T5 light fixtures DIRT cheap (Interested?)

[funman1]

Well at my work we got a pallet of these lights for a job.
They are T5 6 bulb'ers 3 ballast'ers

Just wondering if there would be any interested in these lights?
I would need to talk to my work if we wanted to order any of these, but the price was just INSANE.

So gauging interest BEFORE I even pose the question to my work, would anyone want to buy some?

The GOOD:
-Brand new never been used
-They are 54 Watt T5 fixtures
-with a width of 24"
-and a length just over 48"
-Have 6 bulb capacity
-3 independently controlled ballasts (2 bulbs each ballast)
-They have white painted metal reflectors built on to the units

The BAD:
-Does not include bulbs of any kind
-It's not made by a brand name (Lithonia, Sylvania, GE, etc..)
-They do not have water proof end caps for the bulbs (However they could be converted (changed) over to water proof ends)
-They would need to have cords put on them (Very easy), because they have no cords or connections for power external.
-The light is not completely painted, so it's not too protected from salt corrosion over time, as it's just bare metal on some of the fixture.

The INSANE:
My work gets them for like $175 per fixture!
and perhaps even less than that if we placed a medium to large order! Perhaps down to even $150 each!

Front w/ bulbs

Back of fixture

 

[Doahh]

Wow... that makes it worth it for the reflectors and ballasts alone

 

[kevin95695]

That's like $0.50 per watt, plus bulbs?

 

[funman1]

Yep,
Plus about $3.00 in cords (Asumes 3 switched ballasts)
You could wire all three ballasts to one cord for $1.00

 

[jayson_219@yahoo.com]

are these T5 HO??

 

[funman1]

Yes for sure, because I saw it on the box.
But as far as I know though, all T5's are HO

 

[bored4long]

I don't see the value in this fixture. For $300 you get a 4x54watt IceCap Retrofit kit that includes your IceCap ballasts, SLR Reflectors, waterproof end caps, complete wiring AND any 4 bulbs from ReefGeek.

A single pair of water proof end caps are $10 and you would need 6 pairs for that fixture. Add up the cost of bulbs and endcaps, and weigh the lost efficiency of the reflectors and you will be over $300.

Of course its only my opinion.

 

[funman1]

Yeah the reflectors are nowhere near what the "super shined, individual reflector per bulb, $25 each bulb reflector" kind of reflectors.

But in the warehouse we put them up and they are VERY BRIGHT!
We are replacing 400W MH highbay lights with these. and I'd say the place is just as bright as before the switch out.

We lamp them at work with 3500K bulbs but the manuf. offers up to a 5000K bulb, both colors cost like $5.00 for each bulb.

 

[bored4long]

On the other hand setting that fixture on top of a shallow frag tank full of 10k bulbs would be awesome.

 

[reefer334]

You can get a simular unit from catalina for about the same price.They come with cords and a nice alumunum body with seperate switches and bulbs.
Chris

 

[TeeLapia]

I agree... Price sounds good, but you are just spending $$$. Replacing the end caps, wiring, etc. As well reflectors and ballast is what makes T-5 effective. The light loses it's intensity as it is eaten up by the reflectors, that is why ICECAP, and TEK has the shiny reflectors. Reflectors increase output by over 100%. Once you look at the over price to get it going, it just doesn't sound good enough.

 

[Justin74]

I have to agree with Chris on this. If your looking for something dirt cheap, bare bones just to get some light on your fish/corals with the potential of ez upgrades down the road; Catalina would be a better alternative. The only difference are 3 things really, 1. They are evenly spaced without a gap in the center of the fixture, slightly better(not much!) reflectors, and it comes with a powerchord

For about the same price. Both models would require good bulbs, relfectors, and water proof endcaps to be a quality T5 unit, the nice thing I see about Steve's hookup though is it looks like it would be very easy just to slap under a hood for a retrofit, but that center gap is a deal breaker for me though

On a side note, not all T5 are HO. Some are NO, like the kind you find at Home Depot, I think theres a couple other manufacturers that make some NO for aquatic use as well, like Coralife I believe. Typically you can tell these bulbs from the HO because of the length. For example the standard HO's come in 24", 36", 48", and 60";24"HO=24w, 36"HO=39w,etc., while they sell a 20"NO@18w and a 12"NO@9w. So generally speaking, if you have a standard length, it will more than likely be HO.

-Justin

 

[TeeLapia]

I do like the housing though. Slap some individual reflectors on there, along with endcaps, and ballast... It makes as a nice retro. If you can get the housing for $10, that is a steal.

 

[funman1]

Sounds like most would not be interested,
But I was in the office today and struck a conversation with the person who actually does the ordering,
and if we decided to piggyback on an order through them, (Just add our lights to their order)
My work said they could get them down to as low as $125!!!

I know what you guys mean though when you talk about re-fitting them with end caps.
I don't think the reflectors are that bad, but like I said they are no $25 reflectors.

This is the cheapest I could find on Catalina Aquarium for the same setup 6X54W @$375.00
http://www.catalinaaquarium.com/product_info.php?cPath=71_136&products_id=1421

Well hey just thought I'd throw it out there and spread the info,
I have nothing to gain by it, so my feelings aren't hurt you guys shot it down, just passin' on info..

 

[Auntbeez]

Thanks Steve for thinking of us. Even though there is not much interest, you were thinking of your fellow reefers and saving us a $ or two. I like where your heart is.
Again, THANKS

 

[TeeLapia]

Funny thing is..... I did the same when I was walking through my building. We have T-5 fixtures as well... Then when I found out the actual cost of the fixtures, etc.... I thought maybe it's best to stay away... Good looking out though!

 

[D&KSac]

ohhh Steve now you got me thinking we demo those out all the time on jobs or we get them in with dented up housings then they just sit in our job trailer for months. hmmm i might have to relieve our landfills a bit and take one home with me one of these days. Good thing is most of the ones we use have polished reflectors. Would only have to do a bit of modifing maybe switch out the tombstones.

 

[TeeLapia]

Well then... That seems nice if you can get them for CHEAP! I would like one! It's looks nice for a housing etc.

 

[D&KSac]

The ones we use are 120/277V "Smart balast". 2'X4' commercial light fixtures Idont know what i could buy them for just sometimes we scrap them during demo phase or toss them if we cant get credit for them when the job is over. I could check what I could buy them for but i highly doubt it would be that great of a savings.