This is my review of the Catalina T5 Solar fixtures. I'm going to run this as a comparison of three fixtures. CurrentUSA Extremes, Catalina Solar T5, and TEK Sunlight Supply T5. I own one or more of all three, and they actually set up in a good comparison mode.
Price wise, it goes Current, Catalina, TEK
Quality wise it goes right along the same path.
Catalina's T5 fixture uses their stock 8" Hoods. It has a 5 year warranty on the ballasts, which are a good quality in a Workhorse Ballast. They are a solid cast aluminum. The fixture is quite warm after several hours of use, but not hot.
In comparison, the Current fixtures feel the same way, but even warmer, as the housing body is not as deep (please note this is with 2 bulbs, not 4 like the Catalina is running). TEK fixtures are vented throughout the hood body to better dissipate heat, and do not get nearly as warm.
It has one piece of reflector that is bent to mold around each bulb.
In comparison, the Current Extremes use a single flat piece with bent ends, and the TEK's have individual wraps that are also molded and parabolic. This matters because it allows the reflectors to utilize the bulbs to their best, capturing more light when the reflector is molded around each bulb. The quality of the reflector mold is not as good as a TEK, but it is far superior to a flat backed sheet setup.
The spacing of the bulbs is decent, but one end gets crowded.
In comparison, the Current fixtures have bulbs very close together, and the TEK's are spaced the widest. This matters because the wider the spacing, the better able the reflectors are able to get the "bkaclight", or light from the back of the bulb, reflected around the bulb and down into the tank.
The "extras" in it are nice, but optional. I found an EBay dealer who was offering the lights with "free" legs and moonlights. They also offer optional fans.
In comparison, Current 4 bulb fixtures will have fans, but their fans are LOUD. I don't know what fans Catalina uses - after my experience with a Current fixture, I buy and install my own fans, using SilenX computer case fans. TEK fixtures do not use fans. TEK relies on passive air flow with their vented hood - and while it works, they would benefit from having a fan option I think, especially for the big 6 and 8 bulb monsters.
Neither Current T5's nor TEKs have moonlights. This was a nice option for me, I do like them - and though they aren't the best moonlight setups (think of the LED thin strips in like plastic tubes at Home Depot) nor the brightest, there are at least 8 of them, and it gets the job done.
End result:
Quality of Fixture: B
Currents are a C, and TEK's an A+. Catalina uses quality components in ballasts and end caps and everything else, but they would benefit from using a wider housing and improving their reflector design - and they can only improve that reflector if they get the housing about 1-2" wider.
Value of Fixture: A
For the money, this was a good investment I can heartily recommend.
It has all the bells and whistles available, and a good buy can be found both from Catalina on their own site, and from EBay retailers. Legs, mounting sets, moonlights, fans, multiple bulb configurations, and they offer the ability to swap bulbs to what you want, as long as they stock the bulb type.
I think the Catalina fixture is a far better buy for the dollar spent than the Current fixtures, especially after Current raised their prices last last fall. It isa superior hood, has superior legs (Current fixtures have a wire frame "leg" that sits the fixture VERY low near the tank), and has a better warranty.
Yes, TEK's are a better fixture - and are easily 30-40% more, without the legs or moonlights included. Not everyone will see the need, nor honestly the benefit, of high end fixtures like TEK's. My high light big tank uses TEK's, and I am glad I spent the money for that tank - I am also pretty satisfied I saved the money on this 75g setup this Catalina fixture is for. Not necessarily a better buy than TEK's, but perhaps a better fit for many buyers (at least in freshwater).
In the end, it is a very good compromise of a better but still mid-line quality for a good price.
Catalina Solar T5 review/comparison
Great writeup Dave! Be sure to post an update after you've burned them in for a couple of months, to make sure your observations are the same.
I have one thing to add: Catalina has been very club friendly to GWAPA by consistently (3 years now) giving substantial discounts on our fixtures for the aquascaping contest. Plus, they ate the costs to replace a couple bad ballasts that came in on the order last year. Support the companies that support the clubs, and they'll continue to do so.
Thanks again for the writeup!
I have one thing to add: Catalina has been very club friendly to GWAPA by consistently (3 years now) giving substantial discounts on our fixtures for the aquascaping contest. Plus, they ate the costs to replace a couple bad ballasts that came in on the order last year. Support the companies that support the clubs, and they'll continue to do so.
Thanks again for the writeup!
Look closely at the next two. See how they still use the old style bulb clips? See how one bulb, closest to the moonlights, is just a little too tight in the reflectors? Good... but not great. This is what I was trying to say - way better than the average commercial fixtures, but not quite as good as TEK.
Dave
How are the clips attached to the fixture? You might be able to space it away with some small washers or something.
Michael Hill
Proud Member of the
Capital Cichlid Association
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Aquatic-Photography Forum
Proud Member of the
Capital Cichlid Association
American Cichlid Association
Aquatic-Photography Forum
