From Radions to ATI T5 Fixture?

[nickkohrn]

I am currently running Radions over my display tank, but I would like to try T5 over my upcoming 40-gallon breeder frag tank. I want a set-it-and-forget-it solution without the ability to constantly change things. With it being a frag system, I want stability for growth and coloration.

With that said, is this 36" ATI SunPower High Output T5 fixture a good option? I don't care about dimming, so that saves $100. If this fixture is appropriate, then would the 4-, 6-, or 8-bulb fixture be best? The dimensions of the frag tank are 36"x18"x16". I don't mind light spillage, so raising it higher over the tank to accommodate a fixture with more bulbs isn't an issue.

By the way, the frag system will be SPS-only, and I do have a PAR meter.

Thank you!

 

[biecacka]

Nick,
are you getting rid of the Radions all together or just putting t5 on the frag tank?
where in new Albany, I’m on the Gahanna/new Albany line. Any chance you can rent me your par meter for an hour or so? I tried the local club one and I’m not sure it is reading correct so I just wanted to double check it.

corey

 

[UWC]

Read this. It will answer all your questions https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/big-e-rimless-80g-sps.206607/

 

[nickkohrn]

Read this. It will answer all your questions https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/big-e-rimless-80g-sps.206607/

Ha! I have been reading through the for the last few hours!

Do you think that the 8-bulb fixture with Blue Plus and Coral Plus bulbs is too much for a 40-gallon breeder? I ask because @Big E runs only 4 bulbs according to that thread.

 

[nickkohrn]

Nick,
are you getting rid of the Radions all together or just putting t5 on the frag tank?
where in new Albany, I’m on the Gahanna/new Albany line. Any chance you can rent me your par meter for an hour or so? I tried the local club one and I’m not sure it is reading correct so I just wanted to double check it.

corey

I am selling a set of Gen 4 XR15s tomorrow, so I will have another pair of Gen 3 XR15s left. I would like to use only T5s on the frag tank. Since I will be taking down my display tank and only having a frag tank, I will sell the Gen 3s after the process.

Sure, you can borrow it. Send me a PM and we can chat.

 

[UWC]

Depends, how much room are you going to have to raise or lower the fixture?

 

[nickkohrn]

Depends, how much room are you going to have to raise or lower the fixture?

The top of the tank will be at 52" (36"-high stand and 16"-high tank). My ceiling is 9'-high, so I have 56" of clearance between the ceiling and top of the tank.

 

[ScottR]

Ha! I have been reading through the for the last few hours!

Do you think that the 8-bulb fixture with Blue Plus and Coral Plus bulbs is too much for a 40-gallon breeder? I ask because @Big E runs only 4 bulbs according to that thread.

8 bulbs might be pushing it. 4 bulbs should be sufficient for a frag tank. Are you going to have the frags raised and upon frag racks? If so, 4 bulbs should give you more than enough light. And you’ll have the PAR meter to check

 

[biecacka]

I’m sure @Big E will check in and offer his opinion. Truthfully, I thought of switching to t5 after looking at his thread years ago.

corey

 

[UWC]

Four bulb would be fine, I would run a 6 if it were my tank. Definitely no need for 8

 

[nickkohrn]

8 bulbs might be pushing it. 4 bulbs should be sufficient for a frag tank. Are you going to have the frags raised and upon frag racks? If so, 4 bulbs should give you more than enough light. And you’ll have the PAR meter to check

I will likely have them on grow-out tiles on the bottom glass, and then use my magnetic frag racks on the sides and back panes when I cut frags and let them heal.

 

[nickkohrn]

Four bulb would be fine, I would run a 6 if it were my tank. Definitely no need for 8

I appreciate the insights! I went from MH to PAR38 bulbs, so this will be my first T5 experience, and it's difficult to ignore the threads filled with success.

 

[UWC]

Follow @Big E advice in his thread and you will be golden

 

[nickkohrn]

Whoa, I just noticed that @Big E is in South Euclid, OH, which is 2.25 hours from me! Maybe I can get lucky one of these days and meet him in person and pick his brain!

 

[X-37B]

I run 6 bulb ati 3c+ 3b+ 4" off the water on my standard 120. No par meter yet but will be picking one up before the end of the year.
I am setting up a 36x24x12 frag tank with 40 Breeder sump. I picked up a giesemann 6 bulb almost new unit for a steal.
Will run 3b+ 3c+ and adjust the height to match the 120 in par.
I would go with the 6. You can run 2, 4, or 6 bulbs on thier own and adjust par accordingly.

 

[mfinn]

I switched both my tanks from Radions to ATI T5 fixtures and I'm happy with my choice.

For sps on your new tank the 6 bulb fixture should be more than enough.
I did miss the led pop so I added Reef Brite XHO led strips to both.

 

[nickkohrn]

I switched both my tanks from Radions to ATI T5 fixtures and I'm happy with my choice.

For sps on your new tank the 6 bulb fixture should be more than enough.
I did miss the led pop so I added Reef Brite XHO led strips to both.

That’s my only concern. I could get the Aquatic Life fixture and keep two XR15s for the “pop”, but I’m having so much trouble with my decision.

 

[mfinn]

That’s my only concern. I could get the Aquatic Life fixture and keep two XR15s for the “pop”, but I’m having so much trouble with my decision.

If that even a option in the budget, that would be at the top of the list for me.

 

[Murica]

I have an ati 8 bulb fixture and i love it. With the coral plus bulb, it really throws out some serious light. I used a digital timer that i bought off amazon, after that it was pretty set it and forget it

 

[nickkohrn]

If that even a option in the budget, that would be at the top of the list for me.

I do have two Radion XR15 Gen 3s, so maybe it would be best to get the new Aquatic Life fixture... But Big E's results are so encouraging with T5-only.

My main concern is health and growth. Other than that, I just don't want corals looking washed out, regardless of what color they are. I hate when my blues are on and my blue/purple coals disappear.