Another..Anyone know about these lights?

Here is another post regarding questionable lights. I found both of these on ebay and was curious if anyone has any experience with them or knowledge about them.

Here are the links:

48" T5 HO Aquarium Compact Lighting 216W Reef Lunar - eBay (item 380094494862 end time Jan-13-09 19:35:13 PST)

and next:

4Ft/4Bulbs with LED

TIA

 

not so sure about the ebay one it states the size T5 and T6 so not sure what they are, the second one looks good at a good price, but i will let some of the more experanced reefers answer you....

 

If you are going to have a fish only tank, they are OK. The ballasts are probably questionable and connections second rate, but you do get what you pay for in lighting. What you are looking at is knows as Compact Fluorescent (CF) or Power Compact (PC).

With PCs, you can have only the simple corals: Softies, Zoas, Mushrooms and a some LPS. You will not be able to keep SPS, clams or anemones under PCs.

If you are interested in keeping all sorts of corals and whatnot, you need to use one of two lighting types IMO. T5s or Metal Halides. There are upsides and downsides to both. Basically, the T5s are good to a depth of 21 inches and don't have a lot of heat output. Metal Halide has quite a bit of heat output and will go deeper than T5s. Depending on the tank, T5s are as good as any MH array (I will probably get flogged for making that statement.....but what the heck). There are two definite camps on lighting.....you will have to make up your own mind. I am a T5 dude.

So, if you are going to keep corals, you need to chose your type of lighting, and then a suitable manufacturer. Lighting is like skimming. You don't skimp. Period. Spend the money.

For T5s I like the TEK and Current's Nova Extreme and Nova Extreme Pro. The Pro and TEK have individual reflectors which really increase the total light output per watt. Of the two, if I were to choose, I would go TEK. They do not have moonlights, but I believe the quality is greater. Moonlights, if you desire them, can be purchased separately. I, personally, would not make them a tie breaker....just a nice added extra.

Sunlight Supply Tek Light High Output Fluorescent Lighting Fixture

Current USA Nova Extreme Pro T5HO Light Fixtures

For MH, the top of the line (at least the one I know of), is Maristar. Expensive, but a good quality product.

HQI T5 Aquarium Lighting Systems, Maristar HQI/T5 Aquatic Lighting Technology, Maristar HQI Metal Halide T5 Lights, HQI T5 Maristar Aquarium Lights

Now, watts per gallon. Not sure what to say about MH, because, hey!!!! I don't know. Gotta be honest. But with T5s, you can get away with about 4 watts per gallon nicely. I have a 90g that, one day, I am going to outfit with an 8x54W TEK T5 array that will give me just under 5W/gal. UVL bulbs are a must IMO and will increase your chance of success.

Yes, not only does it matter which manufacturer you get your fixture from, but where you get your bulbs also.

There are a few sponsors that I know of here on 3reef that will help you out and give you a good price on lighting. Reefgeek.com is one. Contacting Tangster (who is a little busy with a new baby right now) or That Guy will work too. They work for the same company (Aquatic Art Technologies).

So that is all I can think of right now. Hey....look....I rambled again. Happens every time......Peace.

 

I agree with pharmrjohn about going with T5's and I agree with it makes a difference what bulbs you use.

That first one it is not Power Compact, the 1st light is a T5 light. I will admit the wording is confusing. It says "T5 High Output Aquarium Compact Light 216 watts". What they are talking about is the fact that the fixtures is Compact, its smaller in width than allot of others, only about 6 or 7 inches. The light is an odyssea light and for the money they are ok lights.

If you are like me and cannot afford the "best" like the sunlight supply fixtures at 450 + 160 for bulbs those lights will do fine. I have 2 of those lights on my 75 right now and everything appears to be very happy. I will however suggest that you replace the bulbs after about 9 months.

I have seen the second ones from Fish need it but never owned one. They appear to be ok but the fixtures seem a little small and the reflectors are single flat reflector where as the Odyssea has a contured one very simular to the Current light listed above.

 

I definetely agree with you pharmfjohn. The problem lies with cost. Compared to what I have now, 2-18" 50/50 standard florescents, a flashlight would be better light. Anyone have experience with the light from Fish Need It?

Gazog, I appreciate your thoughts. I too am crunched for cash and want something other than what I have. I haven't dove into any corals yet as I am waiting for an economical lighting answer.

 

Oops, thanks gazog.....didn't read close enough. I must admit, I just saw the word 'compact' and got scared. Didn't read the rest at all. Too cheap though. I cannot believe it would be a good set.

 

Like I said for the price they arent to bad, the bulbs wear out faster than, lets say ATI's but all in all they work pretty well. If I could afford Tek's or something like that I would buy them but since I cant I guess these will have to do for now.