Plant t5's vs aquarium

[double0banks]

I was looking for a 6 x 54 watt T5 fixture made by a well known company and stumbed across this tek setup thats on a a plant websight for an excellent price. I can't see why this wouldn't work just fine with bulbs specifically for aquariums but Im no expert on lighting so I figured Id ask all you electritions, coral farmers, and lighting gurus if this fixure would work for our needs and how it differs from one like the second link shows for far more $$$.

http://www.hydrofanatics.com/light-...lamp-p-227.html

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewI...y~FILTFIT58U~category~48in_Units~vendor~.html

Thanks

 

[double0banks]

Not one lighting expert has an answer for me?

 

[bob1968]

one says high output the other doesnt?

 

[Mr. Heckman]

Actually if you read the description on the first link it does say HO.

My guess Marine Depot has to make money somewhere, so they mark it up?

 

[double0banks]

Yeah I noticed it said HO in the description as well. So is the consensus that we think its the same fixture? The only difference I can see is in the Pic. One shows two cords while the other shows 1. These could be a stock photo that doesn't represent the actual photo though.

 

[TammyLiz]

Wow, what a great find! In order to know if it is actually the exact same ballast I suppose you'd have to order one, or call them and ask about what ballast is on it.

 

[gcarroll]

Yep it's the exact same fixture.

 

[double0banks]

great to hear, I did email them yesterday since no contact number is listed but have yet to recieve a response. I also asked if I could get a discount if I didnt require the bulbs it included. Ill let you know if and when I hear back

 

[PaulErik]

The main difference is the horticultural unit only comes with one power cord and one switch. All lights come on and off at once. The aquarium unit comes with 2 power cords and 2 switches. The two circuit design allows for two different light settings (dawn to dusk for actinic/blue lights and midday daylight for white lights). Both units use T5 HO lamps.

 

[redfishsc]

Double check what reflectors this unit uses.


You'll probably need to call/email Sunlight Supply to find out.

You need to know if this has the TEK II reflectors, and if NOT, MAKE SURE they are PARABOLIC.

Otherwise just get a Nova Extreme Pro.


Also, plan on doing something to cool this unit. The TEKs generate a lot of heat and come with NO fan cooling.

 

[gcarroll]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14489960#post14489960 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by PaulErik
The main difference is the horticultural unit only comes with one power cord and one switch.

According to SLS's website, they both have 2 on/off switches. The horticulture one mentions nothing about optional slash guards, but does have external ballasts.

 

[double0banks]

Thanks again

 

[PaulErik]

It appears the horticultural unit only has one power cord but does have 2 switches for the 4, 6 and 8 lamp models. This will not allow you to use 2 timers for different light settings. All of the Tek-Light fixtures have internal ballasts but ballasts are mounted on the side of the lamps inside the housing.

 

[gcarroll]

Thanks for the clarification!

 

[levischilz]

Well about 2 days ago I posted a link for everyone to look at a site called Yardlover.com, but in my attempt to help others I was shot down saying it was not the same and to avoid it. (AKA making me look partially rtarted lol) anyways if you wanna see options here also you can check into it. I didnt compare prices but these look the same to me also. Im sure lighting markup its about 40%. Levi

http://www.yardlover.com/products.php?pid=13066

Edit: looks like you found even better price. Let us know if anyone purchase's one if they are individual reflectors etc.. Just made myself sad seeing that they unfortunately only sell the 4ft version not. Thanks