T5's

obarrera · #1 07/08/2007, 01:38 PM

Is there much of a driffrence between the HO T5's and Very HO T5's?

I didn't know there was such thing as "very" HO, untill like 3 days ago, I think all tek lights are HO, but with the retrofit kits there's both(HO and Very HO).

DarG · #2 07/08/2007, 01:53 PM

48" HO runs 54 watts. 48" V HO runs about 80 watts and is considered overdriving the lamps.
Lamps get hotter so it is highly advised that the lamps and endcaps are actively cooled with fans. Lamps dont last as long. Some say half as long, others say only a couple of months difference if they are cooled well.

obarrera · #3 07/08/2007, 02:07 PM

Ok, thanks for clearing that up.
I have another question, why are the tek ready fit kits the same price as a retrofit kit?

For example, the 48" Ready Fit: 2-54W T5 HO Retrofit Kit w/ Bulbs is $159.00
http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_...Retrofit_Kit_w!_Bulbs_by_Sunlight_Supply

And the 48" 2x54W Tek 2 T5 High-Output Retrofit Kit w/ Bulbs is $159.00 also
http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_...Retrofit_Kit_w!_Bulbs_by_ReefGeek

Is one better than the other?
Shouldn't the ready fit retrofit kit cost more since it's Fully assembled?

EDIT: The links don't seem to work, but hopefully you know what im talking about.

thanks!

DarG · #4 07/08/2007, 02:41 PM

I dont know. Only difference I can see is that the Retro's have the TEK II reflectors and the Readys have the original TEK's.
Someone stated that the Original TEK reflectors were actually better but I havent seen any numbers on the originals so I dont know if thats true. Seems like the Readys are the better deal on the surface if the TEK reflectors are better than the TEK II's but maybe the difference in value is based in the TEK II's being perceived as the better reflectors. Only other thing I can think of is that it is possible that one Retros use a different / better brand ballast and the endcaps could be different.

Just to let you know, the Ice Cap SLR reflectors are still the consensus best available. But still, the SS Ready or the SS Retro will do a great job. My understanding is that SS is tough or impossible to deal with on warranty issues but I have no personal experience to say it's true.

Basically, if you dont need the flexibility in mounting that the Retro offers and youd just rather be able to screw a fixture into a canopy of hood and call it done, I would go with the Ready based on the info supplied. Plus, again, the original TEK reflector possibly being better than the TEK II. The TEK is also narrower than the TEK II.

Can always email Reef Geek to get specifics on the differences.