Help w/ Lights

[FLReefGirl]

What do you think about these lights? Your opinions and/reviews are requested. Can it be made better by using different bulbs or other things? Or is it fine the way it is?

http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=CU01122&idCartRow=4523235&isKit=0


This is what I have on my 55 gal. They work fine and other than I was told I can't keep acros w/ it it serves it's purpose.

 

[sir_dudeguy]

I've heard mixed reviews on it. I think it was because there are not individual reflectors on it? Am I right or no? I cant remember lol. But thats an important part of t5's....you dont get the full affect unless you have individual reflectors on them.

Not sure what bulbs you're using, but ATI and Giesmann seem to be the ones everyone is tellin me to get when i get my t5

 

[Capt_Cully]

For what it's worth, I know a guy that has switched from MH to those fixtures and I gotta say, they look great. He's got SPS, Clams, lps, softies etc.

http://www.myreef.org/rickmaley/

I've seen them in person. Looks nice. Great color by using different spectrum bulbs.

 

[FLReefGirl]

Why are individual reflectors better? I would think there's less light being reflected back into the tank due to the gaps between each individual reflector. W/ one solid reflector it's constant reflection. Please educated me on how this works and why it's better.

Anyone else know about this light?

 

[FLReefGirl]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9590110#post9590110 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Capt_Cully
For what it's worth, I know a guy that has switched from MH to those fixtures and I gotta say, they look great. He's got SPS, Clams, lps, softies etc.

http://www.myreef.org/rickmaley/

I've seen them in person. Looks nice. Great color by using different spectrum bulbs.

How long has he been using them? None of his coral have turned brown? They are all growing?

 

[CaptRon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9590140#post9590140 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by FLReefGirl
Why are individual reflectors better? I would think there's less light being reflected back into the tank due to the gaps between each individual reflector. W/ one solid reflector it's constant reflection. Please educated me on how this works and why it's better.

Anyone else know about this light?

Individual reflectors reduce restrike. Restrike is where light is emmitted from the lamp and reflected off of the reflector only to hit the lamp and not the water where it is wanted. With one solid reflector, most light coming out of the top of the bulb is just reflected back onto the bulb or another bulb next to it. Here's a PDF that explains it better then I can:

Reflector Design: “Why is it important”

 

[reeftanker04]

The fans in that light are EXTREMELY loud. At least mine were, I swapped with a Coralife and it's ultra quiet. Just my .02.

 

[WaterKeeper]

Here's my take on T-5 Refector's that was part to the lighting thread.