SLS Tek2 6x54w or Aquactinics 5x54w TX5? Part 2

[CruzinKim]

In the last poll, it was 30% SLS Teklight and 70% Aquactinics TX5:
http://archive.reefcentral.com/forum...readid=1243817

Wondering with the price increase, has this changed any in terms of member's recommendation. I still haven't purchased my lighting yet. So what is your revised opinions? Or any other suggestions for T5s on 90g mixed reef? Again, I cannot hang the fixture from the ceiling in a rental apartment, so I need a T5 fixture that can sit on top of my tank.

$391 - SLS Tek2 6x54w Passive Cooling
$462 - Aquactinics 5x54w TX5 Active Cooling
Is it worth the $70 extra still after the price increase?

[CruzinKim]

Another question, for those who actually own a TX5, are your fans noticeable when on?

[Reef Sponger]

Passive or Active cooling depends on what you're keeping. Unless one is keeping a heavy SPS dominated tank, I like the slim design of the Teklights better.

[jc9394]

Normally I will say Aquactinics but not after the price increase. Take a look at ATI's powermodule at Reefgeek.

http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_...Fixture_by_ATI

[carb850]

I voted TX5 last time and now changed my vote to the TEK. However, I think I'm going with a retro kit that has IceCap SLR and a T5 spec ballast.

[luke33]

Throw a 6x54w tek retro or an IC retro and there's no contest imo.

[CruzinKim]

Thanks for the retrofit suggestions, but I don't want a canopy or to try to build one that matches my original stand. I like the lighthood look (personal preference). I'm still curious what TX5 owners think of their fan noise level.

[CruzinKim]

No comments about noise level of the TX5 fans?

[WangoTANGo]

^ I have the 48" TX5 on my 55 inside a wooden canopy, so I would imagine that it's louder than it would be if it was suspended. It really can't be heard outside of the room though.

-Justin

[CruzinKim]

Thanks for being the first to respond to my fan noise question.

I hate noise as I spent a lot of time & money to get my tank super quiet. So, you're saying that the fans is noticeable when you're in the same room with them on? I live in a small apartment, so the tank in my livingroom is right next to my bedroom wall. Is it loud enough to disturb watching TV?

[db_triggerfish]

Originally posted by CruzinKim
No comments about noise level of the TX5 fans?

don't over look the new Current-Usa Saltwater Nova Extreme Pro Fixtures 6x 54 is only $344 @ drfostersmith and it has individual reflectors, 2 fans and splash shield. imo there is no quiet "ready made" fixtures on the market because the fans inside of a fixture cause a wind tunnel affect which increase noise. You can fix the problem with a ac/dc variable voltage adapter if it fits in the fixture or have it outside. This i know because i just did it last night. It worked so well i can't believe the difference.

[CruzinKim]

I want to know more about the ac/dc variable voltage adapter? Any links and is it easier to install?

[Reef Sponger]

Hey Cruzin, I know I've mentioned this before, you really don't need active cooling fans for your setup, so bite the bullet and get a Teklight fixture. I've had mine for almost 2 years now and glad I switched. The fixture I have isn't even the highly recommended limited edition that was offered earlier this year. I don't think you'll be disappointed with the Teklight and of course, there's no noise at all since there's no fans. Don't use the acrylic shield if you don't need it as the par value will be great w/o the acrylic shield.

I know you can't hang from the ceiling. Did you know the Tek legs are adjustable from 3" - 7" above the tank. Extremely easy to adjust and readjust.

[curthendrix]

Did anyone see the study showing the ATI Powermodule fixture puts out almost double the par as the other fixtures.....equal wattage bulbs.

[CruzinKim]

Yep, in terms of T5 lighting, they're probably one of the best right now. But no brackets for them, must be hung from the ceiling. So, no go for me.

I've been thinking about them. With double the par, I would only need 4 bulb unit as it puts out the par of 8 bulbs. That would be too strong for my mixed reef. Also, heard the acrylic shield warps and falls down over time, so should be replaced by a glass shield. For active cooling fixtures, must use the shield.

[curthendrix]

I actually have seen people hang the fixture from their canopy.

[CruzinKim]

Thanks. I maybe asking for too much. No canopy or hanging from the ceiling for me. Also, plan on using brackets with either fixture as I want the lighthood about 3" above the tank for easy access to feed or do maintenance.

Originally posted by curthendrix
I actually have seen people hang the fixture from their canopy.

Originally posted by CruzinKim
but I don't want a canopy or to try to build one that matches my original stand. I like the lighthood look (personal preference).

[Lumamae]

Wow, this is a surprise. Last poll was 2 to 1 in favor of the TX5 and now it's about 50/50, but slightly in favor of Teklights.

[carb850]

Originally posted by curthendrix
Did anyone see the study showing the ATI Powermodule fixture puts out almost double the par as the other fixtures.....equal wattage bulbs.

No kidding? Can someone get me a link to this? Someone posted a link to the 4 bulb ATI which cost $500 IIRC. I figured I would need a 6 bulb unit but if it equals the output of a 6 bulb TEK or 5 bulb TX5 then maybe I better look closer.

[sjm817]

How about hanging the fixture from wall brackets?

[jman77]

Get the new current usa T5 fixture

[CruzinKim]

Originally posted by sjm817
How about hanging the fixture from wall brackets?

Thanks, this I would consider doing. Like holes made to hang large photos, can easily be patched up later. Need to check with the landlord to be sure it's OK.

[CruzinKim]

Originally posted by jman77
Get the new current usa T5 fixture

I thought I read that their fan noise is worst than the TX5?

[avp]

I'm in the same boat as you when it comes to hanging a fixture. My solution was to have a "light stand" built. It consists of a steel rod on either side of the tank with a cross piece that the light will hang from. My design has it mounted on legs (think skis) so I can slide it out and away from the tank if i need to get in the tank.

-avp

[CruzinKim]

do you have a photo? hope it's not an horrible looking contraption.