aquamedic vs. tek light
 

Hey i am getting a 24inch t5 fixture. I am either thinking about getting the Tek light 4x24w T5OH, or a aquamedic 2x24w T5OH.


whats the difference? why is the Tek Light 20 Dollars more? whats better? is there anything else out there?

Lighting options.

There are some other options than the two you've identified. I imagine the Aquamedic is cheaper because it has two less bulbs, that is unless you meant the 4 bulb version.

My LFS has brought in the wavepoint fixtures (an asian brand but one that appears to be of pretty good quality....individual reflectors, completely sealed unit) Here's their site: http://wave-point.com/Lighting_folder/FixtureMain.html

You can order them from www.aquacave.com as they ship to Canada or inquire at your local LFS. If mine gets them, I'm sure any stores can.

Another option is the Aquaticlife fixtures. I don't know much about them but the "House of tropical fish" an online retailer in Ont. sells them (as does Marine depot) and if you search here, you'll find some reviews.

Finnex also sells T5HO fixtures...theirs include LED's. Aquacave carries them too as do a few Canadian retailers.

shoot yeah i meant 4x24w!~~~

what about the new wave threads? they have individual reflectors and are alot cheaper than the tek lights.

I had contacted JL Aqutics about the New Wave vs Tek, they said that the reflectors are not as good on the New Wave. You also need a glass or acrylic seperation between the tank and light fixture as there is no shield for the New Wave and the body is made of rustable tin instead of aluminum as on the Tek.

I would stay away from both and opt for something that is fan-cooled.

what about the aquatic life fixtures. the four bulb ones with LED's???? does anyone know about them as they are fairly new??

I have the Tek 4x24W and I love it. It may not be fan-cooled but with a minimum level of DIY skills, you can cool the fixture down by a whole lot. Just point a fan at it. Putting an acrylic shield only heats it the bulbs and decreases the life. The New Wave unit is not intended for aquariums from what I read. If you are looking for a fan-cooled unit with a good price/performance ratio, think about the Current Sundial unit. The default bulbs are average but the fixture comes with individual reflectors.

I have the new wave 4x24w fixture and I think its great.....like icecool217 said, a little DIY and it becomes aircooled. This is what i have done on my nano.
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/k...d/DSC_9746.jpg

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/k...d/DSC_9751.jpg

To properly cool a T5 fixture the air flow should be directed towards the labeled end of the lamp. Over cooling T5 lamps by randomly blasting them with a fan can actually reduce light output. Additionally, not protecting the reflectors on a Tek fixture with an acrylic shield is almost certain to cause pitting of the reflectors.

Trust me, I'm not criticizing lower end fixtures without having experience with them. I don't want to see you guys waste money on one only to end up spending more money down the road like I did.