home depot t5ho grow lights for reef?

[christopherjudd]

hello, Im not sure if this has been asked before but would grow lights from home depot work for our reef tanks? (obviously changing the bulbs to reef spec like ati)

http://www.homedepot.com/p/ViaVolt-...Grow-Light-Fixture-V24/202985194?N=5yc1vZc9h4

is it just as simple as changing the bulbs? or I have to gut it out, change reflectors, sockets all that crap...

thanks!

 

[scooter31707]

That's a good question, I am not sure, maybe the experts will chime in soon. I will tag alone. I would say no, probably would work better on a planted freshwater tank.

 

[christopherjudd]

Hmm I assume nobody has ever tried it

 

[ReefCowboy]

Dont see why it wouldn't work. I would go to a store, look at them and make sure the reflectors are good, preferably aluminum(I doubt it). The issue here is heat, these fixtures probably don't have any fans, and also do not come with an option for a dusk/dawn effect, meaning two bulbs being able to be turned on at separate times from the others.

Should be plug the reef bulbs and turn it on, that simple. T5HO are a very common fixture with many uses.

 

[kevin_e]

Depends on the reflectors. Ideally you want individual highly polished aluminum reflectors. Additionally, most t-5 fixtures come with water proof end caps. Bulbs themselves run $25. That puts you at $200 already. Lighting is the last piece of equipment I would go the cheap route on.

 

[KingTriton1]

depends on the reflectors. Ideally you want individual highly polished aluminum reflectors. Additionally, most t-5 fixtures come with water proof end caps. Bulbs themselves run $25. That puts you at $200 already. Lighting is the last piece of equipment i would go the cheap route on.

+1

 

[reefwiser]

Will not last long it will start falling apart not to be placed over a aquarium.

 

[outssider]

2 ft. 4-Bulb T5 High Output Copper Fluorescent Grow Light Fixture.............

what's with the word "COPPER"...that would make me nervous....

 

[Bootlegger]

It's powder-coated a copper color, which means it may be light gauge sheet metal. Not sure how this will hold up in above a saltwater tank but it could/would work just fine. It doesn't appear to have a protective lens so you'll want to make sure you hang a few inches above you water. In my low-budget days I may have gone this route also.

 

[DamonG]

That actually is a re branded sunlight supply fixture. They used to sell them at hydro stores. I purchased one, but did not keep it simply because it would not fit on the tank I had at the time under the canopy.

Other than that,I would have kept using it. If you wanted a powder coated version, just go to a hydroponic store. Just make sure that it cannot come in contact with the water, as of course it's not water proof. But it's a huge savings over aquatic specific lighting. But I would at least buy from the hydro store, since those are specific to semi aquatic and salt dwelling environments. Not to mention plant items(hydroponic growing) these days, they try to use materials that are non toxic..