48" TEK LIGHT vs 48" Retrofit please explain

Discussion in 'Reef Lighting' started by serotonin, May 11, 2006.

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  1. serotonin

    serotonin Purple Spiny Lobster

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    both are 6 bulb setups

    Tek Light
    http://www.reefgeek.com/products/categories/lighting/104193.html

    Retrofit
    http://www.reefgeek.com/products/categories/lighting/104069.html


    So, lets just say that I was building a new canopy for my 90 gal. Would I be better off installing a retrofit kit in the canopy?

    Also, i see the retro comes with bulbs and the tek light does not. still i cant see how the price difference is so drastic. Doesn't the tek light come with everything the retrofit does, minus the bulbs and add the light casing?

    Thanks all !
     
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  3. Bruce

    Bruce Giant Squid

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    I think the fixture is less because the only free lights are 6500k (cheapest) but...that is sorta odd that its so much more. I might give em a call. I just got the 4 bulb and i love it! I might get a fan or 2 for the summer because fans are not in the fixture.
    Im not sure...the retro for the 4 bulb is $10 cheaper.
     
  4. Covey

    Covey Scooter Blennie

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    The retro with 6 bulbs $449
    The tek with 6 bulbs $429

    It is the same ballast and reflector. There is little differnce between the two so it is really up to the look you like.
     
  5. 90_Berlin_joe

    90_Berlin_joe Fire Shrimp

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  6. serotonin

    serotonin Purple Spiny Lobster

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    Wow, that's a lot cheaper! I wonder why that is. :)
     
  7. serotonin

    serotonin Purple Spiny Lobster

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    I came accross this on another site
    http://www.aqualuxlighting.com/

    It appears the store is closing so things are really cheap. I think I may do a DIY setup in a canopy. I read that the reflectors they sell are better than the TEK's

    ./shrug :)
     
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  9. Urban_s

    Urban_s Sea Dragon

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  10. Covey

    Covey Scooter Blennie

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    One large reflector, no name bulbs, no name ballast, and the bulbs are cramed to closed together to make use of the sub par reflector it does have.
     
  11. Bruce

    Bruce Giant Squid

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    Yup, with the bulbs that close...whats the point of going with t-5hos...the whole point is reflection. Also reefgeek is local and i love to help out the local shops...even if they r online too. :)
     
  12. 90_Berlin_joe

    90_Berlin_joe Fire Shrimp

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    Thanks guys I was about to go with that one. It is Catalina brand with the same ballast as the TEK. But with the reflector issue being pointed out i will be going with the tek version.

    Do you guys think the 6 bulb setup with 4 actinic plus and 2 10k will be ok on a 90 gal with softies?