Daisy82 Posted May 2, 2011 Share Posted May 2, 2011 Our lights are on their way out and I need to replace them as soon as possible - the corals are not happy! We currently have a 36" 4 bulb T5 Tek Light fixture that has been attached to the canopy. Just fish and soft corals (mushrooms, frogspawn, hammerhead, zoas, GBTA, etc) So some questions: * should we get another fixture, or is a retrofit kit the way to go? * is a splashguard a good idea? (always had salt buildup and water droplets on the underside of our current fixture, and the plastic parts where the bulbs go in are all cracked - kinda wondered if a splashguard would have prevented this) * some retrofit kits say they have waterproof endcaps (and some don't specify) - is this a must? * Would it be a good idea to get something with more bulbs (6 or 8) this go round? * Are there certain brands or sites that are better than others? Have looked on Ebay and Amazon and there are looots of options.... Thanks in advance for your suggestions! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek Posted May 2, 2011 Share Posted May 2, 2011 Current USA makes some LEDs that are pretty awesome. I have 5 strips on my tank and they are amazing. Ask Mark Callahan, Mr Saltwater Tank, about them. He's the one that hooked me up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robb in Austin Posted May 2, 2011 Share Posted May 2, 2011 The TEK fixture is not bad, but a splashguard is beneficial to them as I understand although it takes some of the oomph out of them. Another thing I've read is that a fan blowing down the lamps will help with the output of them(which is why other companies use them). I guess the first question is, do you want to keep using T5? If so... If you want to replace it a DIY retrofit would probably be the cheapest way, since you have a canopy. I'd check with Reefgeek for supplies/advice. If you want a new fixture, the ATI Sunpower would be hard to beat in terms of performance. The Powermodule would be a bit more expensive but is a little nicer. Reefgeek again. If you want to do MH/T5 combo you can DIY or fixture that too. I'm not familiar with them so I'll let others comment here... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+dapettit Posted May 2, 2011 Share Posted May 2, 2011 Have you checked with our local fish stores? Dave- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daisy82 Posted May 3, 2011 Author Share Posted May 3, 2011 Planning on sticking with T5's. I've already tried CF's and I don't have a chiller or fans in my canopy so I figure MH's are out. Maybe a MH/T5 combo would be ok? I would consider LED's, but I don't know much about them. Would be interested to know the cost and what sort of color they give. Ultimately looking for something that is cost effective that doesn't produce too much heat. Have not checked with any LFS because I figured they would be more expensive than getting something online. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robb in Austin Posted May 3, 2011 Share Posted May 3, 2011 Low heat + low cost=T5. If you DIY/retrofit then look at adding a fan to help. Cool T5=more par/happy lamps. A fan should blow down the length of the lamp, with the label being the coolest part. See: http://home.comcast.net/~stevelarsen00/site/?/home/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+etannert Posted May 3, 2011 Share Posted May 3, 2011 Daisy, I'm confused. Is your fixture getting ready to blow (if so how do you know) or do you just need new bulbs? Or is this a (happy) excuse to upgrade? 4 bulbs seems a little light (no pun intended) for a 70, but I'm no expert. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daisy82 Posted May 3, 2011 Author Share Posted May 3, 2011 well etannert, it's not the bulbs because they're less than a month old. The light has been on the fritz for the last month or so - turning on and off randomly, and when I lift the canopy lid. I took the bulbs out and cleaned everything I could reach with a Q-tip and found that the plastic pieces that hold the bulbs (sorry - don't know the terminology) are all cracked in various places. These pieces are also not attached firmly and wobble back and forth - they look like they're ready to crumble. It's also very diffucult to remove the bulbs because of this. I can't find anyone who just repairs lights, and I didn't pay a fortune for this one anyway so I figure the only option is to replace it. I am curious if I should up the number of bulbs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+etannert Posted May 3, 2011 Share Posted May 3, 2011 Got it. Well, that makes lots of sense, and you should listen to the very sensible advice given above. :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wa1tx Posted May 3, 2011 Share Posted May 3, 2011 There is a lamp shop down on burnet road near Aquatek that could probably repair it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesL Posted May 3, 2011 Share Posted May 3, 2011 I think Dave mentioned checking the local shops, as sometimes they have used/consignment fixtures for sale (in addition to new fixtures). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+dapettit Posted May 3, 2011 Share Posted May 3, 2011 You can easily replace the white connectors. I'll look for the link I bought mine at. Dave- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+dapettit Posted May 3, 2011 Share Posted May 3, 2011 The link as promised: T5 waterproof replacement socket they only take 5 minutes to replace once you remove the fixture. You may be able to find them locally. Dave- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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