[bhkid19]

I'm looking at upgrading from pc to t5. I have a 55 Gal w/ leathers, zoo's and some lps. Been looking at nova extreme pro, aquatic life, tek, and ati. The question is would it really be worth the extra hundred bucks or so to go with the tek or ati, I mean are they substantially better to shell out all that cash or should I just go with the cheaper nova or aquaticlife. ThAnks for any info.

 

[BoBilo]

I have a Nova Extreme Pro 6 bulb and I don't see the reason to shell out for a Tek or ATI. I know several people on this and other sites highly recommend Tek but to be honest I don't see why. Try to find a site that will allow you to pick your bulbs because stock Current bulbs are horrible.

 

[evb9]

I have an aquaticlife fixture 4 bulb, absolutely love it. (I had the same dilemma when i first set-up this tank.) +1 on trying to find someone who lets you pick your bulbs or there goes another 80+ haha

 

[hanley0019]

u wont be able to use a hood with the nova extreme. Thats the reason i didnt buy it. I like the slimmer fixtures

 

[reefone]

the higher end fixtures like the tek have individual reflectors which make them put out more light then the other fixtures with one big reflector bent to mimic individual reflectors. imo yes its worth the extra hundred dollars.

 

[Blutang85]

im thinking about buying the AquaticLife T5 HO Aquarium Lighting System - 8 T5 HO and 6 Lunar - 72 in any suggestions?

 

[Rouselb]

Yes, They put out more PAR, have better active cooling, better reflectors, etc. I have owned many T5 units, and I can tell you that the ATI sunpower and Powermods are great fixtures, the tek fixtures are okay, but not the best in terms of PAR. You need a PAR meter to really know whats going on. You get what you pay for, and the ATI are powerhouses.

 

[bhkid19]

So Ive been looking at other forums and sites. And seen people saying something about how the ballast in the tek fixture aren't proper for t5 and that they under drive the bulbs. Is this true or is it just typical forum uneducated crap talk. Are the tek ballast inferior to other fixtures. I've always heard tek was a really good fixture.

 

[Steve&Mari]

We have 6x39w hot5 aquaticlife and love it. Seems corals are happy n clams on sandbed are full colorfull and growin very well. Tanks 36x18x24 hope this helps ya alill our couple sps are grown n have awesome color. Our mille is deep color tons of polyp extension and growing fast its bout 14 inches deep in tank.
Steve