Tek or nova?

[Vision06]

Also posted on RC to get more oppinions...

Want to upgrade my lighting, My mind is already set on a 4 bulb T-5 fixture.
My questions are - Are the bulbs & reflector on the tek light alot better than the nova that the price is over $100 more than the nova light?
Is the PAR or Lumens alot higher? Or am I paying more for a name?


http://www.specialty-lights.com/960015.html

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=12772&ref=3969&cm_mmc=LiveAquaria_DFS_Links-_-Fish_Supplies-_-LiveAquaria_Gen_Page-_-Lighting&subref=AA&N=2004+113175

 

[inkblue]

paYing moRe for tHe name... i haVe teKs

 

[Quang]

I run Teks. Cant do a comparison for you but I like the sleek look of the Teks. Look around for used Teks.

 

[deelucky]

i have the nova extreme 24" and i have to say that im very happy with its performance.i do have easy coral.shrooms,zoos,green brain,xenia,gsp,yellow polyps,colt.i know these are easy and never tried acros are stuff to that nature.

 

[Vision06]

Thanks for the insta responses..........I think I may go with the tek light.

 

[Quang]

Vision use the Search button on this site for "Tek T-5" or "Tek T5" without the dash. There are a couple of threads that'll show you a number of places you can purchase the Teks for cheaper than the site you have listed. I didn't like the bulb maker that comes with the lights from specialty-lights.com. There is another site called Seedsetc.com or something of that nature that sells the Tek 4-bulb Fixture and you can add D&D brand bulbs, which amounts to less that the combo package from specialty lights. Also, if you're gonna go with T-5s, check out the diff. bulb colors. Also, consider how you will hang or mount the lights....lol OK i'm done now.

 

[Vision06]

The link was just a refrence to the light. I'm doing searches to get the lights for the cheapest price I can. Thanks for looking out.
Now that you mentioned bulbs. What would be a good combo?

Also I will be using the legs.

 

[deelucky]

oh i forgot ihave the nova like i said above but i would say get the tek i would of if it wasnt for me being on a budget.

 

[Quang]

I have all D&D brand bulbs.

(1) Midday 6k or 6.5k bulb... for growth
(2) Aquablue Plus
(1) Pure Actinic

I like the color mixture while giving me good growth potential.

I waited around for a while before buying the lights and got lucky. I bought my used 4-bulb 24" fixutre for $250 with bulbs. Quite a deal!

 

[Vision06]

Do you have a link to the D&D site so I can check out the bulbs?
And are the Giesemann bulbs good or not?

The combo I was thinking was

1 - 10k
1 - pure actinic
2 - Aquablue plus

or

2 - 10k
2 - Super actinics

 

[inkblue]

i uSe URIs... you can buY it from deepwater oR masterswimmer...

 

[drperetz]

i use a tek 5

its great i recomend it. Great thin fixture that you could injoy with personal modifications .

 

[vanceny]

Most reefers over at RC will say the reflectors are the reason t-5's are so effective. That being said, i think it depends on what you plan to grow.

Here is the huge t-5 thread:
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=878433

Here are some reefers experiences with the different types of fixtures:
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=872554

I plan on getting the fixture from aquatinics.com. Its the 5 bulb fixture for a 90 gal tank. I plan on having a mixed tank with a few sps on the top.
http://www.aquactinics.com/Store/T5_HO_Lighting_Systems.htm

Looks like a great product that comes with the splash guard and built in fans. Will be getting this soon so I'll post my experience when I get it.

Vance

 

[Vision06]

I orderd the tek setup. Got the whole shibang for $360, comes with legs, bulbs and acrylic shield.
I mainly wanted to know if paying the extra money was worth it or not. From what ppl are saying. The tek setup blows the nova out the box, Be it the reflectors or whatever.

Thanks for all the replies, they definately helped me make a decision.

Now..... I want to know which setup of bulbs ppl have and like.

 

[tomzpc]

The individual reflectors are indeed the key to making T-5's effective, otherwise they are little better than PC's, if at all. I don't care for the legs. If you can suspend it from the ceiling with the hanging kit it's a much cleaner look IMO and makes it easier to work in the tank. I don't use the shield either. If you're concerned about the endcaps then just cut small pieces of acrylic to cover only the ends of the fixture. The shield will only reduce light output and bulb life (heat).

For a 4 bulb setup I'd go:
1 GE daylight
2 Blue Plus (aka actinic plus)
1 UV super actinic

or
2 aquablue
1 blue plus
1 UV super actinic

 

[scarf_ace1981]

go w/ tek eventhough i have nova.

 

[Vision06]

The individual reflectors are indeed the key to making T-5's effective, otherwise they are little better than PC's, if at all. I don't care for the legs. If you can suspend it from the ceiling with the hanging kit it's a much cleaner look IMO and makes it easier to work in the tank. I don't use the shield either. If you're concerned about the endcaps then just cut small pieces of acrylic to cover only the ends of the fixture. The shield will only reduce light output and bulb life (heat).

For a 4 bulb setup I'd go:
1 GE daylight
2 Blue Plus (aka actinic plus)
1 UV super actinic

or
2 aquablue
1 blue plus
1 UV super actinic

Good thing when I placed my order I picked the same exact config. I chose the first config, The second was my backup incase they ran out of bulbs. Great minds do think alike....