48" 8x54W Powermodule VS 48" 8x54W Tek Light T5

BHD · 11/21/2009, 03:45 PM

Hello everyone,
One of my metal halide stop working today and since I was thinking of buying a T5 light system. I was wondering how's the quality between those two light systems? I don't care too much if it was made in germany or anything like that. Lets just say that the look on the outside doesn't really matter.

48" 8x54W Tek Light T5 has individual parabolic reflectors for each bulb made from German Tek 96% reflective aluminum.

48" 8x54W Powermodule individual parabolic reflectors for each bulb made from silver-coated 98% reflective German-made aluminum and built-in electronic ballasts.

In term of the light output, are they close? or one is way better than the other. the price different after shipping is 518 dollars.. that's a lot.

Can I replace the ballast if they burned out or I have to buy the whole new system?

I really need to order some kind of light by Monday or half of my corals will die soon.

thanks,

nikon187 · 11/21/2009, 03:47 PM

The ATI smokes the Tek in every way. It produces double the par ( what corals use to grow) over the Tek light using the same bulbs. This is possible due to their better reflectors and active cooling. The ballasts in both can be replaced

phenom5 · 11/21/2009, 03:54 PM

If you can swing the price, go with the ATI.

FWIW, the Teks are solid, and still put out a good amount of light, but as nikon said, the ATI is better in every way, except price. Better ballast, better reflectors, active cooling, and it looks cool. I have a smaller Tek, and I'm not sure if it's the same on the larger fixtures but mine does not have SLR's.

wdt2000 · 11/21/2009, 04:58 PM

The new Tek's have active cooling and I would like to see proof that the ATI produces double the par

Logzor · 11/21/2009, 06:48 PM

I had good results with the tek on my 55g I used to have. Sometimes the amount of light in a lot more than you need. T5's are very powerful and will sometimes cause photo inhibition, the more PAR the better can be a flawed concept!

BLKTANG · 11/21/2009, 06:50 PM

ATI

To Reef Central

Logzor · 11/21/2009, 06:50 PM

I had good results with the tek on my 55g I used to have. Sometimes the amount of light in a lot more than you need. T5's are very powerful and will sometimes cause photo inhibition, the more PAR the better can be a flawed concept!

I now have an aquaactinics constellation on my 90g, I had to turn off two of the bulbs because it was too much light for my sps at the top of the tank. Granted, the fixture is sitting right on top o the tank, with some corals nearing the top of the water.

jmski333 · 11/21/2009, 06:56 PM

ATI, any t5 light forum you'll read on this sight directs you toward ATI being the best. Active cooling is the biggest. And the TEK doesn't come with the acrylic shield or any sort of mounting system. ATI comes with everything needed. and you dont need to "buy a cheap fan to run across the water"

Sardaukar · 11/21/2009, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wdt2000

The new Tek's have active cooling and I would like to see proof that the ATI produces double the par

Ya I think I agree with you. T5's are quite powerful and 8 of them should be more than enough assuming you have an 18"-24" deep tank. It sounds like the new Tek fixture is quite nice for the money. The ATI is still the Benz of T5 lighting fixtures, but the gap is money between ATI and Tek is a whooooole lot of sps frags

solitude127 · 11/21/2009, 07:30 PM

I just bought the 8 x54 watt PM and LOVE it. Since I hung my fixture, looks made a big difference. The PM is very sexy where the Tek looks industrial. It also comes with the hanging hardware. If you need to raise or lower it, it's pretty easy. I've been running my PM for 3 days now and it hasn't raised the temp in my tank at all. I think active cooling makes a big difference. If you can swing the price, it's definitely worth it. If you buy it from ReefGeek, they give quality customer service.

jimmyj7090 · 11/21/2009, 08:15 PM

Anybody have a link for these "new" tek fixtures with active cooling? Do they have a sheild?

jimmyj7090 · 11/21/2009, 08:16 PM

Anybody have a link for these "new" tek fixtures with active cooling? Do they have a sheild?

wmatt140 · 11/21/2009, 08:38 PM

I'm very happy with my 6x54 ATI Sunpower. Upgraded from a 4 bulb Marineland unit. I had to cut back the photo period because I was bleaching some coral. I don't have a PAR meter but it is safe to say they put out a lot of light.

nikon187 · 11/21/2009, 08:41 PM

I believe sunlight supply is going back to the drawing board on their activly cooled tek lights as from reefapalooza. i believe grim reefer did the test and there is actual proof that the ATI was better by double. Shoot him a Pm or use the search, i'm sure it is in the T5 Q&A thread.. The question wasn't if the tek will work it was if they are comparable light output wise. They are not.

solitude127 · 11/21/2009, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimmyj7090

Anybody have a link for these "new" tek fixtures with active cooling? Do they have a sheild?

