Good Deal on Lighting

http://www.htgsupply.com/Product-HTG-Supply-4-Foot-2-Lamp-High-Output-T5-Fixture.asp
Hey guys check out this link!
This is a 4’ T5 HO Light fixture rated for 108 Watts (2x54W bulbs) includes ballast, timer, and two grow bulbs all for around $65. You guys should check this deal out.

All the marine lighting vendors will charge you out the hoo haa!

 

65 plus you have to replace the bulbs. figure ati bulbs are about 30 a peice? so your at 125.
my vote would be get a actual fixture made for aquarium lighting.
Plus it looks like a shop light!

 

+1

You can get a 4' aquarium fixture with reef bulbs for $120 here:

Nova Extreme X2 T5HO Fixtures | Fixtures | PetSolutions

 

Mighht be good for the larger refugiums though....

 

its a grow light, reflectors are not designed for aquariums, not parabolic. also i dont suggest using a fixture like that over water, when it is not designed to be water protected.

 

We really need to be concious that many aquarium fixtures are designed with salt water environment in mind. These fixtures for hydroponics and industrial uses most likely use components that will rust over time. Always keep in mind that electricity and salt water are not good together. You just could be hanging a ticking timebomb (fire hazzard) over your prized tank!

 

I can understand the issues behind salt water mixed with high voltage. But I don’t understand why the manufacturers of a hydroponic grow light would make it less efficient then a marine light that uses practically identical components. It kind-of peeves me. Oh well. Thanks for the replies yall! 8)

 

no, the two like different types. the grow lights prefer a wide spectrum and aquarium ones used a focused downwards so the light does not escape to the side. You can use them, just light will be wasted and they are dangerous thats all.

 

Whether they use cheap steel or aluminum and stainless steel, it still performs the same.

Corrosion is not an issue for them so why would they choose to use higher cost raw materials.

 

Thanks Everyone! Very informative!