[map95003]

I came across this light fixture, it's pretty cheap compared to other T5 fixtures out there.
It's a 6x45W T5 with individual reflectors, work horse ballast (Buy-it-now for $225, bulbs included). From experience I know most times you get what you pay for, just hoping this is an exception. Any of you guys have any experience with this fixture? Thanks

48" SOLAR T5 AQUARIUM LIGHT HOOD & FREE LEGS 6 x 54W - (eBay item 230196169690 end time Dec-02-07 14:51:13 PST)

[glampka]

Does not look bad for the money. Individual reflectors +
USA made +
Good price +
I'd probably buy it.

[wesley6610]

Looks nice, but I would check the person's feedback before buying and also determine what the actual watts/gallon that will be for your tank and corals you plan to keep under it, seems like a lot of light if it will be over a 75 or 90 gallon.

[gimmito]

I had a thread on the same fixture a few months back...check it out. I'm still deciding between the solar and the aquatinics. I hear really good things regarding the aquatinics which is high output, versus the solar which is not.

[NATIVEVAMAN]

Both the aquactinics and solar fixtures are t5 ho.But thats where the comparison ends.You wont find better than the aquactinics anywhere unless they start making it vho.

[NATIVEVAMAN]

Oh, the aquactinics solar flare can be t5 vho because it comes without ballasts.So for another 300$'s it can be vho.

[map95003]

Thanks to all for your input.

Native, you compared the SOLAR fixture to the Aquactinics fixture. From the research I did they could both use the same bulbs so I'm guessing the big difference is the ballast. I'm not sure what kind of ballast the aquactinics have but the SOLAR fixture comes with a work-horse 5 balast w/ a 5-year warranty. I could be wrong but to me so far the only major difference between these 2 fixtures is the price. I don't mind investing in the aquactinics but please let me know if you don't think the SOLAR will do the same (or very similar) job? I prefer to not spend an extra $200 if I don't have to.

Wesley, I'll be using this fixture for my 75G display tank.

Thanks.

[NATIVEVAMAN]

The difference between a very good fixture and a poor one is details.Doing things like not using aluminum screws on a steel housing.Not using heat resistant wire nuts.The fulham workhorse was the industry standard until electronic balasts came along.Yes they use the same bulb and the same wattage and will do the same job.

[map95003]

Good points Native. Hopefully this is not bad news but I ordered the 48" SOLAR 6X54W fixture earlier today, got it for $215 + $45 shipping, this unit is listed for $375 on their website Catalina Aquarium. The manufacturer said they use all aluminum and stainless steel screews, they also use heat resisting wiring and wire nuts. I don't really care about the look of the unit because it wouldn't be seen, as long as it does the job without over heating the tank, I'll also be running a few ball-bearing fans in the fixture. The bigger concern is safety, if you guys think there is a fire hazard with this type of unit/ballast combination, I prefer to cancel my order and order the Aquactinics fixture.

Thanks.

[map95003]

I forgot to mention, I also confirmed with them that it's a workhorse electronic ballast....I even asked the "stupid" question of "why is your unit so much cheaper than others on the market?" The response I got is that they're American, and they manufacture for retail to their customers so there is no 2nd, 3rd or 4th man that need to make a few $$. I should get it within the next few days, I'll let you guys know how it goes....if it's a decent unit I don't see why we should be paying $450-$650 for other brans to do the same job....hopefully I didn't make a big mistake by getting this one.

Thanks for all your help.

[david6789]

Originally Posted by map95003

I came across this light fixture, it's pretty cheap compared to other T5 fixtures out there.
It's a 6x45W T5 with individual reflectors, work horse ballast (Buy-it-now for $225, bulbs included). From experience I know most times you get what you pay for, just hoping this is an exception. Any of you guys have any experience with this fixture? Thanks

48" SOLAR T5 AQUARIUM LIGHT HOOD & FREE LEGS 6 x 54W - (eBay item 230196169690 end time Dec-02-07 14:51:13 PST)

I just bought (3 days ago) on ebay the 6 x 65w one. I am waiting on its arrival. I will let you guys know how it is as well.

Keep your fingers crossed for me!

[wesley6610]

Originally Posted by map95003

I forgot to mention, I also confirmed with them that it's a workhorse electronic ballast....I even asked the "stupid" question of "why is your unit so much cheaper than others on the market?" The response I got is that they're American, and they manufacture for retail to their customers so there is no 2nd, 3rd or 4th man that need to make a few $$. I should get it within the next few days, I'll let you guys know how it goes....if it's a decent unit I don't see why we should be paying $450-$650 for other brans to do the same job....hopefully I didn't make a big mistake by getting this one.

Thanks for all your help.

That is not a stupid question at all, it is very good in fact. I hope that they do in stand behind their work, but I will give you a little history on this company. They use to sale on ebay for a long time, but after getting a lot of negative feedback and complaints about their workmanship, they were kicked off after not resolving issues with paying customers per ebay's policies. While that may not affect your overall satisfaction with the light you purchased, just beware that some have had issues with their products and sometimes you get what you pay for...

[map95003]

Thanks for the info Wes, hopefully I don't run into any trouble with the unit. I talked to one of the guys from the company on the phone, he seemed OK but then again I was buying a unit, not contacting them because of a problem...it's funny how people could change depending on the reason for the call.

The unit looks much better than I expected. I wouldn't be ready to use it for a few months but the sale price was not bad so I got it.

David6789, did you hook up yours yet, what do you think of it?

[plecosword]

Tell us how this unit works out, I like the price.

[wesley6610]

Originally Posted by map95003

Thanks for the info Wes, hopefully I don't run into any trouble with the unit. I talked to one of the guys from the company on the phone, he seemed OK but then again I was buying a unit, not contacting them because of a problem...it's funny how people could change depending on the reason for the call.

The unit looks much better than I expected. I wouldn't be ready to use it for a few months but the sale price was not bad so I got it.

David6789, did you hook up yours yet, what do you think of it?

Okay, well just keep us posted once you plug it up over your tank.

[david6789]

Originally Posted by map95003

David6789, did you hook up yours yet, what do you think of it?

Haven't got it yet. I bought it 10 days ago but with the holidays I whould get in maybe this weekend. Will let you know

[david6789]

Got my new light in. Here are some pics.







So far so good.

[plecosword]

looks alright! Is that your 75g acrylic?

[david6789]

Yah, the legs dont fit so well but I rigged it.

[map95003]

Looks good. I'm a long way from actually using mine, but I can't wait. I picked it up because the price was right. It's listed for ~$350 on their website but I got it for $215+$45 s&h. I don't think I'll find a better deal for a new 48" 6x54 T5 w/ individual reflectors.

[wesley6610]

Originally Posted by david6789

Yah, the legs dont fit so well but I rigged it.

David, looks very bright and the legs do look like they fit, but you made it work! Let us know how your corals respond after a few days to coming weeks.

[joelq]

Looks good! With those legs, how high are the lights from the top of the water? And given they're only T5s, do they have to be that high?

[Adam J]

I'm interested in how the light is working out.Nativevaman has made a beliver out of me.I'm T5 all the way now.I've basicly decided on the 36'' Nova Extreme Pro(6 Xs 39w) over a 30g aga,But for the price I like to here how your Solar T5s are doing.

[map95003]

David6789, it's been a few weeks since you've been running the light, could you give us an update? How do you feel about it, how are your corals responding to it? I'm not using mine yet but with the mounting legs I received with mine the fixture would be sitting ~4 inches off the top of the tank.

[Adam J]

I agree with Mr. Map.Update?