From LED to T5

[Saltysav96]

id go with a 60" ATI fixture. either 6 or 8 bulbs. and add 2 orpheks, sbars, or reefbrites to it.
alot of times you can find a open box ATI fixture on BRS.
ive also seen where ATI will post dent and ding models for sale on r2r.

the sunblaze fixture on brs are good too. they just dont have cooling fans like the ATI.

i am running a 60" ATI 6bulb on my 5ft 150 with 2 orphek OR bars.

 

[kiMxD]

I wouldn't skimp on lighting for sps.

Sorry what you mean?

 

[reacclimating 2 the hobby]

Sorry what you mean?

Looking for the cheapest option probably won't get you far with high demand corals. ATI 6 bulb = 480w... what you linked = 96w

You said your budget was $800. I'd lean towards the higher end of that when picking a light for SPS corals.

 

[reacclimating 2 the hobby]

If it were me i'd either pick up the ATI 8 bulb and sell my two AI Primes to offset some of the cost or pick up two more primes and the aquatic life hybrid.

 

[JoshKReef]

I agree, I'd go with an ATI 6 bulb (the 8 bulb will be close to the width of your tank, and if you add LED strips, they would hang out a bit), they look nice, and you can add LED strips to supplement the T5's later.

This is what I'd do:

You may be able to find a used one for sale, I looked on our forums, but didn't see any that aren't sold. These are popular, and get bought quick.
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/60-ati-sunpower-high-output-t5-light-fixture.html
$605.95

Pick 6 bulbs from here.
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/which-ati-bulb-combination-should-i-choose.205103/
$150

-----
Total: $755.95

$44.05 Remains

Sell AI Prime HDs
+300 (hopefully)

344.05 left in budget.

See how you like it, maybe add 1-2 LED strips from here, they easily mount to a sunpower.
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/aquarium-lighting/aquarium-led-lighting/reef-brite.html?scrollTo=400

 

[Dom]

I’d say my budget is around 800$ total.

I think you should be able to find decent T5s for that price.

 

[Dom]

I am using two AÍ Primes HD only to light up my tank, as I said, I have fish only at this moment and I am looking for the best solution to start adding SPS and LPS.

Maybe you can add T5s to your existing lighting?

 

[zoanutty]

I have a pretty new (a month or so old) 60” Aquatic Life Hybrid I can do for $350 shipped. I took down the tank I bought it for.

 

[rockskimmerflow]

If you're looking for simplicity and success with SPS, your best option is the 60" ATI 6x80W fixture. You can add an RB LED strip to it for added pop with ease. That way you're more than covered with the growth component and you can use the LEDs for the visual effect when the T5s are off.

And don't worry at all about using the 60" on a 72" tank. There will be more than enough coverage to do SPS everywhere but the very far corners.

 

[kiMxD]

I have a pretty new (a month or so old) 60” Aquatic Life Hybrid I can do for $350 shipped. I took down the tank I bought it for.

I will take it. Would you mind giving me a call? I will pm you my phone number.

 

[zoanutty]

I will take it. Would you mind giving me a call? I will pm you my phone number.

Sure thing

 

[JoshKReef]

I will take it. Would you mind giving me a call? I will pm you my phone number.

How do you think you're going to set it up? Add your LED's to it? Or just use it as a T5 fixture?

 

[kiMxD]

How do you think you're going to set it up? Add your LED's to it? Or just use it as a T5 fixture?

T5 only?

 

[JoshKReef]

I just want to make sure you understand, the aquatic life fixture is meant to be a hybrid fixture (both LED and T5s).

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/60-h...re-with-led-mounting-system-aquatic-life.html

The LEDs are in the center, and the T5's are on the edges. So you're supposed to add your primes to the middle.

I have nothing against the aquatic life fixture, and I think its a great option, but I just wanted to make sure you knew what you're getting into. The only things I do not like about the aquatic life fixture are cords from each side, and no acrylic shield.

Oh, also...

*AI Prime HD lights require the use of the Prime Hanging Kit (sold separately), but you also may have this already
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/ai-prime-hanging-kit-black.html

 

[zoanutty]

I informed him of that and let him know that although I ran the ALH by itself, it looks much better with LEDs in the middle.

Also, I don’t think he will need the Prime’s hanging arms, because the ALH brings a few different options that would work with them.

 

[madweazl]

Eesh, the Primes just aren't a good fit for that tank but you could transition to other LEDs over time if you decide to go with the AquaticLife hybrid.

 

[kiMxD]

Thank you all for all the help and replies. I truly appreciate it!

 

[Docdiggy]

I love my ati 6 bulb with led for supplemental.

 

[kiMxD]

Eesh, the Primes just aren't a good fit for that tank but you could transition to other LEDs over time if you decide to go with the AquaticLife hybrid.

This is what I am concerned. I am leaning towards this one: https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/60-ati-sunpower-high-output-t5-light-fixture.html thoughts?

Thanks!

 

[madweazl]

Cant go wrong with T5s, it just doesn't get any simpler. Light replacement costs add up but they flat out work. I've been running an AquaticLife hybrid for a few months now and have been mostly happy. They dont put out the PAR that some of the quality T5 units do for some reason (likely temperature and the reflectors that lack-luster). With that said, I've had good results on an acropora dominant setup even though the fixture was intended for our other tank.