Reefbrite > ATI Fixture questions

Jimbo · Nov 12, 2015

I have an 8x24W ATI T5 fixture over my 93 cube. Thinking of adding a blue Reefbrite strip to it, from what I have read these attach pretty easily to the ATI fixtures.

Couple of questions. from what I read you use the existing screws on the fixture to attach the Reefbrite, this may sound silly but what kind of screws are they? They look odd to me

If you were only going to add 1 Reefbrite would you put it on the front or the rear of the fixture?

Do these provide any " shimmer" to the tank?

Anthony Wood · Nov 13, 2015

The only reason you would need to add a reef brite to the tank is for a moonlight for viewing but not add par to the tank. You won't even notice the reefbrite is on when the ATI fixture is on and your not going to get the shimmer either with the ATI on. I know I have a ATI Sunpower 6x80W. Also add it to the front you don't want it to be blasting you in the eyes haha. IDK about mounting. What I did was retrofitted a cheap all royal blue eBay reefbar to my fixture by breaking off the crappy mount that the bar came with and drilling tiny holes into the fixture on the angled face then got the smallest zip ties I could and zip tied it to my fixture. Then put sticky tabs on the side of the ATI fixture to run the LED cord to the back of the tank very cleanly. Came out cleaner then anyone would think. The sticky tabs I'm talking about are the ones you get with ecotech vortech that you can also get at lowes right next to the zip ties. Surprisingly super clean and don't even notice the reefbar because its also silver and blends right into the ATI fixture and the angled face on the ATI fixture just so happen to be the perfect angle to mount the bar to. I use mine only for a moon light at night for a few extra hours of viewing without adding extra PAR to the tank. I had the reefbar laying around so I don't remember the price but I think it was something like $25-$30 for one reefbar then add the $5 at most for the zipties and sticky pads, costed me no more then $35 to retrofit an LED bar to my ATI fixture. I can post a pic of what I did when I get home if you would like.

reef80 · Nov 13, 2015

If you buy brand new then it comes with two metal bracket. You use the existing small hex screw that is currently holding the fixture together. The fittings should match with the bracket. This is the case with my 48 inch. I'm guessing the same for 24 inch also.

All Delight · Nov 13, 2015

Do it you will love it. And it installs just like reef80 says.

Jimbo · Nov 20, 2015

Is the regular output fine or is it worth going for the Xho?

NeverlosT · Nov 20, 2015

I'd go regular output since the ATI puts out a ton of PAR already.

I made two RAPIDLED 36" LED strips with 12x 1watt LEDs (9 Royal Blue and 3 Neutral White). I have them attached to the front and back of my 8x39W ATI dimmable sunpower.

To be honest, the LEDs are too bright and burn corals, so I leave them at like 45% and use them mostly for sunset/sunrise viewing and to fill in light at the very front and back of my 150g cube.

Dimming the T5 bulbs reduces their life (I am told), so my T5 channels basically turn on and turn off, and the LED provides the dimming effect.

Wish I had those slick brackets, my attachment method is a bit less refined

Addicted2ACRO's · Dec 7, 2015

It was also recommended to me by another member to add the ReefBrite to the ATI Fixture. The ReefBrite can be mounted directly onto the ATI fixture

Jimbo · Dec 7, 2015

Yeah, I got one during the Black Friday sales. Installed in less than 5 minutes. Definitely recommend adding one. Corals glow under them

Addicted2ACRO's · Dec 7, 2015

Jimbo said:
Yeah, I got one during the Black Friday sales. Installed in less than 5 minutes. Definitely recommend adding one. Corals glow under them

What bulb combination are you running?

Sabellafella · Dec 7, 2015

Man there star screws half inch your crazy if you dont add it on, i just added 2 last week the brackets go perfectly aligned with the screws just make sure you dont pull on them tho

Sabellafella · Dec 7, 2015

Front of fixture and if all 6 or 8 bulbs are on you cant really tell shimmer but for viewing, reefbrite blues are one of the best actinic blue supp around

Addicted2ACRO's · Dec 7, 2015

Sabellafella said:
Front of fixture and if all 6 or 8 bulbs are on you cant really tell shimmer but for viewing, reefbrite blues are one of the best actinic blue supp around

I'm on it. As soon as the fixture arrives, I'm attaching the ReefBrites. Can't wait to see what my corals glow