Ati hybrid vs stellar vs..

roberts01 · Jul 27, 2019

I cannot decide what to buy:
Currently i have ati sunpower 8x80

I want to switch to led/t5 combo

My options are
Ati hybrid powermodule 6x80 and 4x75 led
Giesmann aurora only 4 t5 but wider led
Giesmann stellar with 3x radion xr15
Or add 3 xr15 to my sunpower but that includes cutting it and getting rid of 4 t5 bulbs

Any opinions?

ScottB · Jul 27, 2019

That 8X80 Sunpower is a beast. I love mine but it does throw a ton of heat.

The first 3 are all good options, but I don't have first hand experience, so here is another thought:

Aquatic Life Hybrid. Then you can choose your own LEDs. Radions, Hydras, Kessils. It comes with mounting brackets for all. I have installed a few for customers and run one (48" with 3 Hydra 26s) over my frag system.

Be aware, Aquatic Life is NOT German engineered stuff. The T5s are not actively (fan) cooled. There is no acrylic panel on the bottom. I could guess where it is made, but I can assure you it wasn't made in Deutschland.

The Pros are that you get flexibility, decent looks, decent performance, reasonable weight and you won't break the bank. I like the flexibility the most. In the reviews, you might read complaints about the T5 power cords routing out BOTH ends, but the latest models resolved that stupid flaw. Make sure you are getting the newer version; I think it looks better too.

TheGreatWave · Jul 27, 2019

I'm loving SunBlasters! Decent quality, available locally. It's a $50 a HO fixture with the bulb. (It's a white bulb but whatever, it's a spare)

I would have never noticed them if it wasn't pointed out to me by a local reefer when I was having a problem with my ATI sunpower order. They even sell the rack to clip up to 7 of them together to hang it. It's actually pretty sleek looking, if a little utilitarian for most tastes.

Sure the fan in a ATI may give more PAR, but I also have the option to add another bulb or three for much less money.

Very modular and flexible for configuration. They come assembled too, so it's not like wiring a retrofit.

I'll say it again SunBlasters!