Here's a thread on the PA forum
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=1738100

wdt2000 · 11/22/2009, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nikon187

The question wasn't if the tek will work it was if they are comparable light output wise. They are not.

Please point me toward any proof that they are not comparable light output wise. Not doubting you, I just would like to see some proof.

raynist · 11/22/2009, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wdt2000

Please point me toward any proof that they are not comparable light output wise. Not doubting you, I just would like to see some proof.

Search for the T5 Q and A thread the info is in there.

manishkasera · 11/22/2009, 09:35 PM

I bought the ATI Sunpower 36" with 6 bulbs, needless to say light it puts is enough for anything you keep in a tank of depth upto 24".
I was also looking Tek vs ATI, and by the time you add up the cost of lns, hanging kit the price gap is not that big , of'course when you consider the gains.
I'm very happy with me ATI.

Luckylouse · 11/22/2009, 09:37 PM

I just upgraded from 6 bulb tek to ATI 8 bulb.

IMO... The powermodule is way.... Better. First off if you are going to compare them you need to realize a few things.

1. The Tek doesn't come with an splash guard. The ATI does. I find it's 100% necessary for me. It allows me to lower the light closer to the tank and increases the light intensity. The Tek offers one but it's expensive.
2. The hanging kit for the TEK.
3. The new TEK light fixtures use a workhorse Ballasts which are garbage.
4. Tek light will work great for you at first... but without the cooling effect of the fans your bulbs will not last. You will lose PAR quickly without cooling.
5. My tek light rusted out after 6 months. The ATI is better protected from salt and the end are stainless steel.

If you want a true test to see what you get for your money... Pick them up individually. That will explain everything. ATI is the only way to go if you are comparing these 2 fixtures.

mnchartier · 11/23/2009, 10:09 AM

I wish they had a 48" 8x54 sunpower.

solitude127 · 11/23/2009, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mnchartier

I wish they had a 48" 8x54 sunpower.

I was in the same boat. I didn't want to spend as much as I did on my PM, but I'm very happy I did.

mirthman · 12/31/2009, 09:54 AM

Looks like this thread has been quiet for awhile. I just want to chime in that I'm comparing the 8 bulb Tek and ATI units for my 120 and now the price difference is nearing double (you can get a bulbless Tek for $373). My LFS has two of these units running over his display tank, they are hardly warm to the touch after runnnig all day, show no signs of wear after 6 months and put out plenty of light. I dont doubt the ATI is a better unit, but not worth nearly double IMHO.

sanababit · 12/31/2009, 10:46 AM

i have an ATI PM 6 bulb, a current 8 bulb single reflector, 6 bulb tek IMO the 8 bulb with the single reflector DOES put out more light than the ATI PM and tek, i understand that it's 2 more bulbs thus the higher output, anyways i believe that the tek is as good as an ATI PM, i will get a par meter and really do a test on all three, btw just get yourself the splash guard and some fans for the tek and you are set...IMHO this talk about 95% reflection and 98% reflection, and german made silver coated reflectors and aluminum reflectors, man if it saves me 500 dlls i would take a 3% loss on PAR, the reflectors rust over time so who cares if they are german made, now about the bulbs, i believe that ATI, giessman and UV are the way to go, so dont skimp on those and for the ballast, they can allways be replaced, good luck

sana

11/21/2009, 03:45 PM	#1
BHD Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: OC Posts: 267	48" 8x54W Powermodule VS 48" 8x54W Tek Light T5 Hello everyone, One of my metal halide stop working today and since I was thinking of buying a T5 light system. I was wondering how's the quality between those two light systems? I don't care too much if it was made in germany or anything like that. Lets just say that the look on the outside doesn't really matter. 48" 8x54W Tek Light T5 has individual parabolic reflectors for each bulb made from German Tek 96% reflective aluminum. 48" 8x54W Powermodule individual parabolic reflectors for each bulb made from silver-coated 98% reflective German-made aluminum and built-in electronic ballasts. In term of the light output, are they close? or one is way better than the other. the price different after shipping is 518 dollars.. that's a lot. Can I replace the ballast if they burned out or I have to buy the whole new system? I really need to order some kind of light by Monday or half of my corals will die soon. thanks,

