Ati sunpower

[Nate77]

I have been looking at the ATI sunpower dimmable 6 and 8 bulb fixtures.
Over all my tank is 24" front to back ,display is 17.5" front to back.
Will the 8 bulb be to much at 17.5"?
Will the 6 bulb be enough at 13.4"?

Also see a couple none dimmable sunpowers on BRS open box along with matrix 2.
Worth the none dimming?

Thanks nate

 

[ihavecrabs]

How deep is the tank?

I have a 6-bulb over a 60" x 30" x 22" (LxWxH) and get very good PAR. My guess is an 8-bulb will be way over kill unless you have a 30" deep tank

 

[Nate77]

Tank is 16 deep

 

[ihavecrabs]

Oh yeah, 6-bulb will be great. You'll get some very high PAR values and may want to considering using two actinic bulbs to minimize it

 

[ihavecrabs]

I also wouldn't get a dimming fixture.. I don't see the value in it.

 

[dragon99]

6-bulb should be perfect, but I'd actually consider the dimmable. After BRS' last round of T5 testing the dimmed bulbs show less PAR drop. So basically the dimmable unit would allow you to dim the bulbs to just the right % for the PAR you want which would extend lamp life.

 

[Nate77]

Thank you very much

 

[bubbaque]

I'd also go the 6 bulb dimmable. Not just because it dims but because the dimmable has one cord, instead of three like the sun power. The sun power you also need to buy timers that could potentially block other outlets.

 

[ihavecrabs]

I'd also go the 6 bulb dimmable. Not just because it dims but because the dimmable has one cord, instead of three like the sun power. The sun power you also need to buy timers that could potentially block other outlets.

That's a good call. I didn't think of that much because I run an Apex already. Good to know!

 

[Nate77]

I do have apex if that makes a difference

 

[DMG Reef]

I have the 6-bulb dimmable with Reefbrite LED actinics. Tank is 48-18-18. I've never tested par but a smooth-skin acro advised me that par was too high. She's now recovering on the sand bed. Whether dimmable or not, you can't go wrong with an ATI Sunpower fixture. I get very good colors on my acros, bright pinks and reds. Great investment imo.

 

[bubbaque]

I do have apex if that makes a difference

Depends on how many outlets you want to use on the apex for your light.

 

[Nate77]

Depends on how many outlets you want to use on the apex for your light.

Using right now but would be nice to free one up

 

[A. grandis]

With the T5s most corals will acclimated well to the so called "high PAR" with given time.
6 bulb fixture would work nice and I also vote for non-dimmable, of course.
2 "white bulbs" like the Coral Plus, 3 or 4 Blue Plus bulbs and 1 True Actinic if you choose 3 Blue Plus...
You will love it! The corals will love you forever!! Great colors and amazing growth with T5s.

 

[Lonely reefer's]

Wonder reefers that recommend non dimmable ati
Have you ever own a dimmable ati?

 

[Nate77]

With the T5s most corals will acclimated well to the so called "high PAR" with given time.
6 bulb fixture would work nice and I also vote for non-dimmable, of course.
2 "white bulbs" like the Coral Plus, 3 or 4 Blue Plus bulbs and 1 True Actinic if you choose 3 Blue Plus...
You will love it! The corals will love you forever!! Great colors and amazing growth with T5s.

It what order in the fixture?is the purple + worth adding instead of 3 blues?
White
Blue
Actinic
Blue
Blue
White?

 

[Nate77]

According to a lux meter I am at 400 par right under light drops to 100par 6" under water so really close to pulling the trigger on t5s.

 

[A. grandis]

Wonder reefers that recommend non dimmable ati
Have you ever own a dimmable ati?

I don't suggest to get a dimmable simply because it's not worthy the extra money.
Regular fixture will have less chances of problems and maintenance.
Also, if electricity goes out it needs reprogramming in order to work on time again.
And yes, I've had a 6 bulb dimmable and sold to get the regular.

 

[A. grandis]

It what order in the fixture?is the purple + worth adding instead of 3 blues?
White
Blue
Actinic
Blue
Blue
White?

Absolutely not! Keep the Purple Plus out of the equation! That bulb is purely for those who are worried about their eyes' pleasures. No comparison to any other bulb IMHO.
If you want a hint of it get the Coral Plus. It has already about 10% of Purple Plus in it.
Here:
BACK
Blue Plus
Blue Plus
Coral Plus
Pure Actinic
Blue Plus
Coral Plus
FRONT