slathrum
New member
I'm sort of looking for a follow up to a thread from a few years ago.
Here it is: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2133615
I've just started up a reef tank after being out of the hobby a while, and I'm at the point where I'm planning out my next equipment purchases while it's cycling. I've been looking into lighting, and have decided upon T5. My setup came with two Icecap 250 MH setups, but I don't want the heat and I'm rather surprised that MH is relatively worthless on the secondhand market compared to what it used to be.
Anyway, I've been looking at some very affordable industrial fixtures. The best I've seen so far for my needs is a 6x54 watt made by Sun and Stars Lighting in California featuring three two lamp, name brand (GE or Sylvania) ballasts that would allow for flexibility in separate lamp operation, individual aluminum reflectors and all for $100 shipped.
At that price, I could easily justify shooting it with a coat of paint and clear coat for more corrosion resistance, and then reassemble it with aluminum screws. A couple fans could be added to the top for cooling. Even if I were to someday want better reflectors, we're still talking a total cost of $300 with reflectors and everything, and should have the exact performance of an ATI for $200 less.
That's the plan anyway. I know there are some folks out there using these types of fixtures or grow lights. Are there any other deals out there I should know about before buying?
Here it is: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2133615
I've just started up a reef tank after being out of the hobby a while, and I'm at the point where I'm planning out my next equipment purchases while it's cycling. I've been looking into lighting, and have decided upon T5. My setup came with two Icecap 250 MH setups, but I don't want the heat and I'm rather surprised that MH is relatively worthless on the secondhand market compared to what it used to be.
Anyway, I've been looking at some very affordable industrial fixtures. The best I've seen so far for my needs is a 6x54 watt made by Sun and Stars Lighting in California featuring three two lamp, name brand (GE or Sylvania) ballasts that would allow for flexibility in separate lamp operation, individual aluminum reflectors and all for $100 shipped.
At that price, I could easily justify shooting it with a coat of paint and clear coat for more corrosion resistance, and then reassemble it with aluminum screws. A couple fans could be added to the top for cooling. Even if I were to someday want better reflectors, we're still talking a total cost of $300 with reflectors and everything, and should have the exact performance of an ATI for $200 less.
That's the plan anyway. I know there are some folks out there using these types of fixtures or grow lights. Are there any other deals out there I should know about before buying?