T5 fixtures

I am pretty new to the hobby and looking for some advice. I am setting up a reef in a 90 (48 inch) and want to use a 8 bulb T5 fixture, preferably one with led moonlights and a timer if possible. I'm hoping to only buy the fixture once so I don't mind spending a little more for a quality light. Which Brand? Which light?

 

well current usa and tek are the only ones of hand i know have 8 bulbs

 

I'd say Nova Extreme Pro's or these http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/Metal...lb-48"-Tek-Light-T5-Fixture/product_info.html

this isn't bad either
http://www.aquacave.com/t5-ocean-light-48-8-lampsbr-by-aquamedic-979.html

 

I recommend the Nova Extreme Pro.

Neither the Tek or Nova pro include moonlights. I wouldn't let that stop you though. Just buy some timers from Target or Home Depot for $3.

 

I've seen this fixture before and it's really nice. It is running Icecap ballast so the bulbs are being over driven. Also includes moonlights. They are a sponsor so I'm sure she would help in a quality light for the money. Check out DIYReef.com Reef Aquarium Lighting and Supplies

https://diyreef.authsecure.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=55_90&products_id=600

 

Thanks

 

remember, the moon lights are for us humans, not for the critters

 

well i disagree to some extent. the different phases of the moon set off some coral and fish spawning events. but unless your replicating the phases cuttingras is right there just for you. so enjoy

 

I would ask you what corals do you want to keep? Some fixtures are better than others, and some 6 bulb fixtures put out more light than some 8 bulb fixtures. So do you want enough light to keep sps on the bottom of your 90, or do you want to keep some softies and lps in the tank as well?

As for the moon lights timers, do not make these deal breakers, very few fixtures have timers, and as said above, timers are cheap. Moonlights can also be added in and are not needed by the tank.

Best fixtures are the Powermodules, after that you move down the line to the Tek fixtures, then down the list a little more you get the Nova E.P, and Hellolights fixtures, then you move down the poor ones like the older Nova, etc with a single flat reflector.

Kim


Kim

 

No offense Current USA lovers out there but there fixtures are pretty "entry" level. Even the PRO with its "SLRs" are a poor choice for someone that says they are looking to buy a "quality" fixture. For all of you that tout the powers of the SLRs on the Pro....have you seen what REAL SLRs look like? The Pros don't even cover the WHOLE bulb.... On any quality SLR the reflector will cover the whole bulb not run halfway through the bulb.
Im not trying to bash Current or the people that have these fixtures but they are entry level at that....
No one mentioned any of the Aquactinics models... I would rank them over Tek...
The Solar Flare is a 6 bulb fixture that has IceCap ballast(overdriven to roughly 80watts)
it HAS moonlights, fans and a great warranty.
The Constellation has 7 bulbs which is in my eyes more than enough light to light a 18" wide tank!!
There more higher end lights out there they just aren't that popluar-mostly do to price..Sfiligoi makes some great lights that they will customize for you. Giesemann also has a new fixture on the market as well.

Rick, do you REALLY think you need 8 bulbs?

Happy lighting!