aquamedic vs. tek light

mseepman · #1 08-08-2009, 06:05 AM

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.

dylanserbin · #2 08-08-2009, 06:18 AM

shoot yeah i meant 4x24w!~~~

dylanserbin · #3 08-08-2009, 07:37 PM

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

intarsiabox · #4 08-08-2009, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dylanserbin

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.

Canadian · #5 08-10-2009, 07:42 PM

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

dylanserbin · #6 08-10-2009, 11:49 PM

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

icecool217 · #7 08-11-2009, 12:37 AM

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.

JPotter · #8 09-02-2009, 08:43 AM

I have a new wave 4x24 T5 fixture. You do need to mount it above the tank or put a shield over your tank..the latter reduces H2o evaporation but tank heats faster.Initially I had no shield and had them close to the tank..did not work well as got condensation under the reflectors. There are fans in the fixture which help reduce heat build up. I now have mounted them about 6" above the tank and they are working very well. I put in 4 different color ranges and corals and clams seem happy so far. An ATO system deals with any evaporation.

banditpowdercoat · #9 09-02-2009, 04:11 PM

I have a TEK 24 on my corner tank. It's a nice little light. I have tried with and without the cover. The reflector gets more salt spray for sure without, but the bulbs last longer. Get way to warm with the cover on. I have plans to mount a couple fans on the ends, to cet active cooling. For me, being an Electrician and knowing the true cost of lights, No way will I but a ATI or anything like that WAY to over priced.

Canadian · #10 09-02-2009, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by banditpowdercoat

I have a TEK 24 on my corner tank. It's a nice little light. I have tried with and without the cover. The reflector gets more salt spray for sure without, but the bulbs last longer. Get way to warm with the cover on. I have plans to mount a couple fans on the ends, to cet active cooling. For me, being an Electrician and knowing the true cost of lights, No way will I but a ATI or anything like that WAY to over priced.

Who cares if you get better lamp life without the shield on if you're trashing the reflectors? Trust me, I did exactly that to a Tek light. If you're getting any salt spray on your reflectors you're causing pitting and tarnishing and therefore reducing light output. I found I didn't even realize how much damage I had done to my reflectors until I compared them to brand new ones - it was shocking.