New lights...can't decide

BMW540 · Dec 5, 2016

I've been using black box LEDs for about 3 years and want to try something different as many of the diodes have burnt out. Part of me wants to go back to T5s as they are tried and true, but I have a feeling that I'll miss the shimmer of the LEDs. Here are the options that I'm weighing for my 180 gallon mixed reef:

8x80w ATI Sunpower with 2 E5 bulbs

4 Ocean Revive T247 LED fixtures

12x39w Nova Extreme Pro

I can get the Nova Extreme Pro for next to nothing, but my concern is the long-term cost of bulbs.

cohlton · Dec 5, 2016

Do you have a canopy? If so I'd say t247 with t5

BMW540 · Dec 5, 2016

cohlton said:
Do you have a canopy? If so I'd say t247 with t5

I haven't gotten around to building one yet, but will have one. I'd like to stick with one of the three that I listed and not combination.

djd3mon · Dec 5, 2016

If money is no object go with the STI t5's

T247's are some of the best leds you can get for the price.

If I had the money I would do t5's

cohlton · Dec 5, 2016

BMW540 said:
I haven't gotten around to building one yet, but will have one. I'd like to stick with one of the three that I listed and not combination.

Then definitely t5

ATI North America · Dec 5, 2016

I voted Sunpower because you didn't have the LED Powermodule on the list! Let me know if you have any specific questions I can help you with in your decision.

Cheers

twilliard · Dec 5, 2016

Considered replacing your burnt chips?

Salty1962 · Dec 5, 2016

You don't have them listed but Radions are great LED lights. Do you use a controller?

BMW540 · Dec 5, 2016

twilliard said:
Considered replacing your burnt chips?

Not worth the time/effort to me since I want to upgrade anyways.

Salty1962 said:
You don't have them listed but Radions are great LED lights. Do you use a controller?

I don't. I'd like to stay <$1300 for the lights which I can't do with Radions (I'd prefer to buy new ones)

Salty1962 · Dec 5, 2016

BMW540 said:
Not worth the time/effort to me since I want to upgrade anyways.

I don't. I'd like to stay <$1300 for the lights which I can't do with Radions (I'd prefer to buy new ones)

I was just thinking about the sales going on for G.3 Pros. The G.4s are expensive. Good luck in your quest

Eggyoke · Dec 5, 2016

My vote would be for the Ocean Revive. $640 for four units is pretty good.

BMW540 · Dec 6, 2016

Seems that almost everyone is thinking the same as me...ATI!

gus6464 · Dec 7, 2016

ATI all the way.

sinekal · Dec 7, 2016

I really like the idea of a dimmable sun power with some e5s. Once they make a 15k e5 I want to try that set up.

BMW540 · Dec 7, 2016

sinekal said:
I really like the idea of a dimmable sun power with some e5s. Once they make a 15k e5 I want to try that set up.

They don't make a 60" dimmable so it will just be the standard sunpower. I've decided to pull the trigger and get it!

ATI North America · Dec 7, 2016

sinekal said:
I really like the idea of a dimmable sun power with some e5s. Once they make a 15k e5 I want to try that set up.

E5's are still a 50/50 gamble they will work on a dimmable ballast. Euroquatics is aware of the situation. Its a gamble if you get luck to have a set that works, or maybe doesn't.

BMW540 said:
They don't make a 60" dimmable so it will just be the standard sunpower. I've decided to pull the trigger and get it!

Woowho! Let us know if you have any questions setting it up. Be sure and install your bulbs with the label end on the the end of the light with the cord.

Cheers

BMW540 · Dec 7, 2016

ATI North America said:
Woowho! Let us know if you have any questions setting it up. Be sure and install your bulbs with the label end on the the end of the light with the cord.

Cheers

Thanks for the tip. I sent a PM with another question.