first SW build thread

[Khemul]

Yah, it was more to show the difference in price, I don't think I found a single 36" t5ho for under $300. Why would the output of the bulbs differ fixture to fixture?

http://fishneedit.com/3ft4bulbs-with-l34.html ?


Output of the bulbs differs from fixture to fixture based on ballasts. A good ballasts delivers the full potential to the bulbs and the maximum output. Bad ballasts deliver less then the full potential to the bulbs and less output.

It can also depend on the quality of the bulbs. Usually stock bulbs are all bad to varying degrees. But Aquatraders/Odyssea tends to have a triple whammy. Bad ballasts, improperly wired moonlights (which is generally why their moonlight LED's blow within months, if not days) and horrible bulbs. Fishneedit tends to be okay on ballasts and a little below average on the bulbs (really, none of the fixtures come with great bulbs).

 

[TL1000RSquid]

Are the FNI reflectors just as crappy as the oddysea's?

 

[Khemul]

Are the FNI reflectors just as crappy as the oddysea's?

Haven't used them personally, but from I understand they are better then Odyssea, but not quite as good as the more expensive brands.

 

[greech]

They are not great but they are at least bent around the bulb as opposed to a flat piece of alluminum. +1 to Kemul but the reflectors play a huge role in how much light makes it into the tank as well. If you want corals and think you will take it seriously, just use any old light to keep a FOWLR for now while you save up for a good T5 or look for a good deal on a quality used fixture.

Can you swing this price wise?

http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5...igh-Output_Fixture_(Black)_by_Sunlight_Supply

^Note that the price is without bulbs but you can buy those one at a time. Next to ATI, these are some of the best T5's out there IMO. Very bright fixtures and will allow you to keep anything you want (you may even need to shade some corals). Google around and check them out.

 

[axelrod12]

Are there any decent fixtures that can sit on top of the tank and not hang for a reasonable price? I could probably go up to about $250 on a fixture without bulbs.

Sent from my SCH-I510 using MonsterAquariaNetwork App

 

[TL1000RSquid]

The Tek's have legs available to mount on the tank rim.

 

[greech]

Would still get the TEK but this is a decent fixture with some nice bells and whistles. Built in timers and I believe moonlights as well. You can still do a lot of corals with this. Low light SPS (montipora, millepora, etc) and even some acros placed up top should be ok with a 4-bulb. Probably would avoid clams and certain nems. Would also upgrade the bulbs sooner rather than later but those can be bought 1 at a time.

http://www.aquariumspecialty.com/li...ife-4-lamp-t5-ho-light-fixture-with-lunar-led

 

[axelrod12]

Sorry to revive an old thread but, I put this project on hold due to time and money restrictions and I'm hoping to restart it soon. I was looking over light fixtures and I like the idea of the halide/t5 combination fixtures. I was looking for one online and besides this Odyssea fixture I can't seem to find any decently priced fixtures. My question is if I got the Odyssea fixture and replaced all the bulbs and possibly the ballast down the line somewhere would it be able to support soft corals and LPS?