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Originally Posted by mikeup6  Is this light any good, and will it be sufficient for a reef? It seems like a really good price. Any suggestions on other lights in this price range? thanks |
Mikeup6, from what I've read, individual reflectors are mandatory on T5s. Although I don't fully understand why, a T5 bulb with individual reflectors outputs 300% more light than one without. If you do enough reading, you'll happen upon this 300% number too.
I have the Aquactinics TX5 fixture. It has 5 bulbs with individual relectors. They're full T5 bulbs, not the slimpaqs. I don't really know anything about the slimmer ones. I'm very happy with my fixture.
I'd go with the advice of others and scrape up more cash for the better fixture. You'll find in this hobby if you cut corners, you just pay for it later. For example if you buy the light you speak of, and then see one with the same number of bulbs but with individual reflectors, you will not rest until you buy the better one. Then you have 2 fixtures, and you could have had just one--the BETTER one!
Buy the best, and you'll never be disappointed. Words to live by.
