T5's...I need new lighting

I have no experience with that fixture so I can not comment, other then, it sounds good enough.

I have the 48 inch version of this tek fixture from reefgeeks.com on a 55 gallon and I love it, I have a few acros, one monti, and a couple of birdsnest.
Couple of clams, and have yet to have a problem with anything growing, or loseing color.
I have had a few thing come from other lighting sources and actually change colors under my T5's but so far they have been for the better in my opinion.
http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5...-Output_Fixture_with_Bulbs_by_Sunlight_Supply
 
I looked at the Tek lights too, they are just more expensive. Thanks for the imput though, Its good to hear that you can keep all of those under T5's. Thats all I really wanted to know.
 
I will have that light on my next set up...

ba43cacad81a22f0de2f82e8da0124d4.jpg


Here's a T5 set up in the Bay Area. You can get the same fixture new for $350 minus bulbs. May be worth a try to negotiate.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1324145
 
the bulbs are not too bad, my 4 foot bulbs are only an average of about $20 bucks from reefgeeks.com and that ranges a huge variety.

The ATI sure is nice looking though...
 
Regardless of what manufacturer of light system you use, more importantly it's the reflectors that really make T5 the success and viable option to MH that they are today. Whatever unit make sure you can upgrade, the Nova system isnt upgradeable. Your stuck using there reflectors, which dont provide a good parabolic feature like the ones in the competative market today.

Although the output potential may not be there with a good bulb combination from some proven manufactures like ATI, Geismann, and UVL you can still see good results for montiporas. Just remember there is a cap on what you can keep in terms of very high light demanding corals and animals. Always a good idea in this hobby to buy once if you can, and keep in mind your tastes and ideas of what you want gets skewed as your skill sets and knowledge increase so it saves money to get a system that can adapt along with you as well, that is, if money is an object ;)

-Justin
 
Don't listen to this guys propaganda.......:p

Who sits around and talks about thier "big bad" T5's anyways?;)
 
Last edited:
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11901580#post11901580 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dots
Don't listen to this guys propaganda.......:p

Who sits around and talks about thier "big bad" T5's anyways?;)
Click to expand...


I do! I love my T5's, and I will never use metal halides for several reasons. One of which is the fact that my wife and I run a childcare out of our house, and my tank is with in a room the children are usually in, the last thing I need are a dozen blind children!

But honestly, I have no need for metal halides, I have a little bit of everything in my tank, and it is all doing great.

I will stick with my T5HO unless I upgrade to LEDs.
 
Sent message on the Tek. I was looking at that one before, just too expensive after the system and then the brackets and then the bulbs. Lets see what he can do for pickup, the bay is a little far for me.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11903511#post11903511 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tilmo2180
Sent message on the Tek. I was looking at that one before, just too expensive after the system and then the brackets and then the bulbs. Lets see what he can do for pickup, the bay is a little far for me.
Click to expand...

:confused: Hes selling the whole complete unit for 300, you were willing to spend 299+shipping onthe other lesser unit. Im not understanding how its more expensive? Everythings included!

-Justin
 
The orbit comes with bulbs I think, with the tek at $300 I think he still has to buy bulbs....

Assumptions!
 
the orbit and the tek aren't even in the same category though. the tek has individual reflectors for each bulb, while the orbit has a single reflector that is "contoured" around each bulbs. it's a subtle yet distinct difference.
 
you would be suprized what the orbit can actually accomplish...

I agree it is nothing compared to the TEK or ATI fixtures.

But as someone else said, monti caps seem to do alright under the orbit, other then not as colorful.
 
The Tek that I found was 429, then 59 for the legs and 20 for each bulb, I was looking new. Thats too expensive. 300 for the whole setup and I will take it. Now I just need to figure out how to get to Daly City...

Steven
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11906131#post11906131 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tilmo2180
The Tek that I found was 429, then 59 for the legs and 20 for each bulb, I was looking new. Thats too expensive. 300 for the whole setup and I will take it. Now I just need to figure out how to get to Daly City...

Steven
Click to expand...

It is just a little south west of San Francisco. If you hit the ocean you went to far!!!

:D
 
My wife is a saint. She let me order the Tekk light its 36" 6x39w, should be here early next week. We decided that it would be better to get it new than deal with used (we have been burned a few times in the past).

So to make sure I am right, the Tek light is alot better than the Nova. With the Tek I should be able to house any SPS, clams and anemones, right?

Thanks guys!
Steven
 
The Tek is an amazing light, you will be pleased. Just ask MikeB, he's using Tek lights in his coral farming facility. Just make sure not to skimp on the bulbs and you should be able to keep just about anything. Now that's going to be the hard part....figuring out your bulb configuration and spectrum output will be key to your success, both long term and otherwise.

BTW, just to reassure you, I currently have a T5 Nova Extreme over my little 20G prop tank but will be getting a Tek T5 8X54watt lamp for my next, and much bigger, tank. So, even though I have previous experience with the Nova's my next purchase will be a Tek. IMO you're definitely on the right track.
 
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