Plant lights turned into reef lighting

[ColBen112]

My brother has a 48 in sun blaze t5 ho light that he uses to grow tomatoes and what not he was going to give me that light for my reef tank I don't see a problem with it as long as I change the bulbs to like a 10 k and some actintic bulbs as well does anyone see a problem I know it's going to be enough lighting and all that I'm just curious if these grow lights have anything different from a reef light excluding the bulbs??

 

[bribo12]

My brother has a 48 in sun blaze t5 ho light that he uses to grow tomatoes and what not he was going to give me that light for my reef tank I don't see a problem with it as long as I change the bulbs to like a 10 k and some actintic bulbs as well does anyone see a problem I know it's going to be enough lighting and all that I'm just curious if these grow lights have anything different from a reef light excluding the bulbs??

I don't think it would be an issue as Long as you replace the bulbs. How many bulbs is the fixture?

 

[huma-huma]

id double check the watage and length on the bulbs and make sure they match up accordingly. also how many bulbs are there total?

 

[mr_X]

I used to use hydroponics T5 fixtures over my reef, mainly because they were cheaper. As stated, all you need to do is change the lamps out for reef colors. I would use ATI lamps. They are potent and have some awesome colors. Blue plus and aqua blue specials are my favorites.

 

[ColBen112]

It's a 8 bulb fixture yeah that's what I was also figuring about the wattage thanks guys just wanted to see if other people were on the same page as me ha

 

[mr_X]

The difference between hydroponics fixtures and aquarium ones is the size and the amount of cords....I have an 8x 54 watt fixture here and it has a single cord for all lamps, so you can't turn half on in the morning, and do the morning/evening transition thing. No big deal really.
Also my fixture has very wide individual reflectors. My fixture measures 48" x 24", so it won't work over a 75 or 55. but it would fit perfect over a 120.

 

[Darylb]

i was looking at lights like the hydroponic set ups last night i want to get the bulb t5ho for my bow front 55gal they are almost half the price

 

[ColBen112]

I upgraded to a 90 gallon reef and I didn't want to buy a new aquaticlife light so dang expensive and my brother told me he had a t5 light but used it for plants that would for perfect over the tank ha I still have yet to check the wattage on it but I'm pretty sure it will work but in gonna check before I go out and buy new bulbs

 

[mr_X]

Check how many lamps too. Depending on what types of coral you intend to keep, it may not be strong enough. For instance, a 4 lamp fixture won't allow you to keep sps.

 

[ColBen112]

For lamps is that the same as bulbs if so it's a 8 bulb fixture

 

[ColBen112]

Double post sorry

 

[mr_X]

Yes. How wide is it? Is it wider than your tank?

 

[Nimrodg10]

mr_x. I have noticed you have changed from T5. Are you using led now? I'm slowly improving my light. I have 2x aquabeam white, I plan to buy 2x white samsung for marine 10000w 15w/m, and keep 2x blue T5. Do you think it will be enough for 250l?

 

[mr_X]

Yes, I use LEDs. Which aquabeams are you using? What are the dimensions of your tank?
I am not familiar with the samsung units. Can you post links to what you are speaking of?

 

[ColBen112]

Yup I have about a inch left of room cutting it close ha