24" T5 fixtures

[9Tailfox]

I've been looking around the forums for some information on 24" T5 fixtures and been having some problems locating much information on them so I thought I would ask my question. I'm going to be setting up a 20gal tank and have been looking for some HO t5 fixtures to fit it. I've found a couple of brands so far that produce fixtures that small namely Tek 4x24 watt, and Current USA Nova Extreme's 4x24 watt fixture.

I do hear many good things about the Tek system, individual reflectors, electronic ballasts, can be modded with a cooling fan, etc. I can not find much info on the nova extreme. It is pretty cheap so I'm assuming it does not have individual reflectors or electronic ballasts, is that correct? Does anybody have any experience with that fixture and can advise? Also if there is a favorite or reputable company with a 24" fixture I'm missing I would appreciate being pointed to it.

I'm looking at T5's for electricity/bulb costs, and also the upper midwest gets rather warm and very humid in the summer so for heat issues as well.

 

[luke33]

The nova is junk, go with the tek, its much better. the nova doesn't have individual reflectors. The tek will have 2-3x as much light and way better par, which is the most important thing ; )

 

[USC-fan]

what do you plan to keep?

 

[jc9394]

Check this out, it looks really promising. I may get one...

http://hellolights.com/244lamp.html

Item Code: 612424

T5 is quite possibly the future of aquarium lighting. T5 efficiency matched with the output they produce is hard to beat. Our T5 units are made using the highest quality materials and accessories available. Housed in a sleek looking black enclosure they are great looking as well.

Features:
* Ultra efficient, high output T-5 lamps
* Parabolic aluminum reflectors increase output by over 300%
* Durable black powder-coat finish
* Fully enclosed electronic ballasts
* Cool operation and NO noise
* Complete line of German & domestic T-5 HO lamps available
* Optional easy to use adjustable cable hanging system with 8 ft cable
* Sleek profile only 2.5 inches high
* Convection vent allows maximum air flow
* Dimensions: 24"x11"x2.5"
* Full one year warranty

 

[jc9394]

but Tek is $80 more, but with German lamp and free shipping...

http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5...W_T5_HO_Fixture_with_Bulbs_by_Sunlight_Supply

 

[luke33]

And the tek also has individual reflectors. I don't think the one from hellolights does. And the lights that come with it aren't nearly as good as the geisman or ati's you can get.

 

[chem-e]

There's also the Fauna Marin fixture

Then there's the soon to be Aquactinics and ATI 24" fixtures. (I'm waiting for the Aquactinic fixture so I can upgrade from my Tek.)

 

[9Tailfox]

Thanks for all the replies and feedback all. To answer your question Kb-smoker I would be FOWLR for a while and latter stepping up to some simple corals and eventually sps I belive. So I wanted to spend my money once and not have to upgrade later.

Chem-e that Aquactinics fixture sounds kind of neat. Any Idea if there is a time table out for releasing it?

 

[USC-fan]

if you plan to keep SPS then i would go with the best fixture you can afford. Stay away from cheap fixtures like Nova Extreme.

When you get into the higher end t5 fixture there is not a lot of different in performance.

 

[chem-e]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9664103#post9664103 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by 9Tailfox
Thanks for all the replies and feedback all. To answer your question Kb-smoker I would be FOWLR for a while and latter stepping up to some simple corals and eventually sps I belive. So I wanted to spend my money once and not have to upgrade later.

Chem-e that Aquactinics fixture sounds kind of neat. Any Idea if there is a time table out for releasing it?

I wish I knew. I've been wanting to upgrade for some time, but knowing Aquactinics, it's probably worth the wait.

Maybe if enough of us spoke out, they'd give us an ETA.