4bulb or 6bulb T5HO HELP!

Mandrew · Sep 7, 2016

Im looking at getting this grow lamp and just putting some ATI bulbs in it to save some money on my new 75g build. Im looking for advice if I should go with a 4 bulb fixture or a 6 bulb fixture? I would like to keep a mixed reef and for the first time ever have quite a bit of SPS corals. Another thing I really would like in this tank is a Maxima Clam. So any advice would be great! looking to light this tank for around $300 if possible. Please let me know what you think!

Here is the fixture im looking at: http://hydrobuilder.com/sun-blaze-t...eXm0NdWSXYREHTgX5vmt2RAh5JeYZCuKBoaAtqK8P8HAQ

Mandrew · Sep 7, 2016

Mandrew · Sep 8, 2016

Nobody has an opinion?

Tahoe61 · Sep 8, 2016

No history with the fixture, opinions will be few and far between regarding those that have actually used the fixture.

If you're going to spend the money on clams and sps in my opinion is behooves you to spend the money on a fixture designed for reefs.

Look to craigslist, local reefing clubs, DIY LED kits such as Rapid LED. Cheaper fixture designed for reef tanks can be had.

Mandrew · Sep 8, 2016

The problem is, I really don't want to go with LEDs this time. I've never really had good growth under them probably because I don't know proper intensity and don't have the money for a Par meter. I really want to go with T5 lighting this time and I don't have $1500 for an ATI fixture.

Tahoe61 · Sep 8, 2016

I still think better fixture are:

http://www.marinedepot.com/Wave_Poi...WavePoint_Technology-ZP01002-FILTFIT5-vi.html

http://www.marinedepot.com/Coralife...r_Aquariums-Coralife-ES08604-FILTFIT5-vi.html

Looks to the forums as well. Invest the money now before venturing now into clams and sps is my opinion.

Learn how to use LED, if I can you can and I have not used a par meter in years.

I have seen great tanks under Reef Breeders and they would fit into your budget.

https://www.reefbreeders.com/value-led-fixture/

Mandrew · Sep 8, 2016

I'm set on t5s for sure. I've done a lot of research and they just offer plug and play success that LEDs don't. They have better coverage and less hot spots as well. But I also think I need a 6 bulb over a 4 bulb and with this option I can have 6 Ati bulbs as well as a 6 lamp fixture for under $300. Just seems like a great option to me. Lol it has individual reflectors and worst case I can swap the ballast with Ati ballasts for $25 each.

jeremy · Sep 8, 2016

I would do a 48 inch 6 bulb on that tank.
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/48-ati-sunpower-high-output-t5-light-fixture.html
If you can find a used one that would be ideal for you. Also look into the old TEK t5 fixtures or an Aquatic Life. You should be able to find a used one for decent price.

Mandrew · Sep 8, 2016

See that one is $500 without bulbs the ol lady wouldn't appreciate that lol. I know I'm coming off as a cheap skate but I like to save money.. Lol what could possibly be wrong with the sun blaze fixture?

jeremy · Sep 8, 2016

I haven't used the sunblaze, but I have used other cheap one before. The bulbs only last 6 months and have lower light out put. The individual reflectors and active cooling increases bulb life and light output.
On an ATI or other cooled fixture I change bulbs every 12-14 months.

I was not happy with the cheaper fixtures and ended up spending the money later anyway.

nervousmonkey · Sep 8, 2016

jeremy said:
I would do a 48 inch 6 bulb on that tank.
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/48-ati-sunpower-high-output-t5-light-fixture.html
If you can find a used one that would be ideal for you. Also look into the old TEK t5 fixtures or an Aquatic Life. You should be able to find a used one for decent price.

Jeremy is right here though. It's not the ATI bulbs that give the PAR output, although they play a part, it's the fixture that drives them. Look in the used section for ATI fixtures, they have some that are slightly dented or scratched but never actually used and the price is cheaper. I know what you mean about T5's, but I have an 8 bulb ATI on one of my tanks and I supplement it with a ReefBreeder and everything grows well. T5's are plug and play, but LED's work just as well. At least follow Jeremy and Tahoe and try something besides the sunblaze... It's the fixture that makes the light good, not the bulbs...

Mandrew · Sep 8, 2016

Scratch and dent type fixtures? Where could I find that?

G8trBait16 · Sep 8, 2016

I just bought an ATI 8 x 54w dimmable Sunpower unit for my 75g SPS dominated tank, which will be delivered on Monday. I am converting from 2 Hydra 52 HD's.

Mandrew · Sep 8, 2016

How much was that?

G8trBait16 · Sep 8, 2016

Mandrew said:
How much was that?

It was about$850 for the unit and all of the bulbs. I already had 1 blue+ bulb, so I ordered 3 more (to give me 4) ATI blue+, 2 ati purple +, 1 coral+ and 1 ati actinic. But my fiancée wanted to keep the clean lines since I have no canopy, so they will be hanging. I wanted something that would be great for the 75G (maybe too much), but also for when I upgrade to a larger tank.

Mandrew · Sep 8, 2016

Yeah I want a 6 bulb for sure now. And I want a hanging fixture

G8trBait16 · Sep 8, 2016

Mandrew said:
Yeah I want a 6 bulb for sure now. And I want a hanging fixture

From the people I have talked to and with the research, I would have gotten a 6 bulb if I wasn't going to upgrade in the foreseeable future. Then it will all come down to bulb selection. I like more of a bluer look, but still need the par for my sps/acros.