Cheapest aquarium T5 lights ever?

[@mauricemckinley]

I have been using those cheap durolux fixtures in my indoor garden for 2 years and in spite of the low cost they are very reliable. they do use instant start ballast so they draw a little less power than fixtures using program start ballast and bulb life is a little shorter (20,000 hours vs 24000 hours on a 12 hour cycle) but they do work great and are very economical.the aquarium crowd was the first to use LEDs for growing plants and I find it interesting that they are returning to T5s to get better plant growth and heather looking plants

[@kevinjunkin6875]

approaching the 8 month mark from when this was uploaded... I think an update video on these lights would get a lot of attention and maybe going into depth about par, penetration, and how much area these could cover on a frag system would be great to see, thx

[@dunmadun351]

These are Hydroponic fixtures are they? I bought one of these about five years ago when I was in to hydroponics. Now I use it to provide full spectrum light for my pet parrots and its still working great after 5 years.

[@tidalgardens]

Yes, they are just regular old plant grow lights. Glad to hear yours is still working.

[@danielp6629]

The big difference is the forced cooling of the bulbs in the proper spot and the reflectors . They will work no problem as long as they don't catch fire but just plan on swapping the bulbs a lot sooner once they shift spectrum. With T5 that's the killer. I'd say to basically plan spending double the price on bulbs ( so 4x bulbs @ $20) annually that adds up, plus most reef guys above 75g will be using two of those fixtures so $160 a year vs $80. All JME but I've been running T5's since like '03 lol and started with a similar set up, Powermodule and sunpower now though.

[@tidalgardens]

We will see. I have some greenhouse T5 fixtures that I left the bulbs in for 2 years and counting. They are a pain to switch the bulbs in so I just left them.

[@naufalhanifr5567]

I know it was long time ago, but what's the difference between the first fixture and the second fixture? And which one is better?

[@jamesmorrison1166]

Used the first unit on my tank for a year, worked well, great price too, had a second plug installed to control the two stitches on a timer as well.

[@tidalgardens]

The first unit looks surprisingly clean and polished. I have no idea how they are selling these things for the price they are. I can't even ship something like this for a reasonable price.

[@mw1nachos]

I know it beens 4 years but what did you do to make the switches have a timer? What product did you use?

[@TheBebow53]

Thanks for the video! That Makes me a lot more confident in my choice, I'm upgrading from a 6' 125 to a 6' 180. Im Keeping my 3 Kissel 360s but adding in 60" T5s. Some think I'm crazy for doing that but I miss my T5s!

[@MODIT]

+1 would love to see and hear a follow up on the change over. If possible can you share the height and par readings of these fixtures also what you were running the LED in comparison. Thanks again for you wonderful hard work and willing to help everyone else that has been a little lost with led's.

[@DeeFromBrooklyn]

i have 2 similar t5 fixtures that i used to run over my 125gal reef but the ballasts used to go bad after a few months. they grew chiral faster than the leds I use now but the operating cost and ballast cost was high. . I may try using this fixture over my frag system as an experiment. great video Than

[@tidalgardens]

I just checked and these supposedly have a 2-year warranty. If something goes wrong, let's see how well they respond.

[@DeeFromBrooklyn]

Be great to compare the same type of frag under both types of light in the same time frame

[@tidalgardens]

Affiliate link to 4-bulb fixture - amzn.to/2go1lSS

[@tonyy33055]

wow just to know that between $75-100 you can cover a 4ft tank with lights is a great feeling. also would you be able to give the link on amazon for the lights. and also do an update video later down the line. thanks.

[@Derddy]

Yes, need links

[@Silva3sp]

Derddy Dert www.amazon.com/dp/B019J3UPSU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_s8oqybYCEFQ4W

[@Derddy]

Yeah I eventually decided to get those exact ones a while ago. Awesome ratings and reviews with plug n play ballasts

[@summertime2433]

I went back to T5 as well. I hate leds! Now I want to get rid of my Hydra 52 HDs

[@SethEssington]

I have a 24" T5 HO fixture over my 5 gallon tank. I am using a Fluval actinic bulb and a Coralife actinic bulb. Both bulbs visually look different with the Fluval bulbs looking blue and the Coralife bulb looking purple. I also have 3 watts total of 450nm blue LED's for visual purposes. Should I get a Coral Plus or just leave my setup alone? I have two spare bulbs at 10,000K (Coralife) and 18,000K (Fluval) but they are too white for my liking. I've seen successful tanks in person with lights this blue but I am scared that I'm going to kill my coral by not offering them the green, yellow, and red spectrum. When I look at the spectrograph of the Coral plus and Fluval 18,000K, the Fluval has much more red and yellow than the Coral Plus. The yellow on the Fluval bulbs is nearly as strong as the blue.

