I'm in the midst of a DSA 135 build and i'm leaning towards T5's for SPS growth and color. Does anyone use or have experience with the ATI Sunpower Dimmable unit? Is it worth spending the extra money vs the non-dimmable?
Anyone using an ATI Sunpower Dimmable?
- Thread starter Mr E Wrasse
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v10king
Community Member
I have an 8 bulb sun power on my 120g and I ramp up to 100% on both channels over an hour and ramp down at end of day over an hour. I used to have a 6 bulb sun power non dimmable and the dimmable is by far better, as said above it has single cord vs 3. It also has a built in active cooling which is way better than having to set the voltage on the plug to adjust fan speed. This keeps temp in lights at ideal conditions, I think I run at 40 celsius at full power on all channels. Go dimmable if you can swing it.
chris82079
Community Member
too bad your tanks a 48"...i'm selling a 36" 8 bulb dimmable right now
OP
OP
thanks for the info folks. I'll probably end up adding a reefbrite on the front side to get the shimmer. i've always had MH or LEDs so i know im gonna miss the shimmer
steventaylor702
Active Member
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How much are you looking to get for it I have a 48in. Tank but want a 36in fixture because I also have 2 hrydra 26 on the tank.
chris82079
Community Member
its been used less than 2 months and i have 10 bulbs $500 u pick up shipping
swk
Well-Known Member
It's a great fixture. I don't use the dimming feature, but it's nice to have the option and the single cord, plus the internal controller make a nice change from having multiple plugs and timers. Worth every penny for the upgrade from the regular sunpower.
LILBUDDHA
Valuable Member
HMM .. so u feel the 75 watt led puck not enough to make up for 4 t5 bulbs ? I take it ur going from 4 bulb led/t5 to the sunpower . I guess 8 bulbs is definitely more spread .
Have u had it a year yet ? I am wondering since the cooling is automatic is bulb replacement still @ 9 months or yearly .
ronnie
Acro addict
I don't think the LEDs make up for four T5s. I love the color, but I i see some weird shadowing. I also don't think I am getting as much coverage as I will with the 8 bulb sunpower.
For bulb replacement, I have always replaced at 16-18 months, unless being overdriven from the IC 660 (9 months for them). This quality fixture with great cooling would probably allow me to hit 24 months, but I wouldn't push it. I've had the fixture for 14 months, but only running for 9 months as I was still building the setup and used my old 4 bulb for cycling to use up the bulbs I had in that fixture.
For bulb replacement, I have always replaced at 16-18 months, unless being overdriven from the IC 660 (9 months for them). This quality fixture with great cooling would probably allow me to hit 24 months, but I wouldn't push it. I've had the fixture for 14 months, but only running for 9 months as I was still building the setup and used my old 4 bulb for cycling to use up the bulbs I had in that fixture.
LILBUDDHA
Valuable Member
Yah . I came to my senses and it was a bit of a stretch to say 4 bulbs lol . I didn't have a par meter but used a 8 bulb PM unit . I always changed the bulbs out every 9 months based on a thread by Kangym on another forum . Sorry to hear you are noticing some shading . If you get a chance please update your thread . I would love to see the growth on your SPS .
I'm using the 8 bulbs dimmable sunpower right now and and it's an awesome light. Dimming feature is nice to have along with the 1 power cord for everything vs 3 on the old powermodule I used to have.
