ATI t5 (which one to get)

Justfebreezeit · Feb 9, 2019

Hey everyone,

I just upgraded to a 36Lx24Wx20H 75g

Looking to hang a ATI fixture over this puppy, I want it to be an Acro dominant tank. I currently use t5 supps in my smaller tank and love them.

Im trying to decide between

- 24" 8 bulb (is a 36" fixture beneficial on a 36" tank?)
- 36" 6 bulb (Slightly less par but more horizontal coverage)
- 36" 8 bulb (Best of both worlds but looks bulkier and the cost is a decent chunk more)

Any opinions on this?

29bonsaireef · Feb 9, 2019

I'd go with the 8bulb. As things grow in you can always have more light when using T5s, plus it's nice to to have the extra 2 bulbs for different combos/spectrum. JMO. I had the 24in 6 bulb for a nano and always wished I would have gone with the 8.

Justfebreezeit · Feb 9, 2019

29bonsaireef said:
I'd go with the 8bulb. As things grow in you can always have more light when using T5s, plus it's nice to to have the extra 2 bulbs for different combos/spectrum. JMO. I had the 24in 6 bulb for a nano and always wished I would have gone with the 8.

I figured, so 36" would be pretty beneficial over 24" you think then to huh?

29bonsaireef · Feb 9, 2019

Definitely, the ATI reflectors work great. Gotta be one of the best fixtures out there if you like T5s

Guttersnipe · Feb 9, 2019

BRS is having a clearance on the 4 bulb powermodule. It’s 50% off.
I bought the 8 bulb and put the 4 bulb on my reefer 250.
The Ati fixtures are the best light I have ever used.

RoTtEn FinZ · Feb 9, 2019

I’d go with 8 bulbs.i have exactly the same tank as your.I ran 2 radions g4 pro and i did not like it.I just got the ati 8bulbs from brs last week and ready to be hang next week.Oh,get a couple Reef Brite xho led strip,if you want some shimmers.Hope that help.

TX_Punisher · Feb 10, 2019

Make sure and clean the fans periodically on the ATI fixtures. Just replaced mine after 2 years.

Gablami · Feb 10, 2019

If you want acro dominant, 8 bulb. All else, mixed reef, 6 would be fine. And go 36”.

Justfebreezeit · Feb 10, 2019

Gablami said:
If you want acro dominant, 8 bulb. All else, mixed reef, 6 would be fine. And go 36”.

It seems its unanimous! Thanks for the help everyone.

Justfebreezeit · Mar 1, 2019

Ok picked up a used one.

Im thinking 4 - blue+, 2 - Coral+, 1 True actinic, 1 giesemann 6500. Any opinions?

Backreefing · Mar 1, 2019

I would use at least 3 atinic bulbs evenly spaced ( front middle and rear ) .
Blue + is also a great bulb , and aqua blue to , forget 6500 k use aqua blue to get your whites .
3 atinic
2 blue+
3 aqua blue
My 2 cents

Brian Treadwell · Mar 1, 2019

I have an 8 bulb ATI and if you run 2 coral plus it will be to white dust my opinion . I run 4 Blue plus , 1 coral plus , 2 super actinic , and 1 purple plus and my tank is pretty white of coarse depends what you like.