Really cheap 2x54w t5ho

rotarygeek

rotarygeek

Member
So my LFS just started carrying a t5ho retrofit kit from hagen. Its for 2 54 watt t5's. It only costs 55 dollars. Comes with ballast, endcaps, and all the other stuff. So the only other cost i would need would be 2 bulbs. I can build my own individual reflectors out of sheet aluminum. So what do you think. About $100 for a 2x54w t5ho with individual reflectors set up that can easily fit inside my canopy (really short, like 3 inches, so i don't have enough space for a better light) or should i just try a different route. All im really trying to keep is some zoas in a regular 55 gallon tank.
 
rotarygeek

rotarygeek

Member
Wait... what are you talking about? Buying a whole lighting system with reflectors? Or buying reflectors with the retrofit kit? Cuz i already planned on getting reflectors for them.
 
flricordia

flricordia

Active Member
It would be worth it to buy the parabolic reflectors. I have those ballasts and tryed the same thing with the polished aluminum against the hagen reflectors and you will loose lots of reflected light. Compare the hagen reflector against the polished aluminum DIY and you will see a BIG difference. Thew money you waste in the materials for the DIY reflecters would be better spent on the hagen reflectors.
 
wangotango

wangotango

Active Member
$55 for ballast, reflectors, and endcaps? Wow.
If you look at a micro IV silver coated parabolic reflector like the Aquactinics or Icecap, then at sheet of aluminum there is a big difference.
+2 on the 4-bulb minimum.
-Justin
 
rotarygeek

rotarygeek

Member
No what I meant was I would buy the ballast, endcaps, and wiring and bulbs with one paycheck. Then later on my next check, buy good reflectors. Then with the next paycheck buy another set of ballast, encaps and wiring and bulbs..... and so on till i like the set up.
 
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