which brand of t-5 reflectors to use?

[Mylilreef]

okay, i have definitely decided to go with my 48" t-5 retrofit to replace my VHOs. i was just wondering what brand of reflectors everyone uses? is there any one brand better than another. there are so many options! i have been kind of eyeballing the icecap reflectors, but the TEK II has also grabbed my attention (especially the lesser price as compared to icecap). i've heard good things on both. which is better? or is their some other brand that might be better yet but still in that price range? i'm starting to lose my mind here!!! HELP!!!!! any info and opinions will be greatly appreciated.

thanks, cory :hmm5:

 

[chaderic26]

I heard some are better than others but I use the ones that came with my retrofit and I'm pretty happy with them.

 

[Mylilreef]

do you know what brand they are?

 

[mskohl]

Micro 4 LET reflectors and IceCap both take up 2.5 inches of space per reflector, but Tek takes up 3 inches each.

Just putting that out there in case it makes a difference in the amount of space you have to work with.

I think the quality between these 3 is comparable.

 

[chaderic26]

I think I got them from hello lights .com---- True that, If you can get more bulbs in because reflectors are slimmer. Thats better.

 

[Triple_B]

Micro 4 LET reflectors and IceCap both take up 2.5 inches of space per reflector, but Tek takes up 3 inches each.

Just putting that out there in case it makes a difference in the amount of space you have to work with.

I think the quality between these 3 is comparable.

^^^^^
I think this pretty much hits the nail on the head.

 

[Mylilreef]

i bought some bulbs from drs. foster and smith last week but when i got them noticed they are 45" instead of 48" bulbs like stated in their catalog. will the 45" bulbs work with the icecap refectors? i read somewhere that they are only 43-1/4" long. would these be compatable or do i need to send these bulbs back and look for something longer?

 

[Triple_B]

you're good to go. I had the same exact question when I first purchased my T5 lights...


I still don't know why they aren't 48" like advertised... I just assume that would make too much sense?! lol

 

[Russ Braaten]

I just recently got my reflector from Chris (cjilge) and it is a great reflector. He had them made up through his company that sells commercial lighting and other business supplies. Mine is a 4 bulb 48" and he has a 6 bulb one too. I am very impressed. In his tank he mounted the reflector on his hood above his bulbs but I bought some of those clips you use to mount individual reflectors from WetPets by Steve and clipped the bulbs to it and the spacing is perfect. You will have to PM Chris to get pricing but mine was less than $50 but it was the last one he had in stock at the time.

 

[brandonb8]

ACCORDING to grim, the miro reflectors blow away the tek reflectors. You can get them at aquarium speciality or through reefgeek. I just order a few of the 60"

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk

 

[mskohl]

the bulbs are shorter because you have to leave room for the 1.5" end cap on each end of the bulb.

 

[Mylilreef]

thanks to everyone for the help. I decided to keep the bulbs since i finally understand the whole size thing, i guess anyways. I got an awesome deal on some icecap refectors at CRASE. only 20 a piece w/clips, so that kind of sealed the deal!

 

[cjilge]

grim tested my first set for me and they test out up there with the best. they are a 1pc parabolic miro 4 but they are a custom I pick em up through work, ie "the perks"

 

[madkat]

grim tested my first set for me and they test out up there with the best. they are a 1pc parabolic miro 4 but they are a custom I pick em up through work, ie "the perks"

I got a set of the mystery reflectors from Chris and they are awesome!

 

[Russ Braaten]

I used those little u shaped clips and drilled holes in the flat spot to screw the clips into it and the distance from the T5 tubes is perfect.