Lighting Question

[distraktion101]

I was wondering what are the side effects if any or just anything negative about getting a fixture such as this one http://www.prolighting.com/4lat5flhibay.html to keep soft corals

 

[kenske]

I am currently shopping for a t5 fixture for my frag tank also. I do not see any fans for cooling for the above mentioned light fixture. I don't think the bulbs that come with the fixture is good enough for a reef aquarium. I guess for the price , you can install a fan above your tank to cool the fixture. I read that heat will hinder the performance of t5s, so you need to keep it cool.

 

[masterswimmer]

I read that heat will hinder the performance of t5s, so you need to keep it cool.

DING DING DING..........and we have a winner!!!!

Heat is the nemesis of T5's, or any electronic equipment. Heat not being dissipated on T5's will change their output significantly.

swimmer

 

[qckwzrd]

I'm pretty sure you could drill the top and mount atleast 4 fans to take care of the heat problem. Tek and Aquatinics fixtures go for alot more then that fixture...it can't be because they have fans? Or can it? And the bulbs will have to be replaced but that still wouldn't make up for the huge price difference.

 

[masterswimmer]

I'm pretty sure you could drill the top and mount atleast 4 fans to take care of the heat problem. Tek and Aquatinics fixtures go for alot more then that fixture...it can't be because they have fans? Or can it? And the bulbs will have to be replaced but that still wouldn't make up for the huge price difference.

The quality and characteristics of the reflectors is probably the most important factor in determining the efficiency of the fixture. I'm quite sure the fixture linked above does not compare to the TEK, IC or Aquactinics reflectors.