Qould some1 recomend a good T5 fixture for under $200?

[isaac]

im in australia been looking at some T5 fixtures for a 4Ft tank but the 1 ive seen is a 4ft fitting but with 4 3ft tubes and no individual reflectors for $180 au

any1 know a fixture that is around $200 or under, please dont flame me, im because im can get a good halide hood for $300

[Poseidon]

This is a good fixture:



It is close to your budget, @ one of our sponsors it is $239.99 (4 54W bulbs). For clams and SPS you will want a 6 bulb fixture at least though, it is $308.99. You will need to add bulbs though.

I remember when I was trying to do this hobby on the cheap too, and it CAN be done, but things are so much easier now that I have taken my time, and bought the right equipment. No flame is intended here, I just want you to succeed, and it is easier to do that with the righ tools.

[isaac]

Thanx, thats a nice lighting hood. wow i realy cant afford it tho 300 plus bulbs and that US so yeah damn. ill have to up my working hours.
is it ok if i cycle without lights?
because i dont want to have a crappy looking aquarium just because of crap lights. this is something i know i shouldnt skimp on. if im going to get that i may as well get this sun sun lighting hood with actinics, moonlings and Halides here on another forum there was a 9 page topic about this seller and his lights a few people bought them and were verry happy with it. they said it wasnt verry well built but the lights where good quality and over all it was good value for money

[Poseidon]

Yes, you can cycle without lights. You won't have any problems with Algae, that's for sure.

The light you linked to looks pretty decent, but are the "globes" light bulbs? If they don't charge for them, and don't warranty them, then you may need to replace them soon, and bulbs can be upwards of $80ea...

[isaac]

nah the globes come free with the unit and there pretty good for the money, but i cant even afford that unit...
ill wait a months or two before i get them....
but still $400 for it... im going to be pretty reluctant when buying it , because i have a few other things id like to spend $400 on aswell, like a double kick pedal for my drum kit

this is what happens when i find cheap lighting and i get all optimistic about it

[reeflite]

It's so good fixture,but I more like HQI fixture.

[isaac]

im getting a DIY settup for $200 ballasts and caps to run 6 T5 HO 54w

[tray262]

The reflector are the most important part of t5's so make sure you are getting good ones.

[cvrle1]

Check these guys out:

retrofit T5 systems Product List Page

You would need 2 48 inch units (LT-CV-T5RK2-4)

I have 2 of these and love them. They have individual parabolic reflectors that are important for T5's and come with light bulbs. These bulbs should last you long enough to set everything up and have few easier to keep corals. This way you can save up and buy better bulbs when the time comes.

They have the TEK retro systems as well (few bucks more), however these don't come with the bulbs.

2 of the first set would cost just a bit over $200.

Good luck!