What to look for ?

Discussion in 'General Reef Topics' started by cjrudy, May 5, 2011.

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  1. cjrudy

    cjrudy Coral Banded Shrimp

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    I am going to look at a used 48" 6 bulb Tek light this weekend for my new 90 gallon tank. I am not a fan of buying used but it seems like a good deal. ($225-$250 we're still negotiating)

    Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I should look for other than the obvious.

    Thanks
     
    cjrudy, May 5, 2011
    cjrudy, May 5, 2011
    #1

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  2. thepanfish

    thepanfish Flying Squid

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    Rust, bulb firing, bulb condition, bulb age...
     
    Last edited: May 5, 2011
    thepanfish, May 5, 2011
    thepanfish, May 5, 2011
    #2
  3. cjrudy

    cjrudy Coral Banded Shrimp

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    Bulb firing ? Whats that ? Just starting up?
     
    cjrudy, May 5, 2011
    cjrudy, May 5, 2011
    #3
  4. thepanfish

    thepanfish Flying Squid

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    Yes, the bulb should come on in less than 3 seconds and not flicker, if he turns it on and it flickers a few times before it stays on, then no deal. Does it come with bulbs, if so how old? If he says more than 9 months I would buy new ones.
     
    thepanfish, May 5, 2011
    thepanfish, May 5, 2011
    #4
  5. MoJoe

    MoJoe Dragon Wrasse

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    why not get a brand new one from reefgeek for $313: http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5...igh-Output_Fixture_(Black)_by_Sunlight_Supply

    Yes,you will have to buy bulbs but there's no security like buying new from a reputable dealer that will resolve any issues you may have. ReefGeek is absolutely awesome in customer service and I purchased a TEK fixture from them that did have an issue. They were amazing at rectifying the problem. Sometimes the cheap comes out expensive in this hobby or any hobby IMO.

    I would think you could find some used bulbs online in the forums too for a good price.

    Just my 2 cents.
     
    MoJoe, May 5, 2011
    MoJoe, May 5, 2011
    #5
  6. cjrudy

    cjrudy Coral Banded Shrimp

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    Well this fixture does come bulbs, all about 6 months old, I did consider the light from ReefGeek which included the bulbs for $415, but if I can save myself $200 bucks why not.
     
    cjrudy, May 5, 2011
    cjrudy, May 5, 2011
    #6

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  7. MoJoe

    MoJoe Dragon Wrasse

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    got it, I guess I"m just OCD about my equipment, having had issues with some used things, it was always worth the extra $ IMO to buy new unless I really knew the seller. I've dealt with some real crappy people and got some lemons in my past.
     
    MoJoe, May 5, 2011
    MoJoe, May 5, 2011
    #7
  8. cjrudy

    cjrudy Coral Banded Shrimp

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    I hear ya, when I started this project I planned on buying a lot of things used to save money but here we are 4 months later and I have purchased everything new, tank, skimmer, sump, pumps, powerheads etc. So this is my chance to save a few bucks, the guy had a nice set up and is just getting out, I have seen pictures of the light and it looks good. We'll see what happens on Saturday.
     
    cjrudy, May 5, 2011
    cjrudy, May 5, 2011
    #8