Reef lighting questions

[jgraz]

Simple is option 1 worth the extra $100.

Option 1: 48" 6x54W Tek Light Elite T5 High-Output Fixture w/ Bulbs (Graphite)http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_...unlight_Supply

Option 2: 48" 6x54W Tek Light T5 High-Output Fixture w/ Bulbs (Black)http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_...unlight_Supply

Also a LFS is upgrading thier lights on the coral showcases and they are selling there old stuff. They appear to be in good shape and the bulbs are only about 3 months old. They are selling 48" Solar Flare 6 Lamp Complete T5 Fixture by Aquactinics* - AquaCave for $400 person working there at the time believes they are about 5-6yrs old. They do need to be cleaned and probably painted.

Opinions please
Thanks in advance
Graz

[carey]

Is the only difference the color?

[jgraz]

Between the 2 tel fixtures the elite has 2 fans and the reflectors are 98% reflective

The other fixture is 95% reflective and no fans.
The color is actually the same

[carey]

Hmm just read the details and one is 95% reflective vs. the 98%. Me, personally, I would probably go with the extra $100, but only if I had the money. You can never have too much cooling and the reflectors are a nice touch, though I don't know if there's a discernable difference.

[jgraz]

Ok, so I wanted to dig up a past post because I have still not made a decision. I have weeded out a couple of fixtures though. I want a fixture capable of handling a 75gal mixed reef. 6 bulbs is a must. I also want to stay on the less expensive side and while I would love a ATI fixture it just ain't gonna happen. So I have a line on pre-owned fixture that will be available in the next 2 weeks It is a 7-bulb Aquactinic Constellation for $350. The owner has modded that to hold a few LED moonlights also.
The fixture is at least 4 years old. Here it is: Aquactinics LLC | Marine Aquarium Lighting Specialists

The other two fixtures I am looking at are new first is a 6-bulb TEK Light
With bulbs $415 Here it is: http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_...unlight_Supply

Lastly is the Coralvue T5/LED combo $369. Here it is: CoralVue 6 Bulb T5/LED Fixture 48" , 10 high power 1 watt LEDs, hanging kit, & legs - AquaCave

Aquactinic fixture is "as is" but all bulbs need replacing.
TEK Light has all bulbs but I need to purchase Mounting options.
Coralvue Comes with all mounting options but I need bulbs.

Help me out guys. Like I said this is gonna be a mixed reef.

[jgraz]

I would also like to add that this light from post 1 is still available and is now $350 again as is but the bulbs are about 4 months old so I have a little life left in them. 48" Solar Flare 6 Lamp Complete T5 Fixture by Aquactinics* - AquaCave The fixture is believed to be about 5-6yrs old. They do need to be cleaned and probably painted.

[melosu58]

Moved to General Hardware and equipment discussion.

[joy13]

I would get the one with the fan. Lights give off heat any amount of air movement is going to help keep the tank temperature more stable.

[jgraz]

Im really indifferent to the fans or not. I can always get an external if needed.
By the way I pretty sure im ruling out the 2 aquactinics fixtures unless someone talks me out of it, and considering the amount of replies that ain't gonna happen. Thanks again
Graz

[mr_X]

why are you set on 6 lamps? i would go with an 8 lamp fixture. fans give you a few more months before you have to replace the bulbs. the cooler they run, they longer they last. t5's aren't blazing hot, so unless you have a glass shield, i don't think fans are necessary.

[jgraz]

Originally Posted by mr_X

why are you set on 6 lamps? i would go with an 8 lamp fixture. fans give you a few more months before you have to replace the bulbs. the cooler they run, they longer they last. t5's aren't blazing hot, so unless you have a glass shield, i don't think fans are necessary.

Im not set on 6 lamps, its just that most of the 8 lamp fixtures i've com across will be to wide for the 75gal. I just figured that the bulbs hanging over the rim would pretty much be a waste. As far as the fans go im just indifferent to them. If the fixture has them great if not oh well. It just seems that the fixtures im interested in with fans seem to be priced out of my range like the ATI. Im not however opposed to the TEK Elite which does have fans and better reflectors and its really only an extra $100.
Both of the aquactinics fixtures i was looking at have fans but they are pretty old and I figures it would just get harder and harder to find the parts if needed. Do you have any other fixtures that might be of interest to me.

[jgraz]

well I guess I'll throw this into the mix also: 48" 6x54W Nova Extreme PRO T5HO 3x10k/3x460nm Actinics by Current USA*(1081) - AquaCave

[mr_X]

most of the 8 lamp fixtures are not too wide. the entire fixture might be 19" but the lamp and reflector area is not. a tek 8 lamp fixture is 19.5" but there is only 15" of total reflector area. no light will spill over.

[jgraz]

That is awesome info. A person in the area just offered up a tek 8 bulb for $325. 6 month on the bulbs. Reef geek has them at $515 w/bulbs of my choice new. That will prob. Be the better deal.