Coralvue T5 retro question

[cvrle1]

I stummbled on this retro kit and just wanted to see if it would be worth getting. Only iffy thing is the reflector. It doesn't really give too much detail on it. I emailed them and asked what reflector it was and this is what I got as a responce:

Hello. Thanks for the inquiry. The reflectors are high polished aluminum X2 made by Coralvue.

And here is the link to the fixture:

http://www.azcoralco.com/Browse_Ite..._Retro_Complete

Thanks for the help

[ungp]

Broken link.

[cvrle1]

Ahh crap

hope this works

http://www.azcoralco.com/Browse_Item_Details.asp/Item_ID/307/categ_id/19/parent_ids/0,19/Name/36_2_Bulb_T5_Retro_Complete

[danny zubot]

Nice fixture! I think you found what I've been looking for.

If you are using these as main lighting then I would be mildly concerned, if its just supplimental lighting then go for it. They look comparible to any coralife or similar reflector that a PC setup would have.

Is this site Canadian or American? Have you discovered shipping costs yet?

Thanks

[cvrle1]

These prices are in amercan. As for shipping I filled out information and it seems that they would ship 2 of these for free to states. I am not sure about Canada. Once I try I'll let you know how much it would be.

I was thinking about using these for main light over my 33, but just wanted to see what people thought first. Reflectors are a really big part of a good T5 system so I don't wanna end up getting this one and find out that reflectors suck and I need to buy new once.

Thanks for the help.

[danny zubot]

If the price is American than you might want to try piecing together a T5 setup yourself. It could be cheeper after shipping etc.

Checkout these reflectors in the mean time.
http://aquariacanada.com/osCommerce/product_info.php?products_id=962

[EmilyB]

Of course Sunlight Supply has German reflectors if you are into spending the cash. You might want to shop around a bit otherwise, especially for a place that will USPS to Canada, or the duty will kill ya !

Example:

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=FI-ML-T3639&Category_Code=Finnex-T5

[cvrle1]

Thanks for the replies. I was going to ship whatever I got to my friend who lives on the other side of the border. That way I can "save" on taxes and duty and other junk that I would have to pay if I got it sent here.

I will look into this Finnex fixture as well. Thanks for the heads up on it.

[danny zubot]

It looks like a good deal at Premium until you factor in that the actinic isn't a true actinic. (450-460nm) But 99 buck is still a money saver.

[Squiddy]

I suggest AquaLux Lighting for T5 lighting. They offered me free shipping to canada via USPS air when I was planning to order enough stuff to run 8 bulbs. The retro reflectors they have are supposed to be really good. If you are a member of RC, they'll give you 10% off too.

[cvrle1]

Well here is the last piece of the puzzle on the coralvue retro. I emailed them about their reflectors and here is the responce:

Yes, they are spider parabolic reflectors under each bulb. This is the best
type of reflector to use for T5's. The ballast is a program start which is
much better for the lifespan of the bulbs.

So if I order 2 of these I would pay $200 US and that is with lamps (2 retros with 2 bulbs each) That is cheaper then Aqualux or reefgeek or any other place that I found. I calculated and the cheapest one I could have done would have been arround $340 CA. This one will come out to $240 CA after the conversion and shipping and everything else (I am shipping to states)

Hope this info helps. I'l post updates once I get these going.

Thanks for the help everyone