Dimmable T5s

ReefPops · Feb 8, 2013

I'm going through tank frustration and am really not loving my LEDs right now (Radion) on the 45. I am contemplating doing dimmable T5s like my other tank, but just wanted to make sure that I knew my options. Other than the ATI fixtures, are there any other dimmable T5 fixtures? I love the ATI, but just curious what else, if anything, might be out there. Not sure if I'll for sure make the switch, but I'm just not loving my corals under the LEDs. I will however, miss the thunderstorms

PaulKreider · Feb 8, 2013

Is the radion producing too much light?

ReefPops · Feb 8, 2013

I just don't necessarily like the coloring and have a hard time judging the strength. I have my PAR meter but it just looks strange. I think it's comfort thing and my Scolys, for example, just don't pop in this lighting.

that novice guy · Feb 8, 2013

I don't entirely know but you could make your own dimmable t5 and i agree with you on the thunderstorm affect but it scares the fish tho and they have ended jumping out

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k2parkstar · Feb 8, 2013

ReefPops said:
I'm going through tank frustration and am really not loving my LEDs right now (Radion) on the 45. I am contemplating doing dimmable T5s like my other tank, but just wanted to make sure that I knew my options. Other than the ATI fixtures, are there any other dimmable T5 fixtures? I love the ATI, but just curious what else, if anything, might be out there. Not sure if I'll for sure make the switch, but I'm just not loving my corals under the LEDs. I will however, miss the thunderstorms

As far as I know ATI makes the only dimmable fixture. I did a ton of research, even almost bought a radion, before a bought my damnable sunpower. It just came in yesterday and so far so good.

ReefPops · Feb 8, 2013

Yeah I love the dimmable ATI fixture. I got the radion to give the LED craze a try. I may just stick with it, but side by side I always lean towards my T5s. The reason I'm asking is my tank is 22" and the dimmable ATI are only down to 24". It would work, but that's why I'm wondering if there's something else out there. I need dimmable because I do only LPS and lots of chalices.

reefhead · Feb 8, 2013

ReefPops said:
Yeah I love the dimmable ATI fixture. I got the radion to give the LED craze a try. I may just stick with it, but side by side I always lean towards my T5s. The reason I'm asking is my tank is 22" and the dimmable ATI are only down to 24". It would work, but that's why I'm wondering if there's something else out there. I need dimmable because I do only LPS and lots of chalices.

I believe sfiligoi makes a fixture that can do this. Its a nice chunk of change tho.

PaulKreider · Feb 8, 2013

I didnt get a radion but went the way of DIY with rapid led. The led's are rated for 36in depth, and i only have a 27deep, love the things! Never had a scoly though so im not sure on their light requirements, i know i almost burnt out a few lps had to give them some shade. I love the led's though! Would never go to MH or t5's

ReefPops · Feb 8, 2013

PaulKreider said:
I didnt get a radion but went the way of DIY with rapid led. The led's are rated for 36in depth, and i only have a 27deep, love the things! Never had a scoly though so im not sure on their light requirements, i know i almost burnt out a few lps had to give them some shade. I love the led's though! Would never go to MH or t5's

Yeah, I think I'm just being particular. I like a really really blue tank. The LEDs for me are hard to gauge and as I go more blue it looks off. Overall the Radions are a very nice fixture. I think I'm just somewhat partial to the look of the T5s. Who knows, I may end up keeping what I have. Especially since the ATI dimmable will set me back quite a few $$$$. Just getting feelers out there if there is anything else I should consider. I did a lot of research and was hesitant with the LEDs at first which could be contributing to my questions. I'm very safe and cautious with reefing so it may also be that I'm just not used to LEDs yet.

kuyatwo · Feb 8, 2013

i think sfilogoi makes a dimmable t5 fixture

ReefPops · Feb 8, 2013

reefhead said:
I believe sfiligoi makes a fixture that can do this. Its a nice chunk of change tho.

kuyatwo said:
i think sfilogoi makes a dimmable t5 fixture

Any idea where to find them?

reefhead · Feb 8, 2013

ReefPops said:
Any idea where to find them?

You could do a google search. Im pretty sure it will set you back at least a couple thousand.

ReefPops · Feb 8, 2013

reefhead said:
You could do a google search. Im pretty sure it will set you back at least a couple thousand.

I did that but can only see articles on them, no links for purchase.

reefhead · Feb 8, 2013

Try aquarium specialty. The dimming unit goes by ALCS I believe.

wireefman · Mar 8, 2013

did you ever switch Pops? i have an led unit and i too am contimplating this purchase of a dimmable t5

ReefPops · Mar 8, 2013

I never did. Still on my mind though. If I had the $$$ I would have done it. Especially now seeing the new ATI/LED combos, I'm really intrigued. I'm really not loving the LEDs. The look in my other tank is so much nicer IMO.

GratefulReef · Mar 8, 2013

Im in the same exact boat, I want an ati sunpower dimmable and pretty much only that. I will tell you something I found out in my searching is that ATI and many of the top t5 manufacturers have ended production of these fixtures it seems in lieu of the LED market boom, which is unfortunate. Those sfligerois are really nice too, but I couldnt find them for sale either so it looks like ATI is the only option and honestly they are becoming more and more scarce because of production stoppage. If you happen to find a deal on two, get ahold of me and I will do the same

KSzegi · Mar 8, 2013

Sfiligoi does make them ..... I had a t5/led fixture over my 300 that I'm selling (went back to mh/t5) - too bad you didn't need a bigger fixture! lol It is a very nice fixture with pros and cons compared to the ATI. I don't have a dimmable ATI for a direct comparison but do run a sunpower over my 90.

What I like about the Sfiligoi better ......

- fans on each t5 bulb and much quieter than my ATI - really can't hear them running and my ATI fans are fairly loud
- actually like the glass better than acrylic for keeping clean and lack of warping
- better finish on the fixture - not that the ATI's look bad at all but the Sfiligoi defintely looks sharper

What I like about the ATI better .....

- Endcaps on the t5's are a little different and a lot easier to change bulbs .... just seem to pop in and twist easier than the Sfiligoi
- Reflectors seem to be just a hair better quality - can't tell much difference really but the Sfiligoi seem a little 'flimsier'
- Standard hanging kit with the ATI is much better than the Sfiligoi - easily changed but still a point in their favor
- Customer service/warranty that I've had to deal with has been better with Reef Geek than with Aquatics Elite where I purchased the Sfiligoi - not blaming Tim there - it was more Sfiligoli but not great nonetheless

Having both types of fixtures ..... if I were to get another dimmable T5 or T5/LED combo ..... I would pick ATI fwiw.

GratefulReef · Mar 8, 2013

KSzegi do you know if they make something to use legs instead of a hanging kit for the ATI? I would have to clear it with my landlord to modify the apartment at all. If they dont make legs for it, does it seem like its easily modified to accept legs?

KSzegi · Mar 9, 2013

I don't' think they make any legs or tank mounts for the ATI ..... I'm sure it could be modified to accept legs of some sort - but I'm not the one to ask how to that! lol I would think it might be easier to make some hanging mounts that attach to the stand or something than to try to attach actual legs to the fixture ends.