Tek Light Elite or Aquamedic Ocean Light

[pmrossetti]

Which is better for a tank mounted T5 fixture?

http://www.marinedepot.com/Aqua_Med...ures-Aqua_Medic_USA-AQ1871-FILTFIT56U-vi.html


http://www.marinedepot.com/36_Inch_...Sunlight_Supply_Inc-SL2133-FILTFIT56U-vi.html

 

[firebirdude]

Go for a 54W setup.

http://www.marinedepot.com/48_inch_...t_Supply_Inc-SL2111-FILTFIT58U-SL2119-vi.html

or the 6-bulb 54W Aqua Medic version.

 

[rtparty]

Not sure if I misread but the Aqua Medic legs are for rimless tanks only? That would seem odd to me but if you have a rimless tank then no biggie.

I would get the Tek Elite myself. The Aqua Medic doesn't even have individual reflectors. One of the reviews I read, the person talked about how it was one piece of metal bent around each bulb.

It has been proven time and time again that individual reflectors are the way to go.

But the Aqua Medic may have better ballasts. The cooling on the Tek Elite looks to be better IMO. The fans on the sides, don't work as well. Current USA uses that method and so did my Aquactinics TX5. It is one of the biggest downfalls of each fixture. It just doesn't seem to cool as well.

JMO

 

[firebirdude]

One of the reviews I read, the person talked about how it was one piece of metal bent around each bulb.

Ummm that's still individual reflectors. lol

If it used a single curved piece of metal along the top of the housing, that would not be individual. But using one piece bent many times or 6 actual separate reflectors doesn't matter.

 

[rtparty]

Ummm that's still individual reflectors. lol

If it used a single curved piece of metal along the top of the housing, that would not be individual. But using one piece bent many times or 6 actual separate reflectors doesn't matter.

That is not true individual, parabolic reflectors.

PAR numbers have proven numerous times that true individual reflectors work better than one piece bent around each bulb.

It does matter actually. Why do you think Current USA reflectors are some of the worst? Why do the "specially designed" Aquatic Life reflectors not shine above the rest?

Neither are individual reflectors.

 

[firebirdude]

Because either they're not true parabolic or use inferior materials.

versus

So if I have six individual reflectors lined up, and glue the edged together to make them all one piece, light output automatically drops?

I'm not debating individual reflectors increase output. I'm not debating that certain company's make better individual reflectors than others.

 

[pmrossetti]

seems pretty close. but the AM comes with an 8 bulb option. Tek only 6?

AM has led moonlights. Are the fans on the side that bad?

Really tough.

 

[WiscoReefer]

I have a 4x54 wt Tek Elite fixture and I love it! I have it on my 90, and after getting the new fans in mid-March, it runs very cool. Keep in mind, I don't keep anything too demanding, softies and some lps, but everything is thriving under it.

 

[rtparty]

Because either they're not true parabolic or use inferior materials.

versus

So if I have six individual reflectors lined up, and glue the edged together to make them all one piece, light output automatically drops?

I'm not debating individual reflectors increase output. I'm not debating that certain company's make better individual reflectors than others.

Majority of the time when a company bends one piece of reflector around the bulbs, they don't use the same design as a true individual reflectors.

When it comes to reflectors, design seems to be more critical then material. As long as the company is using Miro IV material, they are using a good material.

Why do ATI and LET reflectors out perform other reflectors, if they all use good materials? Design.

The OP asked which fixture is better. Without numbers on the Aqua Medic it is hard to tell but by looking at the design, I bet the Tek wins in terms of PAR.

If Sunlight Supply would use spec t5 ballasts they could give ATI a run for their money. Aqua Medic T5 bulbs aren't any good, I can't assume their fixtures are much better.

 

[rtparty]

seems pretty close. but the AM comes with an 8 bulb option. Tek only 6?

AM has led moonlights. Are the fans on the side that bad?

Really tough.

The real question I forgot to ask.

What size tank and what do you want to keep?