T5 lighting

[charlie]

For the folks that want to do T5 fluorescent  for their planted tanks or maybe just better lights for their tanks, here is a alternate route, these lights  come with a 6500 K T5 bulb with the fixture & pre wired with a switch ready to go all you need to do is add a reflector for better penetration of light . I know some members already use them & maybe can comment on it, i saw them @ B&B hydroponics & they are fairly priced, the 54 watt ( approx 4 footer is about 35.00 complete without reflector) There are 36 & 24 inch model available but slightly more expensive.They also have 48 inch reflectors but no 36 or 24.
http://www.extremegrowing.com/lighting/t5.shtml
Regards

[Mettle]

Fantastic post. Lovin' it. I'm actually thinking about T5s if I do a salt water nano. A friend of mine does only T5s and metal halide and I figure this is pretty customizable in that respect.

As for the reflectors - I'm sure there are places you can buy them. Or for the 24" models couldn't you just cut a 48" on in half?

Cheers.

[fischkopp]

Yeah - I got 2x 48" T5HO + reflector from B&B for $120 just two weeks ago. Its quite an alternative especially if you consider that the bulbs are already included. The only disadvantage is that the endcaps are not waterproof - but thats not really a problem if you hang them or put them behind glass. Its a pity that the reflectors come in 48" only, but its no problem to cut them to size.

I am quite happy with it and think of getting a few more, although I have seen lately similar products in the aquatic world as retrofit set (i think Icecap or so) for the same price. But these sets wont include the bulbs.