I've got plans to get a tek 5 in the next couple weeks. Are you guys finding they run just as hot as other t5 lights. I thought maybe the higher $$$ vs other mfgs meant better technology thus tek5 skipping on the fans at the factory. Although I rewire lights often for a living I'm not going to spend over $500 on a light that has corners cut from the mfg. PLEASE clue me in. Should these lights have come with fans from the get go to have been made well? I don't want to make another lighting mistake!!!!
Tek light fan mod
- Thread starter painkiller1009
- Start date
ganjero
saiperchémibatteilcorazon
I think SLS didn't put fans in there because of a lack of research and tests. The active cooling (fans) improve output (PAR) and bulb life. I would say that a modded TEK is a great fixture, and a modded one like this one makes it a great looking fixture. The difference in price with other fixtures also has to do with quality of the reflectors. So if you are in budget get a TEK, maybe modded down the road, but if you have the extra cash get a higher end fixture.
For those who already have a tek and maybe modded it with fans, your next step to put it up there with ATIs and aquatinics is to get the aquatinics retro reflectors. They are much better than the TEKs, they fit in there and you dont have to screw them because the clip on the bulbs, plus they are short enough to leave the cold spot uncovered so the fans do their job. For a 4 bulb fixture it would be around $100 for the 4 reflectors.
For those who already have a tek and maybe modded it with fans, your next step to put it up there with ATIs and aquatinics is to get the aquatinics retro reflectors. They are much better than the TEKs, they fit in there and you dont have to screw them because the clip on the bulbs, plus they are short enough to leave the cold spot uncovered so the fans do their job. For a 4 bulb fixture it would be around $100 for the 4 reflectors.
the reflectors dont have holes, they are just short enough to leave the cold spots uncovered and they have air ducts that direct the air flow exactly there.
unbreakable
D:
"Looks pretty bad." lol, those fans are really nice! great job
Nerdy Nudi
New member
there are better lights, which run cooler, get more light out of the lamps, and should extend bulb life, but they are more expensive.
painkiller1009
Member
Sorry grim must of overlooked your post.
It was made in march of 07. It doesn't have the internal frame like the one you replaced the reflector on. It wasn't hard at all to do this mod.
jjk_reef00
New member
Great work! Makes me want to mod my light lol.
BLANKENSHIP76
In Memoriam
Twice the output, double par values on the same bulbs. One has a 95% reflector and one has a 98% reflector. ATi has AC, but I didn't know cooling the ballast and bulbs would make a two fold difference.
I had no idea there was that much of a difference.
I had no idea there was that much of a difference.
The Grim Reefer
Ready for some NOBALL!!!
I wouldn't discount the effect of cooling the ballasts.
The Grim Reefer
Ready for some NOBALL!!!
Better tell that to all the guys running Ice Cap ballasts
35% increase in PAR for a 4x54 watt setup. While the lamps do appear whiter the spectrum shouldn't really change much. the light we see is a result of UV light stimulating the phosphors inside the lamps.
yes i completely understand using a WH or Ice Cap on a retro fit....but i didn't think they used larger watt ballasts in the premanufactured fixtures. i wish i would have done more recerch on the Tek before i bought mine!!!<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14397475#post14397475 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Grim Reefer
Better tell that to all the guys running Ice Cap ballasts
35% increase in PAR for a 4x54 watt setup. While the lamps do appear whiter the spectrum shouldn't really change much. the light we see is a result of UV light stimulating the phosphors inside the lamps.
The Grim Reefer
Ready for some NOBALL!!!
Aquactinics solar flare uses Ice Cap ballasts. I havent heard a whole lot of people complaining abot those.
Getting the Tek isn't the end of the world.
If I could find a local with the style Tek the OP has willing to pay for the parts I would try to come up with a set fan mod so there wouldn't be the need for a light meter.
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