Anyone know of good T5 fixtures?

[pacersfan09]

I am looking for a T5 fixture for a future 15 gallon and after reading and comparing luminous efficacy here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luminous_efficacy#Examples_2
T5's are far superior to power compacts. I also realize many people say T5's need individual reflector's to be efficient as well. I was wondering if anyone has experimented with any T5 fixture that they recommend? I am not planning on keeping sps so low wattage T5 fixture is an option like a 24" 2x24 watt T5 fixture i think might be great. Let me know what you think. :grinyes:

[Grins]

T5s are essentially power compacts stretched out. You're right that luminous efficacy is something to consider. If you are going to invest in T5s I'd get ones with individual reflectors without a doubt or you're not getting the maxium benefit of the lamp.

[Amphiprion]

When it comes to T5s, there are several factors that affect both efficacy and efficiency. The number one thing, as Grins pointed out is individual reflectors for each bulb. Second is temperature. Unlike other lamps, T5s have an optimal operating temperature, therefore, fan cooling is necessary for optimal output (up to a 20% difference!). Lastly is the lamp choice itself. Some lamps are terrible in terms of output. IMHO, all of these factors should be considered to get the best out of your T5s. As far as fixtures go, I recommend Tek (with extra cooling), Aquactinics (expensive), and ATI Powermodul (very expensive). The Aquactinics is going to be the brightest fixture (at least the SolarFlare is), due to it overdriving the bulbs. You can achieve the same effect with a retrofit kit. Now, bulb choice--for intensity, I recommend ATI brand bulbs, GE daylight 6500K, and UVL. Ones to consider sparingly for color would be KZ (Korallen Zucht), and Giesemann Lichtechnik.
Hope this helps a bit.

[pacersfan09]

I was also wondering about LEDs i do not kno much about them.