Whats the difference?

Can anyone tell me what the real difference is between something like this light fixture and one sold specifically for a reef tank?

http://www.warehouse-lighting.com/p...mp-Grow-Light__FG-H3-8T5-F-C10-515P-2S-O.aspx

I'm not an expert on lighting but seems to me it uses good reflectors, same ballasts as aquarium lights....
So would there be any issue using this with a mixture of ATI bulbs like blue plus, purple plus and coral plus. I have a 120g reef with mostly softies.
 
Hey Marce, glad to see ya posting. Idk if there's much of a diff, but I'm not seeing if it's cooled at all. For what sparky is selling his 6-bulb fixture and for what you're keeping, I would go with it. I know how much the previous owner paid and $200 is a steal for individual reflectors and ATI quality. Just an opinion :)
 
1. ATI uses a 98% reflective reflector
2. Only one cord. Cant replicate dawn/dusk.
3. No splash shield.
4. No fans to pull out heat

If these things are not an issue to you then there doesnt really seem to be much difference in my opinion maybe they use a different ballast not sure.
 
I didn't even think to look at the cooling. I have an Aquaticlife 4 lamp T5 HO with 54w lamps now (two blue plus and two coral plus).... It's hanging about 4" above my tank. So i'm looking fo something that's gonna definitely make a difference.

I took a look at Sparky's fixture and that seems to be a great deal. Just want to know that its going to make a big difference for me.
 
I'm definitely interested. just need to see if i can get the cash. What would you recommend for bulbs? 2 blue plus, 2 coral plus and two purple? or ?????
 
I'm definitely interested. just need to see if i can get the cash. What would you recommend for bulbs? 2 blue plus, 2 coral plus and two purple? or ?????

Depending on what color you like your tank here's what I ran 3blue plus 1 coral plus 1 purple plus and 1 true actinic.

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