thoughts on this T5 fixture

[BGJ223]

Well I was browsing the net an came across this T5 fixture
http://www.prolighting.com/4t5hoflhibay.html

It is a 4 light T5 HO fixture with individual reflectors on it. Not sure on the length, but I am guessing it is 4 feet. Which for me is perfect.

Seems like it would work on a reef tank about the same as a Tek fixture, but at half the price. You would have to replace the bulbs though.

So what do you folks think of this?

[Wiskey]

It does not look like it has the individual reflectors, it looks like one large flat one. Plus think this way, this fixture ($155) plus new bulbs for AQ use ($120) = 275, no sheald, no waterproof endcaps and no individual reflectors.

New reefgeek 4*54W TEK retro, water proof endcaps, knowen quality, individual reflectors (this is key folks) $307 shipped to your door.

I know what direction I went

Sorry,
Whiskey

[BGJ223]

Originally Posted by Wiskey

It does not look like it has the individual reflectors, it looks like one large flat one. Plus think this way, this fixture ($155) plus new bulbs for AQ use ($120) = 275, no sheald, no waterproof endcaps and no individual reflectors.

New reefgeek 4*54W TEK retro, water proof endcaps, knowen quality, individual reflectors (this is key folks) $307 shipped to your door.

I know what direction I went

Sorry,
Whiskey

Well I called the company and it comes with individual parabolic reflectors. Depending on how high you mount the fixture, do you really need the waterproof end caps? Granted it does not come with the bulbs, but 4 bulbs at $20 or less you are still saving.

[BGJ223]

Whiskey
There is no need to be sorry, I posted the thread because I wanted to know what you guys thought.

[afbengochea]

what type of ballast is being used? I wouldnt want to use a crappy ballast that doesnt last. just my 2 cents

[BGJ223]

Seeing that it is a commercial ballast, I doubt that longevity would be an issue. They are designed to be mounted an left alone for years, and under some of the most demanding conditions (I.E. 24 hours a day in the heat)

[afbengochea]

cool, also remember that not all reflectors are created equal. I remember seeing a comparison a while ago and some might have similar output while others arent as efficient

[90_berlin_joe]

Josh,

Just going through the research on the T5-HO recently(running a TEK 8x54), I can assure you that you will not only be disappointed in the Hibay model it will cost you more in the long run. Points listed below

High reflectance aluminum reflector - 90% (this should be 95% like the TEK model).

HiBay fluorescent lighting fixtures are usually found in stores and warehouses, schools or any other industrial buildings with high ceilings(Reason is that they are not water resistant or protected from corrison).

IMHO this unit is not worth the time or money. I suggest the TEK T5-HO unit over all T5's on the market. I have to mention the one draw back of the TEK is that they do not have Lunars installed.

[BGJ223]

Originally Posted by 90_berlin_joe

Josh,

Just going through the research on the T5-HO recently(running a TEK 8x54), I can assure you that you will not only be disappointed in the Hibay model it will cost you more in the long run. Points listed below

High reflectance aluminum reflector - 90% (this should be 95% like the TEK model).

HiBay fluorescent lighting fixtures are usually found in stores and warehouses, schools or any other industrial buildings with high ceilings(Reason is that they are not water resistant or protected from corrison).

IMHO this unit is not worth the time or money. I suggest the TEK T5-HO unit over all T5's on the market. I have to mention the one draw back of the TEK is that they do not have Lunars installed.

I did not take corrison in to consideration here. That would be a huge drawback. The 90% reflectivity does not seem like it is that much of an issue though. I am currently scouring the internet to see if anyone else has tried one of these fixtures on their tank.