11/21/2009, 03:54 PM	#3
phenom5 Unregistered Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Arizona Posts: 5,096	If you can swing the price, go with the ATI. FWIW, the Teks are solid, and still put out a good amount of light, but as nikon said, the ATI is better in every way, except price. Better ballast, better reflectors, active cooling, and it looks cool. I have a smaller Tek, and I'm not sure if it's the same on the larger fixtures but mine does not have SLR's. __________________ Rob Current Tank Info: DSA 155 Pro \| ATI Sunpower \| ATB 840 v2 \| Apex \| Wav

11/21/2009, 06:50 PM	#6
BLKTANG Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Never,Never Land Posts: 7,061	ATI *To Reef Central* __________________ We the few have done so much,for so long,for so little.That we are now qualified to do anything with nothing. ____________________________________________________________________________ Current Tank Info: RR 90 Maganvore sump,250w Hamilton fixture,VorTec's ASM skimmer.

11/21/2009, 06:56 PM	#8
jmski333 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 494	ATI, any t5 light forum you'll read on this sight directs you toward ATI being the best. Active cooling is the biggest. And the TEK doesn't come with the acrylic shield or any sort of mounting system. ATI comes with everything needed. and you dont need to "buy a cheap fan to run across the water" __________________ -Jordan- Current Tank Info: 90RR mixed reef

11/21/2009, 07:30 PM	#10
solitude127 Proud user of IO Salt! Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Torrance, CA Posts: 9,136	I just bought the 8 x54 watt PM and LOVE it. Since I hung my fixture, looks made a big difference. The PM is very sexy where the Tek looks industrial. It also comes with the hanging hardware. If you need to raise or lower it, it's pretty easy. I've been running my PM for 3 days now and it hasn't raised the temp in my tank at all. I think active cooling makes a big difference. If you can swing the price, it's definitely worth it. If you buy it from ReefGeek, they give quality customer service. __________________ Mike <)))>{ <)))>{ <)))>{ <)))>{ ReefKeeping.com TOTM Nov 2012 Socalireefs Featured Reef Oct 2011 Current Tank Info: 603020, 8x54 ATI Powermodule, ReefBrite XHO, ATB Elegance 200, Aquamaxx CTech CaRx, Ecotech Vortechs, Apex Controls, WM Ecobak powered. RedSea Reefer 170, MP10, Apex Jr, Ecotech Radion XR15, Aquamaxx WS-1

11/21/2009, 03:47 PM	#2
nikon187 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Edmonton Alberta Posts: 4,717	The ATI smokes the Tek in every way. It produces double the par ( what corals use to grow) over the Tek light using the same bulbs. This is possible due to their better reflectors and active cooling. The ballasts in both can be replaced

11/21/2009, 04:58 PM	#4
wdt2000 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Mills River NC Posts: 904	The new Tek's have active cooling and I would like to see proof that the ATI produces double the par

11/21/2009, 06:48 PM	#5
Logzor Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Kenwood, Ohio Posts: 4,073	I had good results with the tek on my 55g I used to have. Sometimes the amount of light in a lot more than you need. T5's are very powerful and will sometimes cause photo inhibition, the more PAR the better can be a flawed concept!

11/21/2009, 08:15 PM	#11
jimmyj7090 aka John K Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Sudbury Posts: 2,367	Anybody have a link for these "new" tek fixtures with active cooling? Do they have a sheild? __________________ my reef ate my wallet Current Tank Info: 57G, RBTA's Zoa's and softies

11/21/2009, 08:16 PM	#12
jimmyj7090 aka John K Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Sudbury Posts: 2,367	Anybody have a link for these "new" tek fixtures with active cooling? Do they have a sheild? __________________ my reef ate my wallet Current Tank Info: 57G, RBTA's Zoa's and softies

11/21/2009, 08:38 PM	#13
wmatt140 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 72	Ati I'm very happy with my 6x54 ATI Sunpower. Upgraded from a 4 bulb Marineland unit. I had to cut back the photo period because I was bleaching some coral. I don't have a PAR meter but it is safe to say they put out a lot of light.

