ATI sun power 8x80

[Murica]

I've been stuck on leds for the longest time, but for the first time I'm thinking t5. For a while I was contemplating mh, however with power consumption and heat, cost of bulbs, and a decent fixture, just doesn't sell me enough. Besides, from what I see, t5 has better results.

Loaded question here, but which is better for growth and color? T5 or led. How long do bulbs typical last, what is a good bulb combination, and how long do ballasts last?

My tank is 6 long, 30 inches tall and 2 feet wide. I'm planning on a mixed reef.

 

[ZaneTer]

I have the fixture you are planning on buying. I love it. Growth is great and no playing around with settings. It’s incredibly bright. You could add an actinic for some colour pop if you like that sort of thing. I use blue+ and coral+ in my tank.

 

[fishyguy7]

I really think the sweet spot is LED’s and T5’s. I have radion G4 pros and I’m awaiting shipment of T5 add one for them

 

[Murica]

I have the fixture you are planning on buying. I love it. Growth is great and no playing around with settings. It’s incredibly bright. You could add an actinic for some colour pop if you like that sort of thing. I use blue+ and coral+ in my tank.

How much of each do you use? I'm clueless when it comes to this

 

[Murica]

Also, how long do the ballasts last typically?

 

[ksfulk]

Ive been using the 8x80w Sunpower for... three years now without any real issues. Bulb combinations are highly subject to personal preference - if you like more or less blue, if you have a certain color spectrum you want to emulate. I prefer Giesemann bulbs to ATI bulbs, but both work. If you search ATI bulb combinations in this forum, you can come across dozens of different combinations.

I've replaced the caps in my fixture once, and I replaced one ballast in an attempt to troubleshoot - but it did not need to be replaced. I replace my bulbs every 6-8 months, but they can go upwards of 12 months before they need to be replaced. I replace the front 4 in the summer, the back 4 in the winter, to break up the cost a bit.

My current bulb combination is (front to back) (all Giesemann bulbs): Actinic Blue, Tropic 6500k, Super Actinic, Actinic Purple, Actinic Blue, Super Actinic, Aquablue Azure, Actinic Blue

 

[Murica]

Ive been using the 8x80w Sunpower for... three years now without any real issues. Bulb combinations are highly subject to personal preference - if you like more or less blue, if you have a certain color spectrum you want to emulate. I prefer Giesemann bulbs to ATI bulbs, but both work. If you search ATI bulb combinations in this forum, you can come across dozens of different combinations.

I've replaced the caps in my fixture once, and I replaced one ballast in an attempt to troubleshoot - but it did not need to be replaced. I replace my bulbs every 6-8 months, but they can go upwards of 12 months before they need to be replaced. I replace the front 4 in the summer, the back 4 in the winter, to break up the cost a bit.

My current bulb combination is (front to back) (all Giesemann bulbs): Actinic Blue, Tropic 6500k, Super Actinic, Actinic Purple, Actinic Blue, Super Actinic, Aquablue Azure, Actinic Blue

Thanks for the info. I'm assuming some of the light choices have to be better for growth than color?

 

[blkhwkz]

I use 4 blue+ and 4 coral+ in mine. I usually replace the bulbs every 12 months. After BRS released their videos and testing of T5 bulbs, I am going to wait 18 months this time. Been running my fixture now for over 2 years, no issues.

 

[Murica]

I use 4 blue+ and 4 coral+ in mine. I usually replace the bulbs every 12 months. After BRS released their videos and testing of T5 bulbs, I am going to wait 18 months this time. Been running my fixture now for over 2 years, no issues.

Does the regular sunpower, not the dimmable one have light switches? Or is it just the plugs?

 

[ksfulk]

just plugs.... one for bulbs 3 & 6, and one for all the rest of them

 

[Murica]

just plugs.... one for bulbs 3 & 6, and one for all the rest of them

Thanks. Just ordered a dual digital timer with independent outlets. This is the only light that I hear practically all positive reviews, getting excited to get them.

 

[ksfulk]

I love mine - you'll love yours too.

 

[Murica]

Is there a huge difference with the 6 vs 8 bulb?

 

[Murica]

Just pulled the trigger on the 8 bulb! 4 blue plus, 2 coral plus, and 2 actinic.. The actinic will be on one channel while the rest on the other, so that way I'll have a nice blue light for early morning and late night once I get the times sorted out

 

[Murica]

#awesome

 

[29bonsaireef]

Great choice. One of the best fixtures out there. I haven't swapped bulbs going on 16 months now. Corals still look great, and growing well.

 

[Murica]

Great choice. One of the best fixtures out there. I haven't swapped bulbs going on 16 months now. Corals still look great, and growing well.

Thanks! Long story short, I had a catastrophic failure a few years ago where I lost practically everything. Now I'm so happy everything is finally finished again. Couldn't be happier

 

[Murica]

What speed should I put the fan?