[innovativecreations]

OK, I don't think I'm quite clear on exactly what "Retrofits" are. I have found a website with several options for lighting, at reasonable prices. Here's a few links...
marineandreef.com/ Current USA Nova Extreme X2 T5 Saltwater Aquarium Lighting
marineandreef.com/ Current USA Nova T5 HO Extreme X4 Reef Aquarium Hoods
marineandreef.com/ Current USA Nova T5 Retrofit
marineandreef.com/ Current USA Nova Extreme T5 Retrofit

The above lamps are all "T5". I found a cheaper lighting fixture labeled as "T6" at the aquatraders website. Here's a link...
48" 216W (4-54 watt) Quad T6 Fluorescent Light Fixture (W/B) - 506041

So... the question is... is it worth the extra $ to get the "T5 Marine & Reef" fixture vs. the "T6 Aquatraders" fixture? Is there a difference, or is the aquatraders website mislabeling the fixture? I see that the Marine & Reef fixtures are more $, but they can be linked together up to 10 bulbs.

I am also confused as to the wattages. With the Marine & Reef fixtures, some are 28 watts/bulb for $23.50, some are 54 watts/bulb for $157.
The Aquatraders fixture is 54 watts/bulb and you get 4 bulbs for the $99. That seems like the best deal, but is it REALLY worth it???

Of course I'm trying to keep the cost down, but I'd love some clarification and opinions.

[innovativecreations]

I just found this site that offers a range of parts and some more clarification of bulbs and ballasts.
Naturallighting.com - Natural Full Spectrum Lighting[title]
It appears that T6 is "The Next Generation" of T5 lamps... somehow better and improved. I guess the aquatraders fixture is a REAL good deal... What do you think?

[lilchris]

I got some light from Aqua Traders. Are the lights you are talking about Odessea? They are not the best brand out there. I mean I haven't had any major problems w/ them. They are just a cheaper brand light. Goes back to you get what you pay for. With my lights (Metal Halides) they sent to different spectrum bulbs, the first fixture I got went out on me within 2 weeks. They replaced the fixture it just took forever to do. If you are looking for some T5 lights, try a site called Hellolights or DIYreef. Not trying to deter you from Aquatraders though. Just sharing the experience that had w/them. I still have the lights and they are running after about a year. So, for the price I guess they are good. I am getting another set of lights.

[NATIVEVAMAN]

I have been looking at some of my favorite on line "shopping" sites this morning for t 6 bulbs and fixtures and only found one site that has a t 6 fixture and it has a hoticultural application. T 6 also has several application as under counter lighting.
T 5 is successful because of the thin bulb and reflector system called 9 bend (per bulb).
The T 6 fixture at aqua traders seems to have a flat or slightly curved reflector and the bulbs by definition are fatter that T 5 and there still only 54 watts for a 48 inch fixture.
A round bulb radiates lite 360 degrees and the T 5 fixture with the 9 bend feflector is able to take lite from the back of the bulb and reflect it downward into the tank.
The next generation T 5 ho is the T 5 vho producing 85 watts from a 48 inch fixture instead of 54.
Dont get me wrong I am not trying to sell T 5 fixtures. I know what I am going to do for my lites. But my guess is that the T 6 fixture for 99$'s is a rip. On the up side you can get the bulbs at lowes lol. I also think T 6 might be a good way to go for a heavily planted fresh water tank.

[pogodzib]

T6's may be something common in the future, but the T5 bulbs seem to be better for aquarium use (with a good reflector) you can get more bulbs over and light directed to the tank. There are very few T6 bulbs that are the correct color rendition that would be suitable to put over your tank. Regarding 28w vs 54w bulbs, the normal output (NO) T5 bulbs are 28w for a 48" bulb, whereas the high output (HO) bulbs are 54w for 48". You want to make sure that you get the HO fixture/bulbs and get good, individual reflectors. Everyone that I know that use T5s say that good, individual reflectors are the key to T5s and are a must have.

I'm no T5 expert, but I believe that the Icecap and Tek fixtures are still supposed to be the best, followed by the Aquatinics so you might want to check out those units.

[NATIVEVAMAN]

DIYReef
Here is a good site for diy lites and they have both ice cap and tek retro systems.

[innovativecreations]

I've read through some of the lighting sites, and I don't understand why they're calling T6 "New and inproved". I have a 48" tank that I need to light, and from what I can see, T5 fixtures are too overpriced. I can build a T5 fixture with 6 bulbs for $140. They're selling them for $300 and up!?!? I don't understand that.

I found the T6 fixture at "AQUATRADERS.com" and they're an aquarium supply company. Why would they sell T6 fixtures if they're no good for aquarium use!?!?!? I have emailed the company, I hope to hear back soon. I guess I should price out and order a 6 bulb T5 setup, with reflectors, huh? Thanks for the help guys!