[@ConnoisseurOfChrist]

I didn't see one, but would love to hear an update! Let me know if I just missed the update video. Thanks!

[@BriansAquariums]

Are they still working? I picked up the more square one when I saw this video. My fixture is still going strong.

[@ROTTERtube]

great video thanks! do you happen to know if running them raises the electric bill much? i would think it would. looking to get more powerful lighting....LEDs aren't cutting it. Do you have the link for the amazon lights?

[@ScottM]

I have 2 Chinese black box LEDs right now but I am touring with the idea of adding 2 t5s to supplement my lighting but I am just nervous about post consumption.

[@tidalgardens]

2 t5's probably won't impact your power bill much.

[@ScottM]

I went to a club meeting and now I am thinking to go all T5. Probably choosing 1 of these units. My question is since my tank is 4ft is the 4ft fixture what I need. I am a total nube with fluorescents.

[@jamesholt5564]

Look up an Atlas high bay fixture, that's what I was using over my frag tank, 6 bulb setup ,decent reflectors $100

[@dosmaiz7361]

any update on these lights?

[@ScottM]

Than if I did go all t5 how many bulbs would I need over my 90 gallon mixed reef?

[@michaelrelaz4808]

Scott021467 you probably could get away with a four bulb fixture with the bulbs combination Than is using. But I'd get at least a 6 bulb fixture; plus you'd have more color combinations with the six bulb fixture.

[@ScottM]

Thanks Michael I appreciate the help. I will be looking for some fixtures to use and put your advice to use. I subbed you and if you like check my channel for updates if when I get the new light.

[@michaelrelaz4808]

Scott021467 thanks for the subscribe! Haha Cool! I'll scribe to you too and wait to see the video. Very curious to know how well it will do for you.

[@cichlid43]

One of the bulbs on my Sun Blaze T5 fixture is only like 20% power after 5 month of use, i changed the bulb and that wasn't the issue.

[@concrete981]

i like timers ,i don't want to get up morning and evening turning them off. is there something timer friendly thats cheap.

[@kpbsas91776]

Very cool! Too bad there isn't a way to make them dimmable Like my ATI. Unless I'm wrong on that?

[@MikeLemming]

What's up Than? I may be ordering these. Do you feel that since you can only turn the entire light on and off as one, that it messes with your coral growth?

[@nolareefer2031]

what's the cooling like ? are there any fans on the more finished fixture? I think that's the value of the ATI fixtures. I've never had one but I've been looking into them.

[@tidalgardens]

There are no fans on either unit and the bulbs are completely exposed. It can get hot in the greenhouse so if heat is a problem, it will surely be tested here.

[@torisewooldridge9725]

Mr. Thein, I wondered if there was a process you performed to acclimate the coral to the t5 lighting over LED?

[@tidalgardens]

absolutely nothing

[@Lucyjanos]

I know it was long time ago, but i need some link too that cheap fixture? Is it possible😉

[@tidalgardens]

It's in the description, but here you go: amzn.to/2sUKoAk

[@Lucyjanos]

@@tidalgardens thank you😁💪

[@liftedlifestyle6190]

Do you think a 2ft t5 ho would be enough light for a 40 gallon breeder sps up top lps middle softies around the bottom

[@oropherelf8544]

Please do a follow up review after using them for some time. Cheers

[@tidalgardens]

I think I will in the relatively near future.

[@tippin.turtle]

Than.....love the videos! Was curious how high your going to hang these new fixtures. Ironic as I just purchased two of these myself for some new frag tanks. I refuse to pay the super inflated price for ATI fixtures. Going to run the bulbs that came with the fixtures and swap them out at a later date.

[@tidalgardens]

One of my friends has a large facility and is going with several large ATI units. I'm curious to see how long those last in comparison with these fixtures. It's entirely possible that these are just junk compared to the German brand.

[@Derddy]

Which one do you like the best and link to purchase would be nice.

[@donlewis1275]

Bulb life won't be long without fans. Hopefully the ballast don't over heat and catch fire.

[@tidalgardens]

We will see. I have some greenhouse T5 fixtures that I left the bulbs in for 2 years and counting. They are a pain to switch the bulbs in so I just left them.

[@VonDOCH13]

did you switch the bulbs on the heavier one? would you use the same bulb on both?

[@joshuaatkinson4028]

So when you turn your lights on do you turn them all on at once, or do you turn half of them on and then the rest a bit later

[@tidalgardens]

I turn them all on and off at the same time.

[@Ryan-mp5eu]

Hello, I was wondering if you guys ever used the leds with T5 supplements before and if it's worth doing. Thanks!

[@michaelrelaz4808]

Ryan Cho I have and within a week I noticed my corals looked healthier.