11/21/2009, 08:41 PM	#14
nikon187 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Edmonton Alberta Posts: 4,717	I believe sunlight supply is going back to the drawing board on their activly cooled tek lights as from reefapalooza. i believe grim reefer did the test and there is actual proof that the ATI was better by double. Shoot him a Pm or use the search, i'm sure it is in the T5 Q&A thread.. The question wasn't if the tek will work it was if they are comparable light output wise. They are not.

11/22/2009, 09:35 PM	#18
manishkasera Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Vaughan ON, Canada Posts: 148	Ati I bought the ATI Sunpower 36" with 6 bulbs, needless to say light it puts is enough for anything you keep in a tank of depth upto 24". I was also looking Tek vs ATI, and by the time you add up the cost of lns, hanging kit the price gap is not that big , of'course when you consider the gains. I'm very happy with me ATI.

11/22/2009, 09:37 PM	#19
Luckylouse Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Burlington Posts: 394	I just upgraded from 6 bulb tek to ATI 8 bulb. IMO... The powermodule is way.... Better. First off if you are going to compare them you need to realize a few things. 1. The Tek doesn't come with an splash guard. The ATI does. I find it's 100% necessary for me. It allows me to lower the light closer to the tank and increases the light intensity. The Tek offers one but it's expensive. 2. The hanging kit for the TEK. 3. The new TEK light fixtures use a workhorse Ballasts which are garbage. 4. Tek light will work great for you at first... but without the cooling effect of the fans your bulbs will not last. You will lose PAR quickly without cooling. 5. My tek light rusted out after 6 months. The ATI is better protected from salt and the end are stainless steel. If you want a true test to see what you get for your money... Pick them up individually. That will explain everything. ATI is the only way to go if you are comparing these 2 fixtures.

11/23/2009, 10:09 AM	#20
mnchartier Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Oh look a river Posts: 458	I wish they had a 48" 8x54 sunpower.

12/31/2009, 09:54 AM	#22
mirthman Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Geneva, IL Posts: 8	Looks like this thread has been quiet for awhile. I just want to chime in that I'm comparing the 8 bulb Tek and ATI units for my 120 and now the price difference is nearing double (you can get a bulbless Tek for $373). My LFS has two of these units running over his display tank, they are hardly warm to the touch after runnnig all day, show no signs of wear after 6 months and put out plenty of light. I dont doubt the ATI is a better unit, but not worth nearly double IMHO. __________________ "They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety. " Current Tank Info: 120g Reef, 75g Sump, 10g Fuge, Vertex 250

12/31/2009, 10:46 AM	#23
sanababit Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Uranus Posts: 3,094	i have an ATI PM 6 bulb, a current 8 bulb single reflector, 6 bulb tek IMO the 8 bulb with the single reflector DOES put out more light than the ATI PM and tek, i understand that it's 2 more bulbs thus the higher output, anyways i believe that the tek is as good as an ATI PM, i will get a par meter and really do a test on all three, btw just get yourself the splash guard and some fans for the tek and you are set...IMHO this talk about 95% reflection and 98% reflection, and german made silver coated reflectors and aluminum reflectors, man if it saves me 500 dlls i would take a 3% loss on PAR, the reflectors rust over time so who cares if they are german made, now about the bulbs, i believe that ATI, giessman and UV are the way to go, so dont skimp on those and for the ballast, they can allways be replaced, good luck sana __________________ Senior Member of the "Hardly any Water Changes, Temp Swinging, T5ing, No Qtining, Frag Exchanging for Fish Food Current Tank Info: 90RR inwall, Octopuss Skimmer, 2 MP40 wQD, 1 MP10 WQD, 2 Radions G4 Pro, Apex Doser, Apex Controller, 400w heater, 30 Gal Sump, Biopellets, Carbon, Gfo, Macroalgae