switching to t5 lighting

[rrcoolj]

So I want to get t5 lighting for my 55 gallon mbuna tank sine my current bulbs are crap and I think they will make my fish look better. But all the fixtures I see for sale at pet stores and online are waaaay pricey! They charge like 100$ minimum for a 48" fixture. Now I know there has to be a cheaper way. Does home depot sell fixtures or anything like that? There has to be a cheaper way of getting this type of lighting.

Any comments?

 

[12 Volt Man]

http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsU...7/cl0/coralifefwt5aqualightdoublestriplight48

 

[Mazcote Yarquest]

Finding a T5 connector is the cheap part, the bulbs and ballasts are what will cost you.

You can make a light fixture for far less than retail using parts readily available at home depot or your local hardware store.

Keep in mind, fire is a serious hazard, don't do anything unless you are 100% sure it is safe. If your not sure, the price may be worth it!

 

[FishNCash]

Get the retrofit kit made by current usa. This is what I used for my tank. 10,000k 14w on T5 bulb is definitely brighter than standard bulb. Get the 10,000K and you'll be very happy.

http://www.petmountain.com/product/...a-t5-retrofit-460nm-actinic-lighting-kit.html

 

[rrcoolj]

Thanks for the link 12 volt man.

As for making my own balast, I mean if there is a page with instructions I would definatly try but i have never done this kind of thing before.

 

[rrcoolj]

Get the retrofit kit made by current usa. This is what I used for my tank. 10,000k 14w on T5 bulb is definitely brighter than standard bulb. Get the 10,000K and you'll be very happy.

http://www.petmountain.com/product/...a-t5-retrofit-460nm-actinic-lighting-kit.html

Thanks for the link. Was it fairly easy to put together?

 

[FishNCash]

Thanks for the link. Was it fairly easy to put together?

Installation is very easy and safe. All you got to do is mount two screws onto your canopy and slide the light housing in to secure it. The light even comes with a plastic cover to protect it from water. Are you using a wooden canopy or acrylic light box?

 

[rrcoolj]

Installation is very easy and safe. All you got to do is mount two screws onto your canopy and slide the light housing in to secure it. The light even comes with a plastic cover to protect it from water. Are you using a wooden canopy or acrylic light box?

Im just using regular flourescents right now... No canopy or light box...

 

[yeroc1982]

Go to a horticulture store. I picked up 2 strips of t5 fixtures for under 50$ for a 36inch and the other is smaller.

 

[mdb_talon]

Get the retrofit kit made by current usa. This is what I used for my tank. 10,000k 14w on T5 bulb is definitely brighter than standard bulb. Get the 10,000K and you'll be very happy.

http://www.petmountain.com/product/...a-t5-retrofit-460nm-actinic-lighting-kit.html

Just remember if you were comparing these to the fixtures you were seeing for over $100 it is probably not comparing apples to apples. Most T5 fixtures sold for aquarium use are T5HO and are just under twice the watts of standard output T5 like the ones linked here. Not saying standard output is not enough, but me personally would go with a T8 fixture rather than the standard output T5.