Vallisneria Posted December 29, 2009 Report Share Posted December 29, 2009 I was wondering what the T-5 lights from hydroponic shops look like. Are they actual complete lighting fixtures that you just sit on the tank, or are they just the bulb/ballast setups and you have to build light boxes for them? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dipset Posted December 29, 2009 Report Share Posted December 29, 2009 They come in both forms. Most are just cheaper versions of sw lighting. they sell regular and high output so be careful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vallisneria Posted December 29, 2009 Author Report Share Posted December 29, 2009 I"m just wondering because my friends bought their first aquarium yesterday but I talked them out of buying the expensive PC lighting fixtures the Big als guy was trying to sell them(300+$) and told them they can get cheaper lights at the hydroponics store. But I've never actually bought or seen the lights at the hydroponics store. So I wanted to know if they are fully functioning, nice(enough) looking fixtures that sit on the glass hood or if they will have to build light boxes or a hood for them. They aren't looking for anything too high tech. They just want something to be able to have 2 watt/gal over their new 38g(36")tank. Basically they want a planted tank like mine but cheap, lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baos Posted December 30, 2009 Report Share Posted December 30, 2009 I've been a long time user of the hydroponics light.. so.. just my 2 cents. one light is about $50. 4 lights which I run is about $200. For your $300 light you probably get a reflector, fans, a nice mount, as well as sealed from water. I might also add that if you don't seal your t5's they could die (2 of mine just went). I also had an issue laying mine right on top of my glass(the glass cracked). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vallisneria Posted January 6, 2010 Author Report Share Posted January 6, 2010 I've been a long time user of the hydroponics light.. so.. just my 2 cents. one light is about $50. 4 lights which I run is about $200. For your $300 light you probably get a reflector, fans, a nice mount, as well as sealed from water. I might also add that if you don't seal your t5's they could die (2 of mine just went). I also had an issue laying mine right on top of my glass(the glass cracked). So how much would 2 double bulb 36" T5s approximately cost? What do you mean seal your T5s? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baos Posted January 6, 2010 Report Share Posted January 6, 2010 don't recall the cost of the 36". You'll have to phone all seasons garden center and ask. Mine are the sunblasters(they have a second type). To seal them you simply take out the tombstones(end of the light where the bulb plugs into) and then silicone it to the solid metal piece. That way no condensation can get inside. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vallisneria Posted January 6, 2010 Author Report Share Posted January 6, 2010 Thanks, I'll have to take a trip some time next week and check it out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vallisneria Posted January 6, 2010 Author Report Share Posted January 6, 2010 Just thought i'd post this as everyone always talks about All seasons Garden center but I found a hydroponic store a bit more on my side of town and it has a pretty good website. T&T Hdroponics 14925 112 Ave NW http://tthydroponic.com/ Might go check it out later this week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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