Best T5 set up out?

[1chondroman]

Hey guys im looking to buy a six lamp T5 set up, I was wondering if anyone has any advice or fixures they would favorite or recommend. Im looking at the Aquaticlife T5 HO 6-Lamp Fixture marine depot is selling. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks

Chenzo

 

[NYreefNoob]

ATI powermodule, if i was buying new and $ wasnt the issue, but personally id go with the new tek elite t5 fixture

 

[1chondroman]

Also whats the best light for a refugium? I have a 5" deep sand bed in a 13" x 11" space, what would be the best light? Thanks

Chenzo

 

[NYreefNoob]

home depot clamp on shop lamp and they sell cf 6700k bulbs

 

[skene]

+1 on the Tek light and clamp on @ any home depot.

 

[bigcapct]

Tek all the way!

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[DrAsTiC]

I just picked up the ATI powermodule and the thing is a beast runs super silent and cool.

 

[1chondroman]

You guys dont like the aquaticlife? But the tek lights dont have the built in timer or the led moon lights. What makes the tek lights better?

 

[DrAsTiC]

They look very nice and have the options others don't and good reviews but I think it comes down to how they perform and quality and the Tek are a favorite for reefers.

 

[bigcapct]

They look very nice and have the options others don't and good reviews but I think it comes down to how they perform and quality and the Tek are a favorite for reefers.

Exacty

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[lfsmarineguy]

Aquaticlife was started by an ex-coralife employee. They're just dressed up versions of coralife fixtures from what I've seen. The Tek lights and the ATI are far superior as far as build quality and sport way better reflectors.

+1 for the clamp lamp unless aesthetics are an issue.

 

[ryangrieder]

Is money is not a big deal then ATI powermodule is amazing, but if your budget is limited then tek elite fixture by far. The aquatic life fixture is Nice. My buddy has the 6 bulb on his 72g bow. The timer is really nice, and the moon lights are nice too, but real reefers don't go by looks and pretty design. Reflectors, ballasts, temperature, end caps, those are much more important. Tek lights reflectors could pretty much be a mirror. The fixture itself is extremely light weight and slim. I own a 36 inch 6 bulb tek elite. Amazing. The best fixture I have ever owned.

The aquatic life fixture costs a lot more, and is not the best pick. It is a really nice fixture, and the bulbs they come with are impressive. if you pick the tek light or ati light, you will love it as well. If you pick the aquatic life fixture, you will as well love it. It's personal choice, but in the end, there are a dozen or two decent fixtures out there but there is a reason why so far you were only told 2 different fixtures. Get the hint lol

 

[NYreefNoob]

ok reasoning as to why, the ATI's are fan cooled which help keep temp down on ballast which equates to longer lasting, they also actively cool the bulbs which extend life and bring out proper color temps, the regular tek doesnt do this, only the elite has the fans for tek. both ATI and the tek elite use a 98% reflective material which is as good as it gets, i dont need a timer as i have a controller. ive owned 6 or so t5 set up's, and currently use a ATI powermodule and anyone who has seen my tank cant believe how bright it is which t5's, it looks like i am using 2 250w mh's. i owned the ATI sunpower also, great fixture as well but use's less fans and isnt body wise built as solid as the powermodule. but like i said if i was buying new, would be no doubt in me getting the new elite fixture

 

[1chondroman]

Thanks guys appreciate the advice, I dont really want to spend as much as the ATI's are. Seems like the tek lights will pretty much be the same price at the aquatic life, i thought they were less but then i realized the tek lights dont come with any bulbs. Im still not sure what to do, I just dont wanna spend 500 bucks and then not be happy.

I have another question if you make a pvc over flow with two flow pipes is it ok if they meet to one pipe in the sump or should there be 2 individual pipes the whole way? Meeting the two pipes to one should'nt be a problem right? or am i wrong? Thanks everyone sorry all the questions.

 

[NYreefNoob]

bulbs choice is important also, some of the sites sell the tek with bulbs at a discounted price, lmk when ur really ready and serious to buy a light

 

[jerl77]

tek or ati