ATI or LED Help me decide????

[treedog5]

Thanks again salty, I will be looking out for a 48in. Now that I think about it I wonder if I could use the LED on one end and let the ATI cover the rest of the tank?? Let me get my tape measure out LOL..

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Thanks again salty, I will be looking out for a 48in. Now that I think about it I wonder if I could use the LED on one end and let the ATI cover the rest of the tank?? Let me get my tape measure out LOL..

hahahah. you'll prob hate it. a retro fit might be a cool add though.

 

[jaguars4263]

I have an 8 bulb ATI on a 100g. I would do a 6 bulb if you want to grow sps corals. The 4 bulb should be fine for lps and softies. I love my ATI fixture!

 

[treedog5]

To continue with this, would a 4 bulb 48'' be any better? Or should I not even bother unless I get a 6 bulb fixture? I'm just curious if the extra length would make a difference...

 

[hart24601]

Is there a particular reason for dropping the LEDs? I would personally prefer them and if you already have them why buy new lighting?

It's fine if you just don't like a lighting type, but doesn't sound like you are displeased with them. Doesn't sound like an upgrade, just switching and perhaps even downgrading. I don't think you will see any amazing changes with switching. Like I said if you just hate LEDs that's cool, but otherwise save your money. Take a look at my signature links - all LED and started with cheap value black boxes.

 

[dragon99]

From a pure #'s standpoint, 48" T5 is ~38% more power per bulb, or another way, 36" is 1.08 Watt/in, 48" is 1.125 Watt/in
So you will get more light from a 48" fixture and cover the tank completely.

Really, you will be fine with either one, and I'd just pick whichever is available at the best price.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Really, you will be fine with either one, and I'd just pick whichever is available at the best price.

yup, and fits the tank length best.

 

[treedog5]

OK, the only reason I was thinking about switching things up is because I've always heard T5 would grow corals better. I've never used T5s so I thought I would give it a try. I came across a really good deal for the T5 so I thought what the heck, let's see how they do. But if you guys feel that I won't see any real difference then I will save that money..

 

[Denisk]

Go with an ati fixture. You can always add either kessils or reefbrites if you feel like you need a little bit more par/color change.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

I've never used T5s so I thought I would give it a try.

I highly recommend trying new things. It IS different. I never said better. It def WONT kill your coral.
But as an aquarist the experience may well lead you to to further learning, and for most of us that's the draw.. I think that's what the hobby is about. Or we'd all have clowns bta and xenia's and some staghorns under t12's.

Its YOUR tank.

 

[hart24601]

You won't grow coral any better just with lights. I won the acro grow out with LEDs, it's more about feeding than anything else if PAR is ok, color is nutrients.

It can be fun to try new things, but if that's worth spending the $$ that's up to you! I don't feel like I can recommend someone dropping hundreds on something just to play around if there quite possibly will not have improvement.

 

[treedog5]

Wow, very impressive tank @hart24601 . I just looked through the links in signature and I guess no one can argue with those results. I think I will just keep the LEDs that I have and spend that money on another power head, thanks for all the input guys...

 

[hart24601]

Thanks!!

And happy reefing!