T5 fixture question

[Yonkers28]

Is the name brand of a t 5 fixture important or is it the bulbs that really do the job?
Like the ati units vs deep blue units. If I would replace the bulbs with giesamn
Would the fixture really make a difference?

 

[Jaftica]

The big difference is the quality of the fixture, the reflectors make a tremendous difference, also the ballasts make a difference, another huge difference is the operating temps of the bulbs, when t5 bulbs run too hot the par drops off tremendously, that's why the ati is a leader in t5's, they have active cooling, hth, by the way I have a 24" deep blue t5 fixture and its junk.

 

[Yonkers28]

That's extacly what I wanted to know. Thank you
I always thought the bulbs would only make the difference

 

[petraio]

aquaticlife makes 4 feet fixture 8 bulbs that is very good german made reflectors and cooling fan take a look!! only on line !!

 

[cody0709]

ATI is one of the best

 

[Yonkers28]

Pretario which fixture do you have?

 

[NYreefNoob]

honestly ive had alot of fixtures and looked at alot of fixtures, there's only two i would use, ati and the tek fixture, they have the best reflectors, true individual reflectors and the tek elite has active cooling and the regular tek is easy to put a fan system into

 

[divebri69]

T-5 fixtures- I Found Out the Hard Way

I have no input regarding specific brand fixtures, but I will second every single opinion stating that the quality of a name brand fixture sets it apart.
Being economically challenged (poor), I thought I'd try a couple of cheap T5 fixtures off ebay......
Oh, man! Cheap is the right word. I have had handle them with kid gloves 'cause they're so flimsy.
One broke within two weeks of arrival. I was moving it to get into the tank and it bumped the wall. I heard a "pop", and out went the lights. The entire fixture was dark. The seller took it back, sent another.
They're about 1 1/2 years old now....
Two weeks ago, I was downstairs and heard a 'clunk'. Turned and looked at the tank. I couldn't see anything at first, then saw one of the T5 bulbs had dropped out of the fixture and was laying on the VersaCover.
What the..... I took a look and----- this is true, here-----
One of the endcaps had MELTED!!! Yikes!
The moral of the story, boys and girls, is sometimes you do in fact,
GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.
I would heartily recommend choosing a fixture you have seen in person and handled in your very own grasping paws so you can judge the solidity of the fixture.
Good Luck!!
Brian