Cheapest T5HO fixture that supports at least 36 watts?

Olva2

Hi!

I'm interested in a T5HO light and fixture. This is sort of random, but I do not need it for lighting a tank, but rather for adjusting my body clock. :)

I have searched around, and it seems that 460nm is the perfect spectrum to reset the human clock, and in my quest found out that there are aquarium T5HO bulbs that exactly fit that description.

So I basically want to get some type of fixture that I can plug an aquarium 460nm Actinic T5HO bulb into, and plug into the wall outlet to use for my own treatment. I'd like to be able to use at least 36-watt bulbs, possibly bigger.

Also, can T5HO bulbs go into a T5 fixture? Or is it a different fixture specifically for T5HO?

Thanks in advance!
Olva

Kellsindell

That's interesting, but it seams quite plausable. GL with that.

HO T5's are going to require a different ballast if you are going to use them. You're going to want to use a different bulb configuration to get your 460nm. Can't say waht it's going to be though.

I'd go with a retro kit for the lights. If you get a premade fixture it'll cost you so much more.

Kellsindell

oh, and if you go with a 48" kit, it'll put out about 56watts each.

onefish2fish

i dont understand this.

adjusting your body clock? please explain more.

if you need to adjust yourself to light why not a few spot light work lamps, they are bright and cheap.

Kellsindell

Prolly having issues with waking up and sleeping at a timely manner or got a new job with different hours and body internal clock is set to wake at 4pm, but needs to wake at 6am. Something like that (i'm assuming, of course the times are prolly way off).

Olva2

Kell is 100% correct. Turns out that the only wavelength that adjusts the circadian rhythm is the 460nm band. Using a plain white spotlight has other color spectra that can actually interfere with the adjustment, so pure blue is the way to go.

Kellsindell, can you briefly explain what a retro kit is, or point me to a link? I was able to find pure 460nm tubes, but not entirelly sure what a retro kit is. What would expect to pay at the low end for a 48" setup (either a retro kit, or a complete fixture)?

Thanks again!

Kellsindell

Hmm... i think you may be able to pull the 460nm you need with a Power Compact as well. I'll give you a few links to check out and go more into detail.

A retro kit is where you get the bulbs, reflectors, ballast and wires but you have to put them together yourself, while it may be a little difficult, it's cheaper by far.

from:
reefgeek.com
marinedepot.com
drsfostersmith.com

you can also go through each site and choose the bulbs you want as well. You may also want to check the Compact Florecents on each site and see if that's an option. Now for complete fixtures they are going to run really high in price in comparison, but all you have to do is plug it in

reefgeek.com
a general link to marinedepot.com
drsfostersmith.com

Best of luck and from marinedepot and fostersmith you can get a timer if you don't already have one and save you a trip and not have to worry about sales tax on top of that too...

FYI these lights will be capable of keeping many corals if you ever decide to join the hobby.