T5 Question

[ZenMan]

Wanted to upgrade my lighting. Have read that TEK T5's are good. Does anyone have any experience with these T5's being sold on Ebay?

Basically looking for a recommendation on manufacturer and best place to buy from.

Thanks.

 

[jbittner]

Make sure they have waterproof endcaps and individual reflectors. Do you have a canopy?? You could do a DIY T5 (very simple--ballast, bulbs, endcaps, reflectors). I just finished mine and it works great.

 

[ZenMan]

I'd rather not build, and since I don't have a canopy, I'm looking for a solution that I can place on top of my aquarium using "feet".

 

[fishetcinc]

TEK's are made by Sunlight Supply Inc which is a very reputable company and you can get tank mounting bracket "feet":

http://www.sunlightsupply.com/index_nonflash.html

http://www.specialty-lights.com/tek-bracket.html

Never heard of any issues. However, when you buy them off Ebay, make sure they come with reef rated bulbs (10K, 14K, 20K). Sometimes, you'll see TEK lights sold for cheap on Ebay because they come with the cheaper horicultural rated bulbs (3K,5K,8K). These bulbs will be too yellow/white and will grow more algea than coral.

A cheaper choice with feet would be the Nova's:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=12772&N=2004+113175

I dont have any experience with these but the pricing seems prettty good.

K.