Hybrid T5 and LED Lighting for Reef Aquariums

Reef Builders broke the news earlier this week about Aquatic Life's new T5HO Hybrid Fixture. It officially made it's public debut today in the Aquatic Life booth at the 2017 Marine Aquarium Conference of North America (MACNA).

The Aquatic Life Hybrid allows you to combine two of the most popular aquarium lighting technologies—T5HO and LED—into one sleek, customizable hybrid fixture. T5/LED hybrids aren't exactly a new phenomena, but professionally built versions can be expensive. DIY hybrids are not an uncommon sight to see on forums, although many hobbyists lack the time, desire, or know-how to build something that is safe and attractive.

Hybrid T5 and LED Lighting for Reef Aquariums

What sets these new Aquatic Life Hybrid fixtures apart is that they'll use different types of universal mounting brackets so you can secure some of the most popular LED light fixtures in the hobby today, like the EcoTech Marine Radion, Kessil A360, Aqua Illumination Hydra HD, and the AI Prime.

The Hybrid has room for up to 4 T5HO lamps so you can place 2 bulbs on each side of the LEDs you mount in the fixture. The HEP brand ballasts Aquatic Life chose for the Hybrid are used in other popular and highly regarded light fixtures from respected brands like ATI and Giesemann. Reflectors keep the T5HO light inside the aquarium and silicone socket endcaps protect the ends of the lamps from moisture.

Hybrid T5 and LED Lighting for Reef Aquariums
Suspension cables are included so you can easily mount the Aquatic Life T5HO/LED Hybrid Fixture above your aquarium. The Hybrid will be available soon at Marine Depot in 24", 36", and 48" lengths that are designed for aquariums 18-24" wide.

Here's a little more info about each model:

24" T5HO Hybrid 4-Lamp Mounting System

  • 1 - Round Fixture Bracket (for Kessil), 2 - Standard Brackets (for EcoTech and AI)
  • Suspension hardware is included - mounting arms and lamps not included
  • (L) 655mm x (W) 510mm
  • Estimated MSRP: $229.99

36" T5HO Hybrid 4-Lamp Mounting System

  • 2 - Round Fixture Bracket (for Kessil), 4 - Standard Brackets (for EcoTech and AI)
  • Suspension hardware is included - mounting arms and lamps not included
  • (L) 958mm x (W) 510mm
  • Estimated MSRP: $269.99

48" T5HO Hybrid 4-Lamp Mounting System

  • 3 - Round Fixture Bracket (for Kessil), 6 - Standard Brackets (for EcoTech and AI)
  • Suspension hardware is included - mounting arms and lamps not included
  • (L) 1256mm x (W) 510mm
  • Estimated MSRP: $299.99

We think Aquatic Life's Hybrid T5HO fixture is going to be a real hit, especially for hobbyists who already use the aforementioned LED lights and were considering supplementing them with T5 for the excellent coverage and color it offers.

We are super excited to bring these aboard here at Marine Depot! We will release more details as they become available. Word is they will be available in Q4, just in time for the holiday shopping season.

Hybrid T5 and LED Lighting for Reef Aquariums