Thinking of Going T5, Have Some Questions

[Shep]

So after a few years of LEDs I have been thinking of trying out T5 (especially if @Euroquatics releases those LED T5 bulbs ) So I have a few questions, for a 36in tank do I want a 24 or 36in unit, what is a good brand and should it be dimmable? Thanks!

 

[143MPCo]

following!

 

[ethridge78]

If it was me I would get the best a 36''dimmable Ati fixture but you might get by with a 24''

 

[ksfulk]

Im currently using a 48" T5/MH combo on my 60" tank. While not exactly to your specs, heres my observations:

1.) Light height matters - I only run my MH for a few hours a day, the T5s run ~12 hours. I see that if I run my fixture at a height of greater than 14" I get considerable spillage outside of the tank, and some weird reflections through the acrylic. Anything lower than 8" and the light doesnt spread enough to cover my whole tank footprint and I see some of the coral at the edge of the tank suffer. Im currently running at ~10" off the top of the water.

2.) Bulbs matter - I was using some cheaper bulbs that I was told were close in quality to the ATI/Geissman bulbs. I was never really happy with the coloration that I was getting (everything looked really yellow) until I bought some of the ATI bulbs. Even the actninics looked deeper and richer in the higher quality bulbs.

I think if you can raise the fixture up a bit, and.or you have a pennisula style tank, the 24" would work for you, as the spread should cover your footprint with ease. If you have to run the fixture lower, have a "deep" tank or are running average to low quality bulbs, get the 36" fixture to have the coverage even out the inadequacies of the smaller fixture.

 

[Shep]

So can I do T5 alone or should I run MH with them? Don't really want to run MH because of the heat that they put out

 

[BfishLpond78]

I run a 48 inch fixture on a 60 inch tank...great spread at the appropriate height with plenty of power.

I currently have the ATI Dimmable Sunpower with a LED Reefbrite supplementation, best of both worlds. I really enjoy the dimming feature, really add's nice transition vs. the instant on and off.

 

[Diesel]

My $0.02 go with a 36".
The full coverage will be beneficial for SPS on both sides of the tank.
If you choose the powermodule from ATI you have the option to still have the LED's to ramp up and down.
How wide is your 36" tank?

 

[smh254]

I have a 36 inch dimmable ATI T5 fixture on my 40b. I think sometimes that I should've went with the 24 fixture so I have a place to put my low light coral but I am very happy with what I have now.

 

[smh254]

I also had LEDs for about a year. I switched to these T5 and have had much better coloring the growth is about the same.

 

[Shep]

My $0.02 go with a 36".
The full coverage will be beneficial for SPS on both sides of the tank.
If you choose the powermodule from ATI you have the option to still have the LED's to ramp up and down.
How wide is your 36" tank?

Its your standard 40b so I think it is 16in wide? Was probably not going to go with the powermodule just due to cost of it

 

[Diesel]

Its your standard 40b so I think it is 16in wide? Was probably not going to go with the powermodule just due to cost of it

I understand.
Check this out https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/ati-factory-seconds-reloaded.213824/
The still have I think two 36" 8 bulb units for $395.96.
Bought a 60" from them non-dimmable 8 bulb for over my SPS fragtank and these are brand new, it has a scratch on the back and hardly noticeable.
You probably would need a 6 bulb fixture for the 40B.
Giesemann has some awesome new T5 fixtures on the market too, kind of pricey but worth the look,

http://www.giesemann.de/710,2,MATRIXX II DIMTEC,.html

 

[Shep]

I understand.
Check this out https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/ati-factory-seconds-reloaded.213824/
The still have I think two 36" 8 bulb units for $395.96.
Bought a 60" from them non-dimmable 8 bulb for over my SPS fragtank and these are brand new, it has a scratch on the back and hardly noticeable.
You probably would need a 6 bulb fixture for the 40B.
Giesemann has some awesome new T5 fixtures on the market too, kind of pricey but worth the look,

http://www.giesemann.de/710,2,MATRIXX II DIMTEC,.html

Thanks for the info! Maybe my tank will look as good as yours does oneday lol

 

[Diesel]

Thanks for the info! Maybe my tank will look as good as yours does oneday lol

I'm just doing old school, nothing special.

 

[jeremy]

36 inch 6 bulb ATI Sunpower works great over a 40 breeder. I wouldn't spend the extra on dimmable, But that's just my opinion. 36 inch 6 bulb will give you full coverage.

 

[MrDJeep123]

I wasn't aware that t5s were dimmable. As in...ramp up and like a dawn, high noon, and dusk?

As for the lights, I don't know why most people want their tanks lit up like a Christmas tree. The look aspect anyways, I get the need for PAR. Personally I love the shaded "don't go in that there cave" look.
I hope you find something that suits your needs, Shep.

 

[Sabellafella]

Haha finally bro make the switch i got both a dimmable nd powermodule, toss a reefbrite on the fixture if you want the led look , when all the bulbs are on tho you cant tell the shimmer unless you have the dimmable

 

[Sabellafella]

The powermod and the sunpower or dim with a reefbrite looks juss the same both still give 800 at the waterline

 

[Diesel]

Shep was trolling the ATI forum yesterday and he made a nice discovery as the had the light shown as 39" which should be 36".
I think that only should give you a free light.

 

[kschweer]

I would agree with a 36" fixture and if it were me I would go 6 bulb with a reefbrite. This is what I run over my 57 rimless which is basically a 40b just taller. I think you will be happy switching, I love my t5's and it would take a lot for me to get rid of them.

 

[Shep]

Shep was trolling the ATI forum yesterday and he made a nice discovery as the had the light shown as 39" which should be 36".
I think that only should give you a free light.

I like the way you think lol