Catalina VS Tek

[Dr.Tran]

I am mostly freshwater but will set up a SW tank later on.

In the mean time I am looking at these 2 light fixtures at a T5 HO 48"

So far I have found some from catalina and Tek. Catalina seems much cheaper but which one is recomnded?

I want to add moonlights so forgive me for my amature question, but can it be added to the fixture?

 

[meschaefer]

Its been awhile since I compared T5 fixtures, so you will want to double check this, but Catalina fixtures use Workhorse ballasts while Tek fixtures use Icecap ballasts. The icecap ballasts are much better and will last you forever. I believe that Tek also uses much better reflectors.

 

[autoponicz]

catalina uses 1 relfector and bend them to mimic individual
reflectors (contoured)...and thier bulbs are not tested so dont know the output of themm....

tek lights have tested individual reflectors and uses better ballasts....but the icecap reflectors are the best....
if your keeping lps and softies then the catalina will be fine...

you can also look into the current sundial fixture or the current nova extreme pro which is similiar to the catalina but i never had any of them so cant say which one has better quality..i would favor the current brand as more people have use them and you can find reviews..

one very good fixture is the aquatinics tx5 and it was awesome...i had it for a while before i went to MH

 

[ZANYMASTER]

Very happy with my Aquatinics and don't plan to change unless moving or starting a new tank.