ATI fixture thoughts

[apex003]

I've got an SPS dominated 30g rimless and planning for a light upgrade. I've pretty much settled on an ATI T5 fixture so not looking to debate T5 / MH / LED.

What are your thoughts on either:

1) 6 bulb dimmable Sunpower
2) 4 bulb dimmable Sunpower with Kessil A150 supplement (I already have the Kessil), or
3) 4 bulb LED powermodule

 

[mfinn]

I would go with the 6 bulb Sunpower. Plenty of light, and cleaner looking than multiple fixtures.

 

[apex003]

You don't think the 6 bulb will be overkill? Downside is no shimmer.

 

[nwkermit]

I have an IM 30g L...just got myself a ati 8x39w....could it be overkill...yes, but it's dimmable and don't want to spend money on additional light.

 

[mfinn]

You don't think the 6 bulb will be overkill? Downside is no shimmer.

what are the dimensions of the tank?

I went back to a ATI T5 fixture on one of my tanks and love it.

 

[apex003]

It's about 24" long by 13.5" wide for the front compartment. Basically exactly same size as the 6 bulb fixture. Could create some light spillage?

 

[mfinn]

It's about 24" long by 13.5" wide for the front compartment. Basically exactly same size as the 6 bulb fixture. Could create some light spillage?

I wouldn't worry about light spillage. With ATI's reflectors most of the light is pretty directed down.
Plus the light coming from the bulbs is only a shade over 20" and front to back it's really only 11-1/2".

One thing is for sure, you will not be lacking for light

 

[fragman2]

I have an Aquatic Life 6 bulb T5 fixture with a nice mix of all ATI bulbs. Mine is not dimmable but I do have two circuits. A 2-bulb and a 4-bulb. It is so bright that I have 8 of the 12 hours that it is on with only the 2-bulb circuit lighting the tank. My tank has a 36" x 18" footprint. I would think that the 4 bulb configuration would be just fine.

 

[jackson6745]

It's about 24" long by 13.5" wide for the front compartment. Basically exactly same size as the 6 bulb fixture. Could create some light spillage?

Yes It will spill light. On this dimension you would be fine with a 4 bulb ATI. There's no where to fit the kessil in for even spread. If you want LED supplement a blue reefbrite mounts directly to the ATI and looks great.

 

[jaguars4263]

I would do the 4 bulb led powermodule. 2 blue+ and 2 coral+. That would look awesome with the LED's

 

[Smite]

If its sps front to back with lots of rockwork I'd go with the 6 bulb. More color options, Its pretty hard to get a true & appealing color from 4 bulb t5 IMO. Maybe with the kessil, but id probably sell that and get a reefbrite strip. That's a tried and true combo that looks clean.

I haven't looked up the dims of the powermodule 4 bulb but I'd imagine its close to the same as the 6 bulbs, resulting in similar light spillage. Something to look into for sure.

 

[apex003]

I would do the 4 bulb led powermodule. 2 blue+ and 2 coral+. That would look awesome with the LED's

I'm leaning this way but the price delta is a LOT for the ATI LEDs... Am I missing something. Why is it 2x the price?

 

[jaguars4263]

I'm leaning this way but the price delta is a LOT for the ATI LEDs... Am I missing something. Why is it 2x the price?

Because of the LED's

 

[Pete polyp]

A 6 bulb will be perfect. I have a 6bulb over my 29 and its great

 

[reacclimating 2 the hobby]

I have a six bulb over my 20g... the color change in my sps has been incredible.

 

[apex003]

I have a six bulb over my 20g... the color change in my sps has been incredible.

Now we're talking. Do you have pics or a build that shows before / after

 

[Pete polyp]

I saw a big difference switching from a 4 bulb to a 6 bulb

 

[reacclimating 2 the hobby]

My sps are still very small. My tank has been up about four months, so it would be hard to get a good picture with my crappy phone, but I had several change color within the first week of changing from a kessil to the ATI fixture. But here's what I have... first pic is from December and the second one is a couple days into the ATI... it purpled up and the tips have gone somewhat green since... i'll try to get third pic

 

[reacclimating 2 the hobby]

todays pic

 

[Pete polyp]

The first picture was grown under led. The second picture was 90 days later under 6x24w t5