Lighting dilemma

[jacksonpt]

I always ask how long the previous owner's light cycle is too, that way you can estimate the hours on the ballasts. A 6 hour light cycle puts a lot less wear on the ballasts than does a 10 or 12 hour cycle, especially if the fixture is a couple of years old.

Not a huge deal for most decent fixtures, but if you're on the fence, it could be the final piece that sways you one way or the other.

 

[Johnny C]

If you are debating between the two; a Tek is a lot nicer than a TX5, really no comparison. JMO!

 

[Gravesj1s]

Johnny c,

Hey guy,I was just going on specs from the time I was debating whitch fixture I should go with.I have seen the tec but not the elite or the Tx-5 so I really dont know other than researching on them.

I cant help ask though has something changed or? Last I knew the Tx-5 was thought to be superior to the tec.Its been awhile though or maybe I 'mm entirely wrong.
Could you elaborate on this a little more,I wouldn't want incorrect info on my part so if it needs correcting please do.

 

[pascal32]

Keep in mind what you are looking to light. As steve mentioned his ati can be a bit much for lps and he is 24" deep.

 

[jacksonpt]

Keep in mind what you are looking to light. As steve mentioned his ati can be a bit much for lps and he is 24" deep.

Agreed. I have a hamilton kit which many people consider as having underpowered ballasts/underdriven bulbs. With geissmans, it's plenty of light over my 16" high tank which is mostly lps.

 

[titoav15]

the guy sent me some pics and just by looking at it and what he used it for it seems to be wayyy of an overkill for my purposes, no? Its a sweet light but seems like that thing can boil water in that frag tank being only 8" deep lol
here are the pics that he sent:

 

[titoav15]

Here are the resposes that I asked him earlier: (note: before I asked you guys about the types of questions to ask regarding a used light)
"The unit is in great condition, no pitting, no rust. Comes with 5 bulbs in the fixture, and 4 extra bulbs. The bulbs alone cost more than im selling the unit for."

"I attached an extra pic when my tank was cycling, but it gives you an idea of spectrum of the bulb mixture that currently in. Dont mind my makeshift warped acrylic cover on the tank. Bought a bluespot and had to get something to cover the tank because he tried to jump : - )

The bulbs are as follows: 3 ati blue plus, uv aquasun, uv super actinic, uv actinic white, bnib glo 6500 full spectrum, 2 that I could not read because they are in the fixture.

None of the bulbs have been used more than 4 months, most are less than 2 months of use. Fixture works like a charm, just ordered 4 LED modules today though. I didnt even have to clean the fixture up for those pics, that is how it has been since I hung it 3 months ago.

Let me know if you have any other questions, wont find a better deal on a setup like this."

 

[pascal32]

I wouldn't worry about the picture of the tank with the lights on - depends on how well the guy can use a camera.

I personally can't see the intensity difference of a Nova VS an ATI visually (and there is a big difference) - you really need a PAR meter to adjust light height.

 

[titoav15]

I feel that a tek is a safe bet, but I sent him some questions that you guys suggested anyway just to see what he says. Awaiting response....

 

[titoav15]

Questions:
how old is the fixture?
How are the reflectors, are they worn at all?
What is your light cycle?

Response:
I do not know the original purchase date, but i was told it is less than a year old when I purchased it 2 months ago with my tank. I can not find any notable blemishes. Reflectors are great to my eye, I have not taken the fixture apart, and lights out to inspect them, as I feel my eye has told me they look perfectly fine. My lights are only on 8hrs a day.