Best deal on lighting? (T5 HO)

[bb0029]

I was looking for the best deal on the web for some name brand lighting. I have searched the web and have no idea who I can trust.

Thanks, Brad

[Phishnoob]

I am going to pick up our T5 6x54W from Salty Supply. Marine Depot has always been awesome, but SS beats them on price for this.

My last order came in with no problems.

[Fat Tony]

Can't beat Salty, excellent customer service.

[bb0029]

Awesome I will check them out. Maybe if they are a bit better priced I can go with a 6 bulb unit instead of the 4 bulb units I have been looking at.

Thanks

[bb0029]

Now I am really confused lol. I guess if I was to try a retro kit I would need a ballast, 8 stand off pieces, 8 sockets, 4 reflectors and 4 bulbs right? I am thinking it is almost better to just buy a pre-made fixture but it is late and my math could be wrong. I don't think I can afford the 6 bulb units and I really don;t have anything that needs that much light I do believe.

[aquawolf]

You have all the right components listed for the retrofit, except for perhaps some cooling fans if needed. It all comes down to how handy you are and how much your time and energy is worth.

I have all pre-made fixtures on my tanks.

[mxracer19]

I know you're really looking for T5HO's but I just thought I'd throw this out there...There's a man on eBay selling COMPLETE, assembled $100 250W MH setups, including the ballast, 14k or 20k bulb, reflector, wiring and shipping. I bought one and I've been extremely pleased with the function. All I had to do was build a cheap pendant from some 1X12 and a sheet of luan ply. I went to Lowes and bought a 2-bulb 24" T5 fixture for $19, disassembled it and installed the components in my hood with a pair of $14 Coralife actinics. The entire setup cost me less than $200. PM me if you'd like the link or more information.

[Loverotties]

Did you try TRT price search up in the right side of this site?

[bb0029]

Originally Posted by Loverotties

Did you try TRT price search up in the right side of this site?

Honestly I did not cause I am not sure of all the brands I should be looking for. And BTW does anybody make a dual 150w ballast for MH's? I was looking at Fat Tony's 132 gallon build thread and was thinking I could start off with 2 150w lights and add a 250w later if I get more into it.

But then again I have read a bunch of info that says you will need 250w bulbs for a 90 gallon. Still doing research but not having very good luck.