2x39w 36" Hagen Glo Retro vs. 2x39w 36" Tek2 Retro

[JMLenke]

Ok I decided to do an experiment after reading this thread:
http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/light ... 2x54w.html

The Hagen Glo prebuilt double fixture is a single reflector but the retro kit is individual reflectors.

I am ordering the 4x39 Tek2 tomorrow hopefully but I went out tonight and bought the Hagen Retro to compare it against the best of the best.

I am going to order the geismanns per the 50br thread as well so that I can compare bulbs as well as fixtures.

Admittedly this is a very one sided endeavor and Im sure that I wasted my money and am wasting my time with the Hagen but for grins and chuckles I am going to test it.

2x39 Hagen Glo Ballast (passively cooled, permanent housing with water resistant toggle)
2x 36" Reflectors (multiple bends NOT flat, not very polished which will noticeably impact the results)
2x 39w T5 6700k Life-Glo bulbs (very white to my eyes)


Biggest issue I have already found is that the bulb is held in place SOLELY by clips, the end caps have screw on caps to limit water intrusion BUT are loose. You would need to trim the top to install the end cap in a vertical position (so that the wiring is not immediately visible).

I do not have anything to accurately test the difference between the kits so this is totally going to be done by "opinion".

[JMLenke]

and...... scratch that because the ballast just blew on the Hagen.

I'll exchange it tomorrow and see what happens.

[JMLenke]

ok Hagen ballast replace, Tek2 retro ordered

now to play the waiting game.