Build Your Aquarium T5 light

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Boltster

Boltster

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Dec 4, 2007
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Does anyone have any experience with or know someone that has a T5 HO fixture from a California company called Build Your Aquarium. The lights are on ebay and look very nice. A 6 light T5 HO fixture with individual reflectors, Advance ballast, 3 cords and moonlights is 250.00.
I know Advance makes good ballasts because I've been in the electrical industry for 20 years and have used them frequently.
It looks well made. The only thing I don't know is the brand of bulbs.
Any feedback?????
 
Amphiprion

Amphiprion

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Feb 14, 2007
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Advance ballasts aren't bad at all. As long as the reflectors seem to be of reasonable quality and are truly single-lamp reflectors, I'd go for it.
 
archer772

archer772

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Apr 20, 2006
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It seems to look good other than fans as AMP stated and I would bet that they have low end bulbs that you might want to replace but wont know that until you get it
 
archer772

archer772

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I agree it is an easy fix but just wanted to let him know and it may cost another $130 to swap out all the bulbs but then again if its a young tank with a minimal amount of corals and lower light corals for now then the bulbs could be swapped out over time.
 
Boltster

Boltster

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That's what I thought about the bulbs as well. It's difficult to gauge the quality through a picture but the size of the six light is perfect. Since I already do electrical work, the cooling fan won't be an issue.
I just can't build the entire fixture myself because the parts are more expensive individually.
Thanks for the responses!!!!!!!
 
Riiz

Riiz

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Apr 16, 2008
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Usually you can get away without cooling T5, if the fixture is suspended and not enclosed in a canopy.


What brand is that fixture btw?
 
Amphiprion

Amphiprion

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Feb 14, 2007
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Actually, active cooling will increase light output by about 15-20% on average. The difference is significant in terms of light output, since T5s have a lower optimal running temp, unlike most other fluorescent tubes
 
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