Customer Reviews

AquaticLife Dual Lamp T5 HO Freshwater Light - 48 in.

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After having this for a few weeks and trying to grow some plants I found out the bulbs on this are just not quite up to snuff . I dumped the bulbs in favor of 2x 6700k bulbs and saw a noticable improvment in plant growth . Plus the Red "rosetta" buld just gives off a not so bight red hue , so I suggest at least dumping the rosetta bulb and getting a 54 watt coralife 6700k available here on amazon , better yet 2x 6700k

I recieved this and was a little leery seeing it has no reviews yet, and I been burned on buying a cheeper light that did not last even a week, but I took a chance and it paid off . The light is very bright with out being over powering . I am running a 55 gallon setup and it lights the bottom very well . It comes with 2 bulbs a 6000 k and a red plant bulb . Not entirly sold on the red bulb but its not bad . The housing is all aluminum with the ends being hard plastic . The switch is well made and has a good solid feel to it . The protective lens cover is plexiglass . I like how well made it is , it is fairly easy to change the bulbs , just take out 2 screws on the non switch end, slide out the plexiglass , and you have easy access to the bulbs . Sockets are of high quality , and easy to work with .
I realy like the reflectors high polished mirror like reflectors do a outstanding job of directing the light down. All in all the light is very heavy unlike a few of the other fixtures I had that were light . This makes me suspect that I have better quality here as a good quality ballest it not light in weight .
The light takes standard 48" HO bulbs so my next buld change I will probaly go with some 6700k bulbs.

Their are a few cons to this setup . I think the light would do better if they would have installed a few fans or at least some vents on top of the unit as it gets quite warm . not scalding hot just a little uncomfortable to handle if its been on for a while . Another con is you can't use the light without the legs , the bottom gets pretty hot and its not recomended by the manufacturer so your stuck with using the legs . Not a big deal for me but might be for some . also for those with a enclosed canopy its not recomeded to use this light . Also their are no paper instructions , just a cd instructions so if you dont have a computer handy, your out of luck.
Another con is their is only one switch so you must run all the bulbs or none , no way to use only one or the other . not a big deal for me but could be for some and if your using a standard AQUARIUM GLASS CANOPIE it will interfearwith that as you will not be able to open the fron glass , I already had 2 VERSA TOP 24"-TWIN TUBE-BLACK http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002AS8G6/ref=oh_o04_s00_i00_details so no problem for me .

To sum it it if your looking for a good quality light for your set up I don't think you will go wrong at this price point , my plants are responding to the light and I have new growth . As to the reliability of the unit that remains to be seen , I have had it 2 weeks now but am not worried. I do not regret my purchace . I considered marineland LEDs but they are too expensive and not recomended for planted tanks per marineland , even the 48 doublebright if you will look on their website in the F&Q section .

I purchased this light after having a terrible time with Zoo Med AquaSun T5-HO Double Light Linear Fluorescent Hood, 48-Inch

This light is very well made for the price. And comes with bulbs. 1 6000k and a Rosette for plants. 6000k may not be sufficient for some aquariums so bumping up to 6700k+ shouldn't be difficult considering this takes 48" bulbs.

Pros - Doesn't feel cheap.
- Plexiglass protector is sturdy.
- Long power cord.

Cons - Only one switch to control both lights.
- The lamp seems to run a little warm.

For the money this is a great hood. And I recommend it over the Zoo med AquaSun T5-HO light.