If you were buying a new T5 fixture...

[maddog]

Would you get:

A) Sunlight Supply Tek Light
B) AquaticLife T5 with Lunar LEDS

6 lamp fixture. Please explain why.

thanks
Chris

 

[simon_kruger]

I like the Tek fixtures as I've worked on them a few times (modded). Always a good quality fixture.

I have no experience with the AquaticLife fixture.

 

[thomas138]

I use a Tek light and love it and the quality. I dont know much about the Aquaticlife fixtures but love that they have the built in lunar lights.

 

[gnashty]

I have the 72" Aquaticlife Fixture - 6 lamp/12 bulb. i have no experience with the Tek but I hear they are reputable.

Pros:
1. All in one design, one cord
2. Individual timers for each function
3. Easy to assemble & Set up
4. Bulbs are included in Price
5. Built in fans

Cons:
1. See #1 above, I cant run this unit thru my controller and get the results I want. my fault since I bought the light before the controller.

Overall I am very pleased with its functionality. I personally feel the moonlights are a little too bright and i dont think you can turn them off individually or not - either all on or all off.

The unit gets hot but as hot as you can expect with nearly 500 watts going in an enclosed canopy - I get about a 2 degree swing in temp when the lights are all on - nothing like MH though.

 

[gmpolan]

i have tek 4 x 54 and i love it but no exp with the other brand...mines very reliable and easy to clean..

 

[maddog]

Thanks for the quick replies guys. looks like they are both great fixtures. Ive been doing some research and it has come down to these 2. I just don't want to make any quick decisions.

 

[jennm]

The AquaticLife ones have been getting great feedback. They are selling out quickly though. I know the mfg is due to receive a new shipment soon.

I have no experience with the Tek fixtures, but the AquaticLife ones are nice.

Jenn

 

[maddog]

Jenn,

Do the Aquaticlife ones come with the leg mounts? Or is that separate?

 

[thomas138]

Maddog;504457 wrote: Thanks for the quick replies guys. looks like they are both great fixtures. Ive been doing some research and it has come down to these 2. I just don't want to make any quick decisions.

You have narrowed down to two great options I think and more then likely can not go wrong with what you choose :up:

 

[jennm]

I believe they come with legs. Yep - just checked a 4-lamp setup I have here at the shop (sold)...

I believe they also offer optional hanging hardware - that is sold separately.

I know the 6-lamp models are selling out fast. The manufacturer is currently out of stock but they are taking orders for the next batch due in soon. I have a few customers wanting them, so I'll be putting an order together in the next few days to a week.

Jenn

 

[mufret]

Not sure if any local sponsors carry them but another fixture to look at is the Aquactinics (

 

[maddog]

I spoke with Tim at Keen Reef yesterday and he mentioned the Tek Elites. From the way he talked I got the impression they were out.

 

[jonathan]

Don't forget the ATI fixtures. They are considered the Cadillac by many. The Tek fixtures are also very good. I own an Aquactinics Solar Flare and it has the highest output 6 bulb you can get due to the bulbs being overdriven (Icecap 660 & 430). The build quality of it is not nearly as good as the ATI or Tek units. I would get an ATI if I had it to do over.

Jonathan

 

[downtime89]

I have the 72" aquatic life 8 lunar 8 bulb its been growing all my corals great including my sps. And the costumer service with aquatic life is awesome! My control panel got some water in it and i called and asked if it was under warranty but before i could even prove if and when i bought it they shipped out the new control panel the day i called just so my corals would not suffer and told me how to bypass it temp. I love the aquatic life system best choice i made since changing from my old power compacts! And yes mine came with mounting legs.

 

[morganatlanta]

I've got a 30" AquaticLife T5HO with 4 bulbs and 2 lunar LEDs on a 30 gallon tank. I like it for the reasons mentioned earlier (single cord, integrated controller, etc), as well as the fact that it is pretty low profile. I had a piece of glass cut for the top of the tank and have the light just sitting on it rather than using the legs that come with it. Makes for a sleek look. I ordered it through Marine Reef on Johnson Ferry. They have other sizes in stock but didn't carry the 30". They beat any internet price I saw and gave me $20 in "fish bucks" to boot.

 

[maddog]

I'm pretty sure I am going to go with the AquaticLife. I have heard nothing but good things so far.

 

[snowmansnow]

Jonathan;504582 wrote: Don't forget the ATI fixtures. They are considered the Cadillac by many. The Tek fixtures are also very good. I own an Aquactinics Solar Flare and it has the highest output 6 bulb you can get due to the bulbs being overdriven (Icecap 660 & 430). The build quality of it is not nearly as good as the ATI or Tek units. I would get an ATI if I had it to do over.

Jonathan

+1 on Aquactinics brand.

they are a lil more expensive but worth checking out IMO.

ATI also makes a cheaper fixture than the Power Module called the .... something.. or other haha.. cant remember...

But also worth checking out.
B