[@octopbullies9756]

hi for the 4ft fixture what will be the bulb sz? are they compatible to ATI bulbs?

[@davidrael6419]

is there a reason y u chose ati bulbs? have u ever thought about using the kz bulbs? would be cool if someone could do a comparison video on these two bulbs. and y one is more exspensive

[@tidalgardens]

The reason I haven't is because of price on one hand, but more than price it is because the supplier I buy stuff from carries ATI and not KZ.

[@honeycombz4814]

How are they doing now after a year? Considering getting some

[@Arie_Idaho_Reef]

What's a good setup for the 76 oceanic half round like you have for t5 lighting? (Idk if u have the 76 or 144) I have the 76

[@Arie_Idaho_Reef]

Mixed reef mainly Lps and slowly transitioning into sps

[@Tbobization]

It has been more than a year. Any update on this light?

[@tidalgardens]

Still going strong. A coupe fixtures came in with a bad connection on a single bulb. I could have returned them and got a replacement but I didn't bother. Long story short, a couple of my 6 bulb fixtures are 5 bulb fixtures. They have worked great otherwise.

[@williamwulffleff6829]

So what's your opinion on these tho fixtures. It's been 9 months now.

[@chipturd55]

muffemod they r t5ho I got one. 54w each

[@Meldium]

if I'm not mistaken Thein, do I see 2 switches on each unit but just one cord each? wouldn't that defeat the purpose of 2 switch on a timer? so on a timer all 4 bulbs turn on together?

[@tidalgardens]

Right. If you want to put the two on separate timers it won't work. It's fine here where I turn everything on and off manually.

[@bigrazzer]

can you put up link to the lights on amazon were got from

[@Derddy]

please

[@Silva3sp]

bigrazzer www.amazon.com/dp/B019J3UPSU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_s8oqybYCEFQ4W

[@huntersmall6162]

So how are the lights doing now

[@alexaguilar230]

hey! how are these lights going after 2 months?

[@Eunos_FD3S]

These jumped up in price so much

[@hectornunez3299]

how are they working so far

[@danielp6629]

Not trying to be negative or a douche if you took it that way.. Again just my experience and opinion so Who really cares =).. Old T5 Bulbs in a greenhouse scenario may not matter much but sole source is another story and it's pretty well documented over the years pertaining to Reef specific light/bulb studies.. Grimm reefer, Sanjay etc..

[@DrinkhtooO]

Great Video Than! Thinking of adding T5's to supplement my AI's Hydras. I thinking 2 bulb units and will defiantly be going with a HO grow light.

[@tidalgardens]

I'm sure it will make a big difference. I am loving how the corals are coloring up and growing.

[@林穎佑-x2k]

Program Start Type Ballast?

[@liftedlifestyle6190]

Hey how did these lights end up working out

[@tidalgardens]

Still going strong. A coupe fixtures came in with a bad connection on a single bulb. I could have returned them and got a replacement but I didn't bother. Long story short, a couple of my 6 bulb fixtures are 5 bulb fixtures. They have worked great otherwise.

[@CloudDayLight]

I really like my or it Marine it's 100$ and makes most corals look good

[@Jolopy8000]

Only going with a 4 bulb setup overs these tanks?

[@tidalgardens]

Yes, they make an 8-bulb setup for only $150 shipped, but we are close to maxing out our circuits right now. Our electrical situation in the greenhouse is one of the reasons we used LED for so long.

[@Jolopy8000]

Interesting, most of my LFS just switched to LEDS from T5HO but I'm with you, I switched back to T5HO (ATI of course) from leds. I would love to see some before and after shots if you ever make a video about it :D After putting T5 on my tank corals grew like crazy so goodluck!

[@shanetweedie1902]

I actually found the 8 bulb for 30$ more www.amazon.com/T5-Grow-Light-Fluorescent-Hydroponic/dp/B00INGMTPW I love your videos and happy reefing!

[@patrickthomas8091]

what's the name of the White fixture the first one?

[@tidalgardens]

Hydro-something. I think there are a bunch of fixtures from China that are the same thing that have different brand names. It's marketed as a plant grow light online.

[@GamesMusicStudio]

Hey Thein! I am confused, did you have to buy new ballasts ?

[@tidalgardens]

No, I didn't buy new ballasts. These light fixtures are complete units. Fixture, bulbs, and ballasts.

[@GamesMusicStudio]

Wow, I need to do my research.. I thought most fixtures you buy the ballasts aren't strong enough. Hopefully you keep us updated! is there any way you could give me a brand that I could look up?

[@tidalgardens]

hydro planet

[@GamesMusicStudio]

Thanks!

[@scaqua8723]

Ever tried the newer Odyssea t5 fixtures?

