T5 - Opinion on this fixture

[Tonynlo]

I am switching over to T5 from MH and am looking for opinions on this fixture. It seems like a pretty good setup and I have always trusted icecap ballasts for MHs. For $400 plus bulb cost, are there better options?


IceCap Reef Illuminations
6 x T5 & LED Combo
Aquarium Lght Fixture



http://www.aquacave.com/icecap-reef...--led-combo-braquarium-lght-fixture-3088.html


- Aluminum fixture provides superior cooling
- Sturdy construction "“ 1.2mm thick
- Chemically treated "“ never fade - no rust, corrosion
- 6 - 4ft T5 lamps (Lamps Sold Separately)
- 2 individual T5 zones for lighting control
- 2 LunarLitesâ„¢ (420-460nm Blue LED)
- Acrylic lens protecting lamps
- Silent, no cooling fans required
- Adjustable standing brackets
- Hanging System
- 3 meter Power Cords
- 3 year IceCap Warrantee
- Size: 47" x 17.5" x 2.25"




Also, if anybody is looking to get rid of a 6-8 bulb T-5 fixture please send me a PM.

 

[spinoleo]

I think it does have cooling fans and you do want them to help the life of the lamps

 

[block head]

i thought ice cap was going out of buisness. add the price of lamps and your in tek/ati range. some good deals floating around on rc used equipment.

 

[sedorusc]

I run a tek 8x54 watt fixture. Works well for me. I also heard icecap was going out so that might replacement difficult if something breaks. Lot of guys are loving the ATI units.
http://www.aquacave.com/tek-light-t-5-48-lightbr-fixture-8-x-54w-lampsbr-by-sunlight-supply-693.html
This is the fixture I use. It cost $438.85 with hanging kit and acrylic shield. Does not include price of bulbs.

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[jdoenumber2]

Skip it. Trust me on this. Tek, ati or diy. Ice cap went out of business in part for this failed fixture. There may by support because of coralvue, but their next fixture will be much much begtter. replace mh bulb and by the time you need to replace you will see much better fixtures.

 

[cardiffgiant]

I would go with an ATI. I use a Tek, but if i had the choice to make over again I would get an ATI.

 

[Tonynlo]

Thanks for the tips on Ice Cap. I'll be passing on this fixture for sure. An ATI fixture is going to break the bank for me here. I figured somewhere around $500 would be my budget for a new setup. For now, I'm just going to replace my bulbs and stalk the used goods forum.

 

[cjrudy]

My only advice is don't buy anything from Aquacave. If you ever have to return an item they will rip you off, terrible customer service.

 

[sedorusc]

I actually do quite a bit of shopping with aquacave. Only had to return 1 item and received prompt reimbursement. They have been pretty quick to let me know when they were out of stock on something. I understand my experience is not the same as someone elses, but mine has been good.

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[Tonynlo]

I have purchased numerous things from Aquacave and I must say their customer service was top notch. I purchased some bulbs from them a few years back, used them for 3 days and decided that I didn't like the color. I called them to ask them for advice on my next bulb purchase. Without even asking for it, they gave me a full refund on the bulbs and paid for return shipping. I've actually never read anything bad about the company until seeing your post.

 

[Tonynlo]

I've decided to go with the 8 bulb TEK light. Any suggestions on bulb combination?

 

[sedorusc]

With mine I run giesemann:
Aquablue
Aquaflora
Aquablue
Midday
Aquablue
Aquaflora
Aquablue
Aquablue

I got this suggestion from the lighting forum. Ask the grimreefer. They can give you a better suggestion than I could.

 

[frofan]

ATI Powermodule is the best T5 lighting out right now.

 

[Tonynlo]

I didn't realize that the Tek wasn't fan cooled, and have read that a T5 fixture will lose a fair amount of par because of it. I don't know how much truth is in that statement, but I have read it on multiple occasions.

I really like the ATI powermodule fixture, but really can't afford that

I am now planning to go with a 6x54 SunPower fixture. I read through some of the T5 thread and through some searches found that a lot of guys with 90's have had a lot of success with this light.