Current Nova Extreme High Output T5 Fixture

ok that's a nice fixture at a good price.

 

I just wanted to let you know that I have the current HO t5 fixture, the 216w version and I love it. It doesn't have individual reflectors, but I got an extemely good deal, and it has enough output for virturally anything with placement taken into consideration

 

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. ;D