??? 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

 

[ccoral]

the unit you are looking at I use and they are not dispose once bulb is exhuasted Just replace the bulb. Bulbs are cheap I use the 80 watt 60" units check premium site as they are only $17.
You will be happy with these units they are bright

 

[gophia]

raymond4133,
I have both the helios II (4 x 10k)and III (1 x actinic)on my 75gal. Its been more than a year since I got them and all my sps and clams are doing well. I'm not sure if these bulbs are going to last another year. I'm already starting to see blackening on some of the 10k.

All in all I'm happy with these lights.

HTH

oh ya, like ccoral said, only the helios II were meant to be disposable.

 

[jmkarcz]

I boufgr an assortment of the 36" tru disposables from a second hand/ return merch last year. I had slightly higher hopes for them... but alas... they need to be thrown away at the 4-5 month mark. they simply gave up the ghost completly. If you buy them and tuely intend to get rid of them on the schedual, I guess they are ok... I bought into them as a temporary boost to certain light wavelengths... ie: atinic and a early morning and late evening light taper off bulb. But don't be shocked if you come home at the 4 month mark and find that they did not fire, or... they last 6 months, but your nusence hair algae is out of control because the output of the bulb is shot.

I think they are a "You get what you pay for item" and if you needed say, a frag tank setup for a frag show.... theres a great use... all the light you could want for 100$... use it for several shows.... replace as you find they are spent.

Good luck.

I still have one I have no idea what I'm gonna do with it.

 

[supertech3]

I would go with this instead. Bulbs are also included. But you know more about what your set-up could go with than I do.

 

[supertech3]

Here is the site.
http://www.marineandreef.com/shoppro/power_novaExtreme.htm

 

[ccoral]

The problem with the current units is they do not have parabolic relflectors which equals less light and they are the same cost as the T-5 III.