t5 lighting brands

**KatzeSlaugen** · 10-22-2010, 02:13 AM

so im going to be selling one of my empty tanks, lights and some other goodies on craigslist and im hoping to pull in between 200 - 300$. if i get 300 great if i only get 200 no big deal 100$ for two 48in t5 dual lamp lights isnt bad =)

my question is on brands. i currently have a nova unit that i really like but on my big tank im looking into something a little nicer looking, but that works just as well.

the two brands im looking between are coralife and aquaticlife. two coralifes would be roughly 300 and two aquaticlifes would be roughly 30$ cheaper so thats not too big a deciding factor for me. anyone have any experience with either of these brands? theyre pretty similar looking but im leaning towards coralife for pure aesthetics.

any pros, cons, or comments are definately appreciated.

links:
coralife http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.co...9&pcatid=21969
aquaticlife http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...LTFIT54U&tab=4

**Cliff** · 10-22-2010, 02:19 AM

I have the coralife fixture in the below line. I like them a lot due to the low profile. A all around pretty good light

http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/revi...uct=165&cat=22

**WhiteDevil** · 10-22-2010, 02:22 AM

Katze, have you ever looked into hydroponic suppliers? you can get some wicked lighting for cheap.

I have only a coralife and a sun system tek light so I cant say on those you are looking at but try a hydro place before you settle and see what you can get bigger/better for the same price.
http://biggrowhydro.com/fluorescent-...n-blazer-t5-44

I like the coralife's housing design, its not boxy more streamlined and looks better IMO, Ive had it 10 months and am on the same bulbs.

**KatzeSlaugen** · 10-22-2010, 02:51 AM

thank you for the quick responses i will definitely look into the hydro lighting and see if theres any i like. im looking to stay right around 200 watts total and was thinking that if i got two units i could put one towards the front and back of the tank so that there was light throughout. would having a 4 bulb system in the center make the same effect?

edit: do most of the hydro systems use hangable fixtures only or are there legs available? looking at the prices im very impressed, thank you for the heads up

**KatzeSlaugen** · 10-22-2010, 03:34 AM

sorry for the double post, wouldnt let me edit. i was leaning towards the sun blaze i decided that hanging wouldnt be a big deal but im considering making a homemade stand for them. my question new question is does it make a big deal that sun balze uses a single reflector for all the tubes? ive been doing some research on different types and it seems the general consensus is that separate reflectors provide more light (and lumen's).

running 216 watts on a 75 gal im not too sure that the extra 14% light with individual reflectors is a big deal to me but comments definitely appreciated.

**dbosman** · 11-13-2010, 12:16 AM

Originally Posted by KatzeSlaugen

... sun balze uses a single reflector for all the tubes? ive been doing some research on different types and it seems the general consensus is that separate reflectors provide more light (and lumen's).
running 216 watts on a 75 gal im not too sure that the extra 14% light with individual reflectors is a big deal to me but comments definitely appreciated.

If you are running T5s with top of the line individual specular aluminum reflectors the increase is more like 200% to 300%. A simple V shape of specular aluminum is far more than +14% reflective. Tek and IceCap reflectors are incredible.

**admael** · 11-25-2010, 05:34 PM

I use zoomed myself, aesthetically pleasing as well.

http://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-AquaSu...0709921&sr=8-5

**KatzeSlaugen** · 11-26-2010, 01:44 AM

thanks for the responses everyone ive decided on which one i am getting.
http://www.catalinaaquarium.com/prod...oducts_id=1630
this guy will suite my needs and the price is too good to pass up