Is this Light Fixture a good one?

[billy2k1]

I have a 60g tank, no canopy and I wonder if this is a good alternative for reef lighting?
I also have been looking around to see what FC2 means, I guess is the lamp configuration?
Are they expensive? I've seen all kind of prices from too cheap to too expensive, whats the catch?
Any input would be greatly appreciated, thanks...
Dimensions - 35.50” x 15.00” x 3.00”
Dimensions w/brackets - 36.00” x 18.00” x 6.25”
Supports 1x 250W HQI FC2 lamps
Supports 4x 39W T5 HO lamps
Supports 4x dual Bluemoon LED
Individual power cords for each function
External HQI controllers
Internal T5 fluorescent ballasts
Non-corrosive powder coated aluminum housing
Heavy duty cooling fan
Tempered glass splash guard
Mounting legs
Standard T5 sockets
Double Ended FC2 HQI sockets
Highly polished reflector
CE Certified

 

[2quills]

FC2 just sounds like an off name brand to me. That looks like one of those light fixtures that can be found on ----. I don't know how well they work, I think they are made in china. But I can assure you the quality won't compare to some of the well known (more expensive) brands in the hobby. The T5's probably aren't going to put out as much light as some of the nicer fixtures. Ballasts are going to be questionable.
I'm a firm advocate of the idea that you get what you pay for. I've seen those lights online as well. But I figure, for a little extra money I'd rather get something that's been proven to be a good brand instead of finding out later on that I made a mistake purchasing a piece of &(#^...if ya know what I mean?
Just my .02

 

[billy2k1]

So, lets say I have one, if I use it until the ballast and lamps start dying and then replace the original ballast with electronic HO T5 and buy a MH ballast for the type of HQI lamp that it uses then it should keep working fine right? Basically, I should be able to retrofit it when the "cheapooo" parts take a dump right?. In my case, I have T5's with reflectors built in and a couple of electronic ballast capable of running them as spare parts doing nothing in my garage.If I can retrofit it after its life expectancy then I basically have a $650.00 fixture for just a fraction of this price. I'm going to think about it...

 

[2quills]

Yeah, I don't see why not as long as the components fit. I really don't have exp. with those fixtures so I can't say if they are good, bad or ugly. But obviously, yes, it's going to have cheap reflectors so going with the bulbs with the built in ones is deffinately a good choice.
Hey, if you're willing then I say give it go. Let us know how it turns out. And who knows, maybe somebody here has one and will chime in and give their input.

 

[billy2k1]

My mistake.I just went to my garage and the lamps with builtin reflectors are T8 not T5. My T5 are HO wich should be ok I think...

 

[2quills]

Yeah I think all T5's are considered HO...and depending on what type of ballast you use you can overdrive them and make them VHO. If you're doing fish only I think you're good...if you're doing reef, then it's kind of iffy IMO. Just don't know that much about em.