ATI Sunpower vs. Powermodule

Dylan · Nov 25, 2009

Hello,

I have been researching what light to get for my next reef set-up. I intend on getting a DSA Neo 90 which measures 36" long, 24" wide, and 24" deep. I decided I want to go with an 6 bulb ATI fixture since they are the best on the market.

I read that the less expensive Sunpower unit has less cooling fans than the Powermodule. Is the 200 dollars really worth it for cooling fans? Is there anything else to consider?

Thanks!

Jeff.:P:. · Nov 25, 2009

I just got the ATI sunpower 36" 6x39w for my 40g breeder, very happy with it. I heard the powermodule has some aesthetics making it look a bit nicer, and the fans are variable speed. I'm very happy with my sunpower (looks great, sleek, dead silent, intense light) I might have shelled out the extra 200 if I had $$ laying around. but that never happens

save some cash for frags,IMO

Dylan · Nov 25, 2009

Ok, thanks. I'll probably just save the 200 and put it towards a Vortech. What are you keeping in the 40 breeder, and do you have heat issues? That sounds like alot of power.

WilD ReeFer · Nov 25, 2009

Iv done the research (because I want one bad) and the main complaint on the sunpower is the fans wont start on some speeds. I really with they made a 8 bulb in the sunpower, that would make my life a lot easier

Jeff.:P:. · Nov 25, 2009

Nemo Niblets said:
Ok, thanks. I'll probably just save the 200 and put it towards a Vortech. What are you keeping in the 40 breeder, and do you have heat issues? That sounds like alot of power.

I have close to 60-70 sps frags and 2 clams, everything is happy and growing fast. :xd:

No heat issues what so ever. I think theres a 0.2 degree fluctuation when the lights come on. :smile:

Dylan · Nov 25, 2009

Dang... Well I'm not going with purely SPS, so I guess I'll be fine with the 6 bulb. I'll just miss the shimmer of halides..

Viva'sReef · Nov 25, 2009

I have heard of some problems with the Powermodule not firing all bulbs? Anyone having problems with their PM?

Dylan · Nov 25, 2009

I'm also thinking about the 36" Maristar w/ 2x250w metal halides and 2x39w T5s. Shimmer + Actinic supplementation... Would you guys go with this or the Sunpower?

mojo · Nov 25, 2009

I have only heard of one issue with a power module not firing all the bulbs.
The sunpower and power module have two differences.
The power module uses a fan for every two bulbs where the sunpower has a fan for every three bulbs.
The PM uses a steel casing where the SP uses a brushed aluminum housing.

The fans on the SP are variable as well. I have mine set at 9v right now. Nice little fixture.

Dylan · Nov 25, 2009

What's the difference between steel casing and brushed aluminum housing?

Jeff.:P:. · Nov 25, 2009

How do you change the voltage to the fans? via the plug adapter?
sorry to hijack..

mojo said:
I have only heard of one issue with a power module not firing all the bulbs.
The sunpower and power module have two differences.
The power module uses a fan for every two bulbs where the sunpower has a fan for every three bulbs.
The PM uses a steel casing where the SP uses a brushed aluminum housing.

The fans on the SP are variable as well. I have mine set at 9v right now. Nice little fixture.

reefdan · Nov 25, 2009

Nemo Niblets said:
What's the difference between steel casing and brushed aluminum housing?

steel casing looks a lot nicer IMO. it's also a lot heavier. my 8x39w weighs about 35 lbs.

i talked to greg at reefgeek before purchasing mine and he said the performance difference isn't much between the PM and SP, he said 5-10%.

i love my 8x39w PM. a little (little...ha!) overkill for my 40b but it will suit me well when i upgrade.

reefdan · Nov 25, 2009

Jeff.:P:. said:
How do you change the voltage to the fans? via the plug adapter?
sorry to hijack..

yup. the PM's ac adapter has variable voltage settings. i think my instructions recommended 4.5v. i switched to 6.0v for additional cooling (and bulb life) and the PAR jumped 20 points on average!

Jeff.:P:. · Nov 25, 2009

Sweet something to play with when I get home!

thanks.
I think I was to excited to read anything when I setup my fixture.

Dylan · Nov 25, 2009

Thanks guys... this was helpful.

ReeferRob · Nov 25, 2009

reefdan said:
yup. the PM's ac adapter has variable voltage settings. i think my instructions recommended 4.5v. i switched to 6.0v for additional cooling (and bulb life) and the PAR jumped 20 points on average!

Come on is that really true PAR jumped 20 point just by adding a little air flow.

Dylan · Nov 25, 2009

ReeferRob said:
Come on is that really true PAR jumped 20 point just by adding a little air flow.

I think this has something to do with it. Read post #7 Realize the true power of T5 for yourself! ATI Powermodule and Sunpower now in. - Reef Sanctuary

"Dana Riddle had an article a few months back on Advanced Aquarist, and his tests show that for every two degrees that a T5 bulb reaches above 79 degrees, the bulb produces 1% less PAR. It is very common for a lit T5 bulb to feel a little hot to the touch, running about 107-108 degrees. Uncomfortable to hold onto. These bulbs will barely feel warm, and as a result they will produce considerably more light."

Jeff.:P:. · Nov 25, 2009

JAmes fatherfee was a speaker at one if our meetings and spoke about a study he did. Testing several t5 fixtures with lightmeter. He ploted the data and found the highest par was the side of the where the fans and exhuast were on the fixture.