which t5 for my 36x20x20

Chris155hp · May 15, 2014

Hey guys I'm looking of getting rid of my 2 Metal halides and canopy and letting my rimless reef savvy be rimless again as I'm struggling with heat issues due to a closed canopy (even with 3 pc fans a full blast) and hate having limited access to my tank. So I'm kinda set on ATI as their quality of fixtures is top notch and looks very clean. I really prefer the dimmable versions.

First Question is should i go 6 bulb or 8 bulb for a 36x20x20 rimless?

Also i really hate that I'm loosing my led stunner strip, so much so that I'm thinking of going with an 8 bulb and removing one t5 and putting in 8-10 Royal blues and 8-Blues without optics for spread (so having 7 t5 and 16-20 Leds). Ive seen also others adding a reef bright strip to the front of the fixture and going 6 bulb but that doesn't look as clean. Any suggestions?

I know ati has the power module but thats WAY WAY overpriced what its is. only really want blues and royal blues anyway for moonlight pop, