Which light do I want?

ReeferRob · Jun 24, 2007

I guess this is kind of a pole? I am going to be hopefully buying a T5 fixture by the end of the month!!! I am curious to get some input as to which fixture I sould buy? I have a 55 gallon so its 48 inches long. I am thinking Tek, but I wanted to hear from others experiances.
Thanks

ReeferRob

chadfarmer · Jun 24, 2007

i have 3 tek lights easy to use

Ike · Jun 24, 2007

I use retrofits, but most people in the know claim that Aquatinics makes the best T-5 fixtures available in the US.

ReeferRob · Jun 24, 2007

Why Aquactinics over the Tek? The Tek looks to be better construction.
I thought that T5 ran cooler so you didn't need a fan any ways. The Tek looks better too.

Zoanuts · Jun 24, 2007

T5 units do run cooler than any other light on the market but the heat buildup in the units cause the bulbs to lose effectiveness or par value up to 30%. So if you have the capabilities to cool tek units they will probably be the best bang for your buck. I have a few clip-on fans that cool my units seems to work well in keeping them cool. I hope!

THE BEAUT · Jun 24, 2007

TEk T5 all the way. I believe they also have a new model coming out.

d.grcich · Jun 24, 2007

I have two Aquactinics T5's and they are very well constructed. 54 watt HO do get very hot to the touch but not near as hot as the MH bulbs. Definetly recomend a fan for bulb life and proper light par. Only thing I can say bad about Aquactinics is their customer service blows. I spent $500 on the last set up and it came with a bad fan. Over a month now and still no new fan sent yet.

ReeferRob · Jun 24, 2007

The ATI fixture looks to be the bomb but it isn't comeing out for a few more months in the USA, atleast thats what I had read.

THE BEAUT · Jun 24, 2007

Check out Sun Light Supply.

Ike · Jun 24, 2007

ReeferRob said:
Why Aquactinics over the Tek? The Tek looks to be better construction.
I thought that T5 ran cooler so you didn't need a fan any ways. The Tek looks better too.

With T5s reflectors are a big deal, and the reflectors in the regular Tek fixture are not great. The reflectors on the Limited Edition Tek light are better. Also, like pointed out above, cooling the bulbs a little can increase output by quite a bit.

ReeferRob · Jun 24, 2007

Right now I notice my PC lights begin to loose spectrum after about five or six month, where they "say" their good for nine to twelve.
What can I expect from the T5 bulbs, with variation in manufacturer?
I also need some site help where I can compare prices and prods.

shred5 · Jun 24, 2007

Tek or aquatinics are fine... With the aquatinics only the solar flare is over driven... Worth it if you are going sps's other wise I would not over drive.
I have a tek and love it.

Dave

ReeferRob · Jun 24, 2007

As far as SPS go, I only plan on doing some of the easier, less picky species. Like birdsnest and poccliopora (sp).
So good advice on that.

Ike · Jun 24, 2007

ReeferRob said:
As far as SPS go, I only plan on doing some of the easier, less picky species. Like birdsnest and poccliopora (sp).
So good advice on that.

Don't overdrive then, even 4 HO bulbs with individual reflectors would be plenty in most instances with those SPS.

ficklefins · Jun 24, 2007

I've got an aquatinics setup and they are very sturdy! I would get an aquatinics setup again if I had to buy another T5 setup, or just wait for reefgeek.com to get the ATI setups in stock.

Ike · Jun 24, 2007

Anyone have a good link with info on the ATI fixtures? I keep hearing about them but have yet to see any solid info or pics.

shred5 · Jun 24, 2007

ReeferRob said:
As far as SPS go, I only plan on doing some of the easier, less picky species. Like birdsnest and poccliopora (sp).
So good advice on that.

I agree with ike. Go with the tek or the tx5... those setup will also let you grow sps...

As far as ATI they are truely the holy grail of t-5 fixtures but are very expensive...

Dave

ReeferRob · Jun 26, 2007

Ike said:
With T5s reflectors are a big deal, and the reflectors in the regular Tek fixture are not great. The reflectors on the Limited Edition Tek light are better. Also, like pointed out above, cooling the bulbs a little can increase output by quite a bit.

Where does one find the "limited edition" Tek light?

So is reefgeek.com the spot for lights?

ReeferRob · Jun 26, 2007

Everyone is so helpful and friendly on this site, unlike a few others I have been too, so would you guys help me in regards to suggestions on how to acclimate my corals once I make the new purchase please.