help with buying new lighting

coastie81

coastie81

Member
Please tell me if you think this is a good deal.
Hamilton Lighting

[hr]
$259.00
48" 4-54 Watt HO T5 Retrofit Kit
Fully wired and fully assembled. 48" Retrofit 4-T5 54W HO kit. Includes two 54 watt Actinic T5 HO bulbs, two 10,000K Ice White 54 watt T5 HO bulbs, polish aluminum mirror finish reflector, moisture proof T5 sockets and remote assembled electronic ballast with 10 ft lamp cord and 5 ft grounded power cord. Independent controls - one cord for two lamps and one cord for the other two lamps to simulate a natural dawn to dusk effect. L48" x W9" x H3".
Attachment 201335
 
flricordia

flricordia

Active Member
I would pass if it is one reflector. If there are 4 individual reflectors might be a better deal. You will not get the maximum output from those bulbs without individual reflectors. Been there, done that. For a retro with one reflector that is not a good price at all IMO.
 
gatorwpb

gatorwpb

Active Member
Tek makes a 4x54w T-5 retro kit with individual reflectors that I saw online for $299. it would be worth the additional $40 to get significantly better performance from your t-5s.
It also looks like you might be able to save even more $$$ by buying two Tek 2x54w retro kits I saw for $114 each
 
coastie81

coastie81

Member
Originally Posted by GatorWPB
http:///forum/post/2658305
Tek makes a 4x54w T-5 retro kit with individual reflectors that I saw online for $299. it would be worth the additional $40 to get significantly better performance from your t-5s.
It also looks like you might be able to save even more $$$ by buying two Tek 2x54w retro kits I saw for $114 each
Hey, thanks for the input. I wish you could list what website, but guess you can't. thanks for helping out though.
 
gatorwpb

gatorwpb

Active Member
all found from google. most online retailers you can call and ask them questions to figure out what would work for your system.
 
xdfireguy

xdfireguy

Member
I would lean twards the individual reflectors. Much of the potential light produced by a bulb would be wasted in a multi-bulb, single reflector setup.
And I would also agree with GatorWPB in reccomending that you shoot some emails and make some phone calls to the vendors before buying. Most are more than willing to help lead you in the right direction (as opposed to just the more expensive direction), those who are not do not deserve your business. Further, it will give you an indication of what their customer service would be like in the event that you need it down the line.
I have made the mistake too many times of just purchasing an item online based on price alone and ended up paying for the mistake over...and over...and over...
 
coastie81

coastie81

Member
Originally Posted by xdfireguy
http:///forum/post/2660545
I would lean twards the individual reflectors. Much of the potential light produced by a bulb would be wasted in a multi-bulb, single reflector setup.
And I would also agree with GatorWPB in reccomending that you shoot some emails and make some phone calls to the vendors before buying. Most are more than willing to help lead you in the right direction (as opposed to just the more expensive direction), those who are not do not deserve your business. Further, it will give you an indication of what their customer service would be like in the event that you need it down the line.
I have made the mistake too many times of just purchasing an item online based on price alone and ended up paying for the mistake over...and over...and over...
Thanks for the input........anyone else???
 
spinnerbayt

spinnerbayt

New Member
Find a kit that uses 1 reflector for each bulb and not 1 reflector for all bulbs. Your corals will thank you for it.
 
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