MH/T5 Combo or ATI Sunpower

Thomthom329 · Jun 11, 2015

Hey all,

Looking for some advice on a new light purchase.

I'm looking to purchase either a 48" Hamilton Cebu Sun MH/T5 or the 48" 8x54w ATI Sunpower T5. I've always used LEDs so I'm pretty clueless on MH and T5 technology and what might be best (and what I would prefer) for my 90 gallon (mostly) SPS tank. I'm looking for optimal growth and color (who isn't, right?!).

Also, depending on what you might suggest, could you please include suggestions on which options would be best for each fixture? For example, for the Cebu, should I get the electronic ballast with 14K Hamilton bulbs, or an M80 ballast with 20K Radiums? Other suggestions?

Conversely, for the ATI, should I get the standard 8x54w fixture, or the dimmable one? And what about bulbs, what combination would you recommend for my setup? I can't even begin to guess which 8 bulbs would be optimal. Hoping someone can offer up some suggestions based on their own experience.

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Pete

kschweer · Jun 13, 2015

I personally would go with the ATI fixture. I'm pretty partial to t5 lighting. They're great fixtures. Possibly also look into a reefbrite strip to mount on the fixture for the added pop of blue LEDs. Here's a good link for bulb combos: http://www.atinorthamerica.com/faq.php

Thomthom329 · Jun 13, 2015

Great link. Thanks, kschweer! As for your t5 preference, why is that exactly? What is about a t5 fixture that makes them preferable? Is it the fact they use less electricity? Less heat? Better growth or colors, in your experience? Apparently, t5 and MH users are adamant about their preference but I can't seem to get many specifics as to why they love them so. Frankly, I'm a little concerned that a t5 fixture will look a little washed out in comparison. I prefer a crisp look. However, I'm trying to make a decision that's best for the reef rather than a slight preference in the aesthetics of my tank.

ronnie · Jun 13, 2015

Go with aesthetics when it comes to MH vs T5. They both are very capable in their own rights.

My vote goes for the dimmable sunpower, though.

I have the 8 bulb and use four blue plus, two AB specials and two actinics and really like the color and growth I'm seeing.

kschweer · Jun 13, 2015

Glad the link helped. it's definitely a personal preference of mine, I just like the "look" of t5 over LEDs. I think led lit tanks usually have a lot of shadowing vs the fully lit looks of t5 tanks. On my display (57 rimless) I run a 6 bulb tek elite and get very good growth and color, on my frag system (30 rimless) I run an AI sol blue and don't seem to see the same growth and color as the display. There are many other variable to take into account but lighting is definitely a big one in my opinion.

Thomthom329 · Jun 13, 2015

ronnie said:
Go with aesthetics when it comes to MH vs T5. They both are very capable in their own rights.

My vote goes for the dimmable sunpower, though.

I have the 8 bulb and use four blue plus, two AB specials and two actinics and really like the color and growth I'm seeing.

So you're suggesting both are equally capable and one should choose based on personal preference? No other advantages over the other?

Assuming that's true, what are the aesthetic pros and cons of the MH/T5 combo vs a straight T5 like the ATI dimmable? Why do some 'prefer' the look of the t5, while others prefer MH or MH/t5? Does a t5 produce better color? More pop? Less shadowing? What about shimmer? Does one look brighter than the other? Do corals 'pop' more with one vs the other?

TheZoelander · Jun 13, 2015

Thomthom329 said:
So you're suggesting both are equally capable and one should choose based on personal preference? No other advantages over the other?

Assuming that's true, what are the aesthetic pros and cons of the MH/T5 combo vs a straight T5 like the ATI dimmable? Why do some 'prefer' the look of the t5, while others prefer MH or MH/t5? Does a t5 produce better color? More pop? Less shadowing? What about shimmer? Does one look brighter than the other? Do corals 'pop' more with one vs the other?

I've had both, and I'm running Led at the moment. I was never a big fan of metal halides due to limits on colour of bulbs, and heat is intense, possibly requiring fans or chiller, and bulbs can be costly and need to be replaced every 8-9 months. T5 is cooler with options to play with different bulb combos, still need to be replaced at 9-10 months. I had my best success growing SPS with T5. I regret going with led on this build. I give my tank till next spring and then I'll be switching back to an ATI supposed dimmable.

ronnie · Jun 13, 2015

The best combo you'll ever see is some 250w 14k Phoenix with 4 VHO super actinics. Amazing pop and growth. I loved it. I just didn't love the electric bill it came with.

MH = Shimmer (but as mentioned, less color control) and great growth.

T5 = great color control (change one bulb for $20) and great growth.

If you have the budget, do all three. Run 2x250MH, 4 T5s and a couple strips of blue LEDs. It's a close second to the MH/VHO look.

Thomthom329 · Jun 13, 2015

Electricity use seems to be the most common theme outside of heat. How much additional electricity does the MH use? Not sure that can be easily quantified. Maybe it's easier to estimate a percentage increase vs non-use?

ronnie · Jun 13, 2015

MH versus T5 is a close push with electricity and heat. I run an 8 bulb 24" fixture which is 192w versus 250w on an MH if I went that route (but I'd do both before doing only MH, so that number would be higher).

FoD · Jun 13, 2015

I have run all three. The electricity difference is negligible. The only big money difference happens when you need a chiller, or have very large tanks. I currently run ATI T5 with Led Supplementation, and will be using a MH pendant with LED for my Frag Tank. T5 gives the best color, MH gives the best growth in my experience. LEDs are good for actinic night viewing.

Thomthom329 · Jul 8, 2015

So, I've since moved to a new home and had to break down my 90G reef. Sad day it was, indeed. I was able to save a few frags and some of my livestock using an extra 20G long that I had tucked away, but the rest went to the LFS.

I had hoped to get the 90 back up and running, but didn't have enough time between the move and a trip out of the country that we had planned since January (literally hopped on a plane 12 hours after the move).

Anyway, I'm trying to turn my lemons into lemonade and thinking about upgrading the size of my tank. I have all the equipment for a larger tank so I thought, why not! I'm contemplating between a 150G wide (48 x 30 x 24) or a 195 wide (60 x 30 x 24).

First question, will a single 4 ft Cebu Sun noted in previous posts provide enough coverage for the 150G wide (i.e. 30" wide tank)? Note that I will not have a canopy with the new setup so I can raise the light as needed.

Second question, what's a good alternative to the 4 ft Cebu if I decide to go with the 195G wide? I assume the 4ft fixture will not work with a 5" tank, or maybe I'm wrong???

As always, your input is much appreciated!