I need some input: WAVE POINT T-5 FIXTURE?

That's why I would like to get t-5s, I have a coralife Pc fixture right now, and although I love it, I would love more to be able to keep a better variety of corals. I've also heard that the softies I have now would color up quite a bit more with t5s.
The only reason I'm looking for one thats about $250 or so is because Im getting one for my birthday and I really don't want my Boyfriend to spend too much on me. I feel horrible enough as it is just asking for a light fixture.

 

There is always Aquatraders;D

I bet Im in trouble now!

 

Those prices are suspiciously low....Are the Odyssea brand t5s any good? Im always a little skeptical when things like that are so cheap.
http://shop.aquatraders.com/SearchResults.asp

 

Well Swag...Aquatraders doesnt have the best reputation out there. No doubt these fixtures are cheaply built but I have to admit I have bought 3 of the 48" T5 fixtures over the past 4 years. I put the first one over a 90 gal mixed reef and it worked fine. When I upgraded I gave that one away. Then I started a prop tank so I bought another one...worked fine Stuff grew great with the Oddysea bulbs that came with it. (11Ks) Then I bought one for a tank that I maintain for some one else. No problems there either. I dont even know what they cost now. Used to be under well under $100. They have 2 cords to control the actinics separately. One reflector over all the lamps. Acrylic cover. Light pivots on the legs so it stands up out of the way when you want to work on tank. LOL good features just cheaply made. What can I say:-/

 

He could always cut the wires going from the ballast to the actinic bulbs and add a switch where he cut the wires. Not going to be super pretty but will work.

 

That was what i was thinking.

Without a picture of the reflectors, that sounds like a good deal on at least a decent unit. The worst that can happen would be the ballasts might be poor quality, but you never know. That and 4 t5 bulbs that are high quality will be around 100 dollars.

The individual reflectors on the current nova PRO t5ho light are not much to look at, but boost the light by quite a bit compared to the standard nova (which is not bad at all either).

 

the oddysea stuff is ok, I have a friend that has multiples of their T5 fixtures and they work ok but their nothing spectacular, I have the 48" 8x54W Tek Lite and all I have to say is you get what you pay for

 

The unit has two ballasts. In my post when I said "It has two plugs." I meant two ballasts. It has one plug as everyone already knows. I should really learn to proof-read my posts.

 

No prob I do that every once in a while too. I'm thinking one thing and typing another. Good to know on the plugs.

 

kinda off topic but i want this:

Current USA Nova Extreme Pro T5 Aquarium Lighting Fixture, 6X18 Watt, 20 inch