Joe Posted December 28, 2020 Share Posted December 28, 2020 I want to add 2 single T-5 fixtures to my lighting system. Can I use any HO T-5 fixture? Here is an example of something cheap I’ve found on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AKKUD3Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_rsM6FbNNPK2R0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cptnspanky Posted December 29, 2020 Share Posted December 29, 2020 I think the biggest difference from the expensive brands to the cheap ones is the ballast used, and the reflector. The higher end ones tend to push a little more juice to the bulbs, whereas the cheap ones tend to slightly under power. So aside from the the obvious that it changes light output...it also ends up with a slight change of spectrum as well. Whether its anything major i suppose would vary, but i dont think it would be a huge deal unless you were itching for absolute max output Joe 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Posted December 29, 2020 Author Share Posted December 29, 2020 14 minutes ago, cptnspanky said: I think the biggest difference from the expensive brands to the cheap ones is the ballast used, and the reflector. The higher end ones tend to push a little more juice to the bulbs, whereas the cheap ones tend to slightly under power. So aside from the the obvious that it changes light output...it also ends up with a slight change of spectrum as well. Whether its anything major i suppose would vary, but i dont think it would be a huge deal unless you were itching for absolute max output I am not looking to rely solely on the T5s. They are only supplemental lighting. Sure to help with coral growth and over all health. But also to help wash out the disco party in the tank and give a more natural light. The majority of the par would still be coming from the T247s. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Posted December 29, 2020 Author Share Posted December 29, 2020 Well I pulled the trigger this morning. I ordered the T5 kit from BRS. And going with ATI coral plus bulbs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jesse Posted December 30, 2020 Share Posted December 30, 2020 13 hours ago, Joe said: Well I pulled the trigger this morning. I ordered the T5 kit from BRS. And going with ATI coral plus bulbs. Sweet. Most post pics. Joe 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Posted December 30, 2020 Author Share Posted December 30, 2020 14 hours ago, Jesse said: Sweet. Most post pics. Will do. I think I have how I’m going to mount them figured out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ghrorick Posted December 30, 2020 Share Posted December 30, 2020 I run the retro kits from brs on three of my tanks. Two of the tanks they are supplemental. My one frag tank I have two sets of the 80 watt with one orphek led bar and one reefbreeders led bar. I run all blue plus bulbs. Joe 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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