[@tidalgardens]

Not their t5 only fixture. I have a t5 and MH fixture of theirs over my clam tank. It's pretty good despite mixed reviews online.

[@ibinyth5866]

What size coverage is the 4 bulb good for? anyone know

[@irishlad7458]

do high frequency ati tubes work in these ☺️

[@tidalgardens]

I am not sure what high frequency ATI bulbs are, but we use exclusively ATI bulbs in these fixtures.

[@PS4GENIUSgaming]

could you give a link to the lights?

[@andrewhales9771]

I don't see them on amazon

[@PS4GENIUSgaming]

Hm, weird

[@Silva3sp]

PS4 Genius www.amazon.com/dp/B019J3UPSU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_s8oqybYCEFQ4W

[@PS4GENIUSgaming]

Thanks

[@MikeLemming]

They both seem like really good deals! Would you mind doing a review on these lights in a few weeks? I've been thinking on going T5 but I'm just not sure. Thank you sir!

[@tidalgardens]

Assuming I keep up with the vlogging I am sure to revisit how these lights are doing :)

[@MikeLemming]

Thanks again!

[@sirblacklord]

LED Lights are way better, their much brighter they are realy good for the growth of your plants and they use alot less engergy then the orginal light do

[@MikeLemming]

Yes, I use LED's now.. Just the Chinese 165 watt LED's. They aren't bad but, I want to upgrade but everything is so expensive! Any suggestions on a good LED that won't break the bank?

[@sirblacklord]

Mike Lemming yea sure , i use the "superfish superbright led retrofit"| these led are reasonable cheap with a extra timer it also will have sun rise and sunset i payed 70 euro in total for 1 light with the timer and that 1 light is way birghter then the 2 standard TL t8 light that were in my aqaurium als the the led light i have is only 15 watt total max ( i thought 12watts without the timer) my plants also are growing realy fas tbecause of the light

[@patrickthomas8091]

found them what a deal

[@tidalgardens]

They might suck, but I'm giving it a try!

[@StanTheObserver-lo8rx]

Just when LED lights are the way to go...

[@juarezgames3052]

thank you

[@GruberGSA]

The difference is material, finish, extras and of course marketing. If you can afford salt water you can afford 200$ extra too. Nothing new.

[@royalreef7710]

Please make an update video

[@stevedang8554]

t 5 bulbs are so expensive replacement every six months no way not that again lol

[@proripp]

Great lights congratulations on finding such a bargain and then boasting to us about it ! You must be boasting else if you were actually helping or advising you might have given a link ?

[@Derddy]

Please give a link or name of product

[@Silva3sp]

proripp www.amazon.com/dp/B019J3UPSU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_s8oqybYCEFQ4W

[@patterdalezipsuzilil]

Ho is hi output so ho is ho on any fitting ATI your paying for the name unles you get the dimming ATI

[@williamcowley2153]

Hi than how many watts are they

[@tidalgardens]

a little over 200W. 54W x 4.

[@williamcowley2153]

+Tidal Gardens Inc. nice they should do well for the price

[@Reject06]

links?

[@AlxJrz401]

You just made MACNA worthless! hahaha This is mad Science I love it!

[@tidalgardens]

Well, all the new lighting fixtures being touted are LED these days. At a show like that there is very little T5 or MH being exhibited.

[@mnelson10000]

I wonder how PAR compares to the ATI lights

[@tidalgardens]

I wonder if it is much different too. I am less concerned about PAR as I am components just failing outright like a ballast or something catching on fire. I'm satisfied with the spectrum of t5 bulbs even if it is dimmer.

[@joeroush9710]

update?

[@dannyprestwood9085]

This person on amazon is set to make a lot of money. I like brand and all but low cost has more of my dollars than high cost.

[@tidalgardens]

Normally I would agree, but in this case I am replacing a mix of 20 "highest" price LED fixtures that were a bit of a disappointment.

[@merrittmcdowell8675]

I've looked at those they have ZERO Control ability

[@Kenneth91619]

They are plug and play you dont need to control them. Just add a digital or analog timer with or without app. Select your bulbs done corals grow.

[@t.regnerus301]

ATI has better reflectors.

[@garethh7897]

are they $400 better reflectors or just slightly better made?

[@patrickthomas8091]

Hydro planet

[@PianoUniverse]

I posted this video on my Facebook page facebook.com/AquaFilterSocks?pnref=story to share. Hope you don't mind....

[@truecrimecritique7782]

NOT SO CHEAP. WAY MORE THAN I PAID FOR THESE.

[@lawiez]

Liked, but voice not as sexy as the other guy lol

[@SuperGrowPlants]

his voice has some fudge pack in it.

[@rscherli]

any update on the lights?

[@tidalgardens]

Still going strong.