seems to be that way with alot of things in this hobby.

Workhorse 128w ballast~$25
Bulb~$20
refelector~$20
endcaps~$10
wires, etc.$5
So for around 80 bucks you can peice one yourself and have it cost you only the bulb in replacement costs each year. Also you'd have the potential to light 3 more bulbs if you chose. Before the end of the second year it would have paid for itself, vs. 2 years at $65 each year.

But then again, sometimes convenience ways more than money so youd be the best judge on that.

-Justin