T5 Fixture Poll

[rtparty]

Not a poll, but same end point.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2247134

That thread gave me my idea for the poll. Instead of reading through pages and pages, people can simply see the numbers up top.

For more than 4 years I have helped people specifically with T5 questions and it is fun to see what all is being used.

 

[cloak]

I'm only powering two 24 watt T5 actinics right now, but the Hagen ballast/bulbs I've been using have been running flawless for about 3 years now. Hagen/Aquaclear products are just solid all around IMO. (lights, filters, heaters, powerheads, media, etc)

 

[solitude127]

Hmm I know there are a lot of ATI and Tek users out there, but I am really surprised to see that Aquaticlife is running in 2nd (as of now)

Maybe the built in timer draws people to it?

 

[Kies1]

Maybe the built in timer draws people to it?

Built in timer is nice but the 6bulb units are built like a tank and are good value for the money. I can keep pretty much anything with it. Reflectors are not bad either. A little nicer than the four bulb unit I had over my 35 gallon. Customer service is very good as well.

 

[blender02]

Aquatic Life 6 x 39 with 4 Blue +, 1 Coral +, and 1 purple + ATI bulbs

 

[Michigan Mike]

Hagen/Aquaclear products are just solid all around IMO. (lights, filters, heaters, powerheads, media, etc)

Hagen/fluval

Lol:deadhorse:

 

[MrShroomy]

I'm building a 90g lps and sps tank. Before I was thinking of a diy multichip led build but i'm not sure if I can make a decent one. I noticed there was a 48" 8x54W Tek Light T5 High-Output Fixture on sale for 280, almost 100 dollars off. I was wondering what your thoughts on this light are for the tank I want to build. Also what are some of the disadvantages to t5 compared to other types of lighting. Thanks!

 

[davidadelp]

I have a deep blue 4 bulb fixture but will be upgrading the bulbs to ATI after the holidays.

 

[mordibv]

ATI 8 x 39 PM ..
7 Hex Arc bulbs .. 1 ATI CP ..

 

[Kies1]

I really suggest all you ati bulb fanatics try some kz bulbs. I think you all will be surprised by the colour and par ratings. Kz super blues for instance. Awesome colour good par. Kz new gen etc. ati are great but colours are harsh in comparison. Kz are much softer. Anyways my two cents

 

[rtparty]

I really suggest all you ati bulb fanatics try some kz bulbs. I think you all will be surprised by the colour and par ratings. Kz super blues for instance. Awesome colour good par. Kz new gen etc. ati are great but colours are harsh in comparison. Kz are much softer. Anyways my two cents

They are $10 more per bulb, have less PAR (not always a bad thing), are made in the same factory, and KZ will give you no information. My bulb replacement will go from $120 to $180 a year.

I see very little, if any, difference between them. I may grab a super blue just to try out but the Fiji purple is identical to a purple plus. A spectrometer proved this.

 

[Michigan Mike]

IMO bulb replacement is the only negative thing about T5HO lighting and it would be much better served for everybody if bulbs were cheaper,hint hint.
There are places that sell (24") GIESSEMAN bulbs for $12-16 (if you look around) but normally $18-25 and when ATI are $20 everywhere and KZ are $23-28 and the most expensive they won't sell as much.
People don't want to spend twice the money every year on bulbs, IMO they should be around $10-15 max. T5 would be hard to beat if bulbs were cheaper & with LEDs nowadays halide & T5 bulbs better come down in price or else.

 

[jschultzbass]

6 bulb ATI Sunpower with 3 Blue+, 2 Coral+ and 1 Purple+. Also added a Reef Brite 50/50 LED strip for added color and shimmer.

 

[Kies1]

They are $10 more per bulb, have less PAR (not always a bad thing), are made in the same factory, and KZ will give you no information. My bulb replacement will go from $120 to $180 a year.

I see very little, if any, difference between them. I may grab a super blue just to try out but the Fiji purple is identical to a purple plus. A spectrometer proved this.

Funny where I live at all my local fish shops all bulbs are the same money. Geisman kz ati etc. Guess I am lucky. My eyes tell me the Fiji purple is a little less harsh(but I am also colour blind) lol. Try the super blues I think you will like them. But if you have to pay more for them I see your point.

 

[solitude127]

Funny where I live at all my local fish shops all bulbs are the same money. Geisman kz ati etc. Guess I am lucky. My eyes tell me the Fiji purple is a little less harsh(but I am also colour blind) lol. Try the super blues I think you will like them. But if you have to pay more for them I see your point.

I used KZ's one time because my LFS was out of ATI and they gave me them for the same price as ATIs. They're good bulbs but IMO, not worth the extra cost. If they were the same price, I would definitely give them a whirl again.

 

[Kies1]

That is too bad you have to pay more for kz bulbs. Not sure why that is. If kz was more money I too think I would use ati. But for me they are the same price. That is up here in Canada. I pay 29.99 per bulb no matter what manufacturer.

 

[that Fish Guy]

How Blue are the Geissmann and KZ Bulbs? I only have experience with ATI.

I want my Aquarium to be "Frag Swap Blue" if you know what I mean. I want my Corals to POP like no other. As Blue as Possible.

It seems that everyone buys these three brands only so I want to get the "Bluest" of the three.

ATI
KZ
Geismann

What do you guys recommend?

 

[ssteal]

Have a 6 bulb aquatic life using ati 3 coral plus 1 ati blue plus and 2 aquatic life 460/420

 

[frbrd84]

Running a current nova extreme with no problems

 

[rtparty]

Let's get 20 more votes