Feedback on T5HO lightsets

[FishFan]

Hi Guys,

I have ordered myself a new tank (4x2x2) and am looking forward to setting up a low maintenance tank with mainly crypts, moss, java fern and windelov.

I'm considering a 2x54W T5HO light set. Have read past posts and it appears that it might be better to invest in a slightly better lightset compared to those available at NA. I guess that I have narrowed by choice to either a set from DE Lightings or Solite.

Have seen the DE Lightings light set from their website. From what I understand, it is considered as a retrofit as it does not come with a casing. And it appears that a DIY set is much cheaper compared to a Off-the-Shelf one. Whereas a Solite set comes (as far as my research shows) with a casing and individual reflectors to boot. I haven't been able to find their website where I can find out more. Appreciate if someone could advise me on this.

Please share any other feedback on using lights of both makes. Thanks in advance!

[illumnae]

I'm using a DE Lightings set, 4x54W for my 4x2x2. With the individual reflectors, it's very powerful...i'd say the 4x54w (216W) far outstrips another PL lightset i have that is 190W in total despite the similarity in wattages.

The DIY set is not that much cheaper than the one DE Lightings builds for you. If you add in the extra cost for the Tridonic ballasts, different endcaps etc, I found that the built in "labour cost" was well worth it for my 4x54W. You'll have to make the call yourself, but do factor that in. The retrofits come with China/Singapore made ballasts I believe, while the Tridonics are a well known Austrian brand.

All in all, I'm happy with my DE Lightings set, though they are admittedly on the very pricey side. I especially like the mounting, as I don't have to have the lights hanging from the roof or on legs on top of the tank. The mounting fits snugly within my open top hood, and the light is "hidden" as it's flush against the top.

P.S. I can't be sure as I don't own a Solite, but I think I read somewhere that Solite reflectors are not as good as DE Lightings ones. Further, the DE Lightings ones can be adjusted to ensure a better spread through your tank...the Solite ones can't I think, and that means you will have one brightly lit strip in your tank, with the rest lit by ambient/stray light and thus significantly dimmer...that's a consideration. With my 4x54W, I adjust the reflectors so that i can get as even a spread as possible.

P.P.S. Solites are hard to find these days

[FishFan]

Hi YX,

Thanks for the low-down on your lightset from DE Lightings. I will seriously consider getting a 2x54W light set from them. Haven't seen a Solite thus far at LFSs and I am thinking of investing a little bit more money for something other than those available at NA.

Btw, I ordered my tank from CR Aquarium last Saturday. Looking forward to getting my tank in another week and a half. Probably need to slowly buy the other stuff and take leave to set-up the tank.

[Aquaculture]

Even since I changed from PL lighting to a T5, I've never looked back. Happy with the results it gives. Only look forward to the ripple effect a MH produces... but thinking twice/thrice when I've to marry it to a chiller.

[oceanus]

Even since I changed from PL lighting to a T5, I've never looked back. Happy with the results it gives. Only look forward to the ripple effect a MH produces... but thinking twice/thrice when I've to marry it to a chiller.

Why not look into alternative lighting like LEDs ? Save hugh amount of your electricity bill and give you the ripple effect which many thought only MH can produces ?

[illumnae]

Hi YX,

Thanks for the low-down on your lightset from DE Lightings. I will seriously consider getting a 2x54W light set from them. Haven't seen a Solite thus far at LFSs and I am thinking of investing a little bit more money for something other than those available at NA.

Btw, I ordered my tank from CR Aquarium last Saturday. Looking forward to getting my tank in another week and a half. Probably need to slowly buy the other stuff and take leave to set-up the tank.

Yup I did the opposite from you...i collected all the other stuff (filter, lights etc) first before ordering my tank from CR Aquarium.

Are you getting a hood made by CR as well? If so, I feel DE Lightings sets would be good as you can ask CR to make the hood such that the lights sit snug within the hood and so all you'll see is the wires coming out from the top. I feel it makes the tank look alot sleeker since the lights are hidden, compared to legs sitting on the tank top or lights hanging from the roof.

[FishFan]

Yup. I am getting a pelmet made from them. The CR guy said that he would design the top of the tank such that the light set would be concealed by the pelmet. Hope that it would turn out alright.

[illumnae]

yeah they should have the dimensions to hide the DE Lightings set in your pelmet...i let them keep my lightset so that they could get exact measurements...they delivered the tank together with my lightset If that's the case I think you should just go ahead and get the DE Lightings set...any other set wouldn't do the custom pelmet any justice

[FishFan]

Hi YX,

I've also been in touch with CR Aquarium. The Salesperson said that he seems to recall designing a pelmet for a black and long 4ft light set (perhaps it is yours?) and he will try to use a similar design. He wanted me to pass me the light set but I have not gotten my lightset from DE Lightings. He said that it should not be an issue as the adjustments should be minor and could be done after the tank is delivered.

Thinking of ordering a 2 x 54W lightset soon. Believe that it should be sufficient for a low maintenance tank. What do you think? I've had some preliminary discussions with Razali. Do let me know if there is anything else that I should look out for. Thanks.

[illumnae]

Yup that should have been my pelmet.

Let's take the lighting discussion to pm as it's outside the scope of discussion for this topic