T5 fixture quality

[oli5]

HI everyone. I'm in the process of buying new lights and have come to two choices. Sunlight Supply New Wave T5 Fixture 4x54: http://www.jlaquatics.com/phpstore/store_pages/details/l-fl-hood2.php?product_ID=sl-t5nw4804

or the Sunlight Supply Tek Light T5 Fixture 4x54: http://www.jlaquatics.com/phpstore/store_pages/details/l-fl-hood2.php?product_ID=sl-t5tl4804

Does anyone have experience with these two? the first one is 60 dollars less. Thanks.

 

[oli5]

does the new wave fixture have individual reflectors?

 

[dwd5813]

something to consider is that when reading through the link for the new wave fixture, it says it accomodates T5 bulbs, and when looking at the tek it says T5HO. that HO is the difference you are paying for, and as far as i know, it is worth the money. HO stands for High Output, which is what you want out of a T5 fixture

 

[oli5]

hah..I know that. But it says that it houses 54 watt bulbs which is the same as the tek fixture. Anyways I've come to the conclusion that the tek light is much better and reviews about it are only positive. Thanks.

 

[dwd5813]

okay then. you know what to get already don't you?

 

[ganjero]

TEKs lights are crap, where did you read good reviews about them?

 

[dwd5813]

personally i am seriously considering the aquatinics fixture over the tek, but hey, i have heard good things about the tek before.

 

[awestruck]

I have a Tek that I bought from someone here on RC. It's on a 36" tank so the lights are 4x39w. Currently I have a clam under these lights that is absolutely thriving. I like my fixture a lot.

 

[hdyoung]

Tek fixtures use components that are good, but not the best imo. Workhorse ballasts are not as good as icecaps, and the tek reflectors are not the best ones on the market. Tek fixtures also do not have fans for cooling.

That being said, I am prefectly happy with my tek fixture. Its worked flawlessly for 2 years, and going strong.

 

[plyle02]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10968249#post10968249 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ganjero
TEKs lights are crap, where did you read good reviews about them?

Tell that to Paul Whitby, you know the guy who was awarded TOTM. Have you actually used this fixture, or are you just stating your opinion on what you have read? Tek may not make the best t5 fixture, but they are certainly not "crap"....

 

[slant77]

I had a 4x54Tek fixture 1.5 years no problem before upgrading to a Ati fixture. I had sps and a crocea clam at the bottom just not quite enough night on a 90 sense shifting to more sps. The tek might not be the best but for the money your spending compred to a higher end one it is ok. And for sure is better than serveral fixturers out there.

 

[catfisher]

Anything made by Workhorse is crap...period.

I am happy with my Current Nova Extreme fixture.

 

[s3aL]

ATI is probably the best quality HO T5 fixture out right now. You also pay for that quality .

Second best would be the Aquactinic T5 fixture which is still a great fixture.