opinions on this T5 light

[zippgirl]

I am going to replace my pc with T5's and through some research found these online. I was thinking about getting a 24" nove sundial and someone on a another board recommended someone else look at these. They are made by sunlight supply who makes Tek. They use the old Tek reflectors with 9 bends instead of the new ones with 29. They are originally made for hydroponics, but can be used on saltwater with ATI or UVL bulbs. I found a site where I can get them for 99.00 plus shipping. Just looking for opinions
Sunlight Supply New Wave 24 T5 Fluorescent Grow Light ( 2ft - 4 lamp)
Lamps have very low heat factor which allows the fixture to be hung very close to plant canopy, thus raising light levels.
• The Tek Light™’s exclusive 9-bend reflector is made of Ger man 95% reflective aluminum. Light output is 300% higher in our reflector vs. a lamp with no reflector.
• Replacement lamps are extremely cost effective.
• Fixtures are low profile, sleek and light to hang.
• Solid state electronic ballasts (no copper windings) do not emit heat, noise or vibration.
• Unique design places ballasts outside lamps (instead of above lamps as in competitive fixtures) for longer fixture life.
• Backlit on/off switch.
• Comes standard with chrome “V” hangers & 4 eye bolts.

 

[ibew41]

are they made for wet locations? will the salt eat at the fixture

 

[zippgirl]

I don't think they are made for wet applications, but I keep a glass canopy on my tanks and all cracks are closed off due to jumping fish. The only surface exposure is where my locklines come in about 3" and they cover some of that. My sump is the only thing open.So as far as moisture I think it would be fine, plus I run a small walmart fan to keep the heat from my pc, but they also will push any moisture out. But please feel free to correct me though is I am wrong.

 

[ibew41]

a glass top will effect ph and other parameters like gas exchange,but if its not rated for salt water then it will rust

 

[wangotango]

Originally Posted by IBEW41
http:///forum/post/2611104
a glass top will effect ph and other parameters like gas exchange,but if its not rated for salt water then it will rust

If you want to buy Sunlight Supply, then buy a TEK. You want gas exchange so lose the tight-fitting glass lids, and replace them with a sheet of eggcrate. The fixture you're looking at won't stand up to the abuse of saltwater.
-Justin

 

[zippgirl]

But the thing is I actually found a saltwater place online selling these in there saltwater lighting location. I have always used glass canopy and never had ph problems or gas exchange problems. Not saying you are wrong, I just have never had a problem with those issues. Right now going without a glass top is not something I am going to do since I have had no problems. But I do respect you opinions. But do you think about the site that sells them for saltwater lighting? I don't think I can post the link here can I?

 

[ibew41]

look all around and ck alot of sites. you will people will try and sell you anything so do alot of searching

 

[zippgirl]

I agree with that. Thank you

 

[zippgirl]

I decided to go to the manufacturer website, sunlight and they have it listed under the aquarium lights, so I would think it would be ok. What is your opinion as far as the manufacturer site listing it for aquariums.

 

[ibew41]

at there web site under tec info all it list for is plants,but you are right it is under aquariums

 

[zippgirl]

Hi IBEW41, I decided to call them and ask if it would be ok on a salt tank, they said it would, that it was made for aquariums also. But I don't know if it is a good light are not. I can buy my own name brand bulbs, but I don't know if the reflectors would be worse than those on the sundial. Sundial is one long reflector bent around the bulbs, which I believe this one is two. There is someone on this board (I think grim reefer, not sure though) who actually did a par comparison on the nove fixture and the tek, which has the new reflectors, and I believe he said that the nova did about as good as the tek, except their blue bulb was very low on par, but 10k was good. I am thinking that this one should possibly be just as good as the nova. could be wrong though. So I was looking for opinions, good or bad. I respect everyones opinion.

 

[ibew41]

if they said it will work then I would get it or the tec they are a very good company

 

[zippgirl]

If I do try it, do you think anybody on this site would be interested in the results? If it works it is a lot cheaper than most the other T5 setups. I might see if I can find a par meter some where to borrow. I believe I probably will try it, if I don't like it I could send it back or you can just about sell anything on ----. So people will buy anything on that site.(oh is that bad to say)

 

[zippgirl]

oops looks like I wasn't suppose to say e---. Anyway I have taken enough of your time. Thank you so much for your opinion and input.