Lighting that won't need upgrading

A. grandis · Feb 25, 2021

JL15219 said:
I actually do this with my 4 bulb HO T5s aquaponic light on my 125 gallon planted tank but it really warms up the water and the constant moisture has caused mold and rust.

ATI is an aquarium light, not aquaponic type.
It is pretty hot around here and summer time too and I need a fan to help.
You will never regret getting your ATI because of that though. You will be able to get those corals growing really well and concentrate on water quality instead wasting time and killing corals while figuring out what to do with LEDs.
Well built with the acrylic lens and superb cooling system to get the best efficiency out of the bulbs. ATI is the way to go.
You can also leave more room than I did and place it hgher, like 4" or 6" higher.

Ippyroy · Feb 25, 2021

The Orphek or the Reef Brite bars are a great way to go. You can start off with one or two bars and upgrade by adding more bars as needed. Instead of upgrading by replacing, you are actually upgrading by adding on. Just my .02

Dbichler · Feb 25, 2021

Honestly have only seen them hung under canopies but I’m sure they would be an easy diy to hang or make legs for them to raise them.

Ippyroy · Feb 25, 2021

You can use these for the bars or for the T5. No need to mount from the ceiling.

Universal & Hybrid Light Hanging Fixture - Black

Adjustable and Secure Mounting For Black Aquatic Life Hybrid Light Fixtures Aquatic Life's Universal & Hybrid Light Hanging System is perfect for light fixtures that do not have a tank mounting option or aquariums that cannot accept a tank mount. Securely attaching to the backside to most...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

JL15219 · Feb 25, 2021

A. grandis said:
ATI is an aquarium light, not aquaponic type.
It is pretty hot around here and summer time too and I need a fan to help.
You will never regret getting your ATI because of that though. You will be able to get those corals growing really well and concentrate on water quality instead wasting time and killing corals while figuring out what to do with LEDs.
Well built with the acrylic lens and superb cooling system to get the best efficiency out of the bulbs. ATI is the way to go.
You can also leave more room than I did and place it hgher, like 4" or 6" higher.

Gotcha how long have you had the ATI?

JL15219 · Feb 25, 2021

Ippyroy said:
You can use these for the bars or for the T5. No need to mount from the ceiling.

Universal & Hybrid Light Hanging Fixture - Black

Adjustable and Secure Mounting For Black Aquatic Life Hybrid Light Fixtures Aquatic Life's Universal & Hybrid Light Hanging System is perfect for light fixtures that do not have a tank mounting option or aquariums that cannot accept a tank mount. Securely attaching to the backside to most...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

Have you personally used these for the Orphek or T5?

Jekyl · Feb 25, 2021

JL15219 said:
Yeah I see what you mean. You like those more than the ones I mentioned?

I don't use them. However I've heard quite a few people that like them. I have 2 kessil 360we

JL15219 · Feb 25, 2021

Ippyroy said:
The Orphek or the Reef Brite bars are a great way to go. You can start off with one or two bars and upgrade by adding more bars as needed. Instead of upgrading by replacing, you are actually upgrading by adding on. Just my .02

Yeah that is was exactly what I was trying to avoid upgrading by replacing....

A. grandis · Feb 25, 2021

JL15219 said:
Gotcha how long have you had the ATI?

My oldest fixture is 13+ years old! LOL!

Jekyl · Feb 25, 2021

Or you could go this route. 4 bulb T5 and if you ever want can add LED

24" Hybrid T5HO 4x24W Fixture

Welcome to the future of aquarium lighting! Combine your favorite LED Light module along with Aquatic Lifes T5 lighting fixture to create a stellar lighting system! Accepts many of your favorite LED lighting modules! Includes standard LED Light Brackets Powder Coated Aluminum Frame Individual...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

Ippyroy · Feb 25, 2021

JL15219 said:
Have you personally used these for the Orphek or T5?

I haven't but I would think twice about using them. T5 fixtures and bulbs are heavy, LEDs are a lot lighter.

JL15219 · Feb 25, 2021

Jekyl said:
Or you could go this route. 4 bulb T5 and if you ever want can add LED

24" Hybrid T5HO 4x24W Fixture

Welcome to the future of aquarium lighting! Combine your favorite LED Light module along with Aquatic Lifes T5 lighting fixture to create a stellar lighting system! Accepts many of your favorite LED lighting modules! Includes standard LED Light Brackets Powder Coated Aluminum Frame Individual...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

Yeah I was looking at those as well

JL15219 · Feb 25, 2021

Ippyroy said:
I haven't but I would think twice about using them. T5 fixtures and bulbs are heavy, LEDs are a lot lighter.

What do you mean? I thought you were recommending them lol

Ippyroy · Feb 25, 2021

JL15219 said:
What do you mean? I thought you were recommending them lol

Haha. No auto correct. I wouldn't think twice about using them. Depending on how far the tank is from the wall you could also use shelf brackets. A floating canopy is also a very nice way to do it.

Waynerock · Feb 25, 2021

My tank is 36 inches and I have 3 primes and get great coverage. 3 would be over your budget but you could start with 2 and when you want to grow harder corals add one more. I can grow whatever very happy

JL15219 · Feb 25, 2021

Ippyroy said:
Haha. No auto correct. I wouldn't think twice about using them. Depending on how far the tank is from the wall you could also use shelf brackets. A floating canopy is also a very nice way to do it.

It's actually catty-corned....yeah I guess I could hmmm

JL15219 · Feb 25, 2021

Waynerock said:
My tank is 36 inches and I have 3 primes and get great coverage. 3 would be over your budget but you could start with 2 and when you want to grow harder corals add one more. I can grow whatever very happy

Wow that tank is amazing!!! I was thinking of 3 Primes at one point but I don't think the hob equipment wouldn't allow me to space them out evenly....I have to use the HOB stuff because I don't really have space for a sump....but I was also thinking maybe 2 hydras but don't know if that would be two much.

JL15219 · Feb 25, 2021

Does anyone have experience with the reefbreeders photon on a tank this size? Or able to grow SPS?

Rmckoy · Feb 25, 2021

A. grandis said:
Call ATI directly and ask them the best way to get the fixture you decide for the tank. They will make sure to recommend the best place or provide the necessary info. There is a lot of people getting T5 only fixtures lately and they were not ready for such high volume of demand.

I’ve tried ordering one( 60” 8 bulb )
They are 2-3 months waiting time