Time to ditch the CF's and move to T-5?

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finz

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Hey all.

I've been using a 48" Coralife 65w x 4 compact florescent bulb hood for a while now, and even if it were easy to buy replacement bulbs (which I hear it aint), i'm so darned tired of the bulbs burning out, and the crappy ventilation system. Went so far as to add a 2nd fan but still, the bulbs die too quick, especially on the right side.

So I suppose it's time to upgrade!
Will appreciate options please.

Yes, my tank is planted, and I have a CO2 system in place (thx Rex Griggs for the regulator!).

Thank you kindly for reading :)
 

dougall

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Mar 29, 2005
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I'll second skipping to LEDs, unless you find a great deal on a used T5HO fixture,

Aquatraders have some decent deals on replacement bulbs, I've used them for a while and not had a problem, works out around $10 each for 4+
 

finz

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Last edited:

dougall

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Mar 29, 2005
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For out of the box LEDs, I'd likely suggest a pair of 48" Finnex Ray2 Daylights or a pair of Taotronic type 120W fixtures (Check the spectrum though)


Build My LED are highly rated also.


as for DIY, I've no idea.
 

finz

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TL1000RSquid

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I just received some feedback regarding the unit above (http://www.amazon.com/Current-USA-Satellite-Freshwater-Aquarium/dp/B00C7OTF9E/) and said feedback says that the unit isn't adequate for plants requiring a lot of lighting. Is that common for LED setups?

Cheap LED's yes, many of the cheap LED fixtures use low wattage (like 0.2 watt) LED's, higher end fixtures will use 3 watt LED's. Previous poster mentioned the finnex ray2 which is one of the few exceptions it uses low watt led's but has a ton of them to make up the difference.

http://reefbreeders.com/led_fixtures.html 2 value 16's or photon 32" would work on a 48" tank and be more then enough power, the value 16 is pretty similar to the taotronic fixtures on ebay except these have 2 year warranty in the U.S. $10 over the list price to have them customize the led's for lower K rating. I plan to put one over my planted tank soon already have one on one of my reefs.
 

finz

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Thanks all.

Sorry that I missed the FINNEX reference... I'm somewhat out of the loop here and compelled to admit, a little lost on direction as well.
I assume however the reference it to this:
http://www.amazon.com/Finnex-Ray2-Aquarium-Daylight-48-Inch/dp/B008K3DO9I

With specs:

  • Finnex High Output Unibody Ultra Slim LED, High PAR
  • Daylight: 7000k Dual LED Strips
  • 39 Watts: 384 HO LEDs
  • Models are either equipped with a Dual 7,000k LED combo, 10,000k + Actinic combo or Dual 450~465nm High Intensive LED strips.

I know I want to stay away from Actinic, but the dual 7000k or the Dual 450~465 option, I'd want to go with?




 

dougall

...
Mar 29, 2005
3,480
900
120
Models are either equipped with a Dual 7,000k LED combo, 10,000k + Actinic combo or Dual 450~465nm High Intensive LED strips.

I know I want to stay away from Actinic, but the dual 7000k or the Dual 450~465 option, I'd want to go with?

Dual 7000k,


450~465 IS actinic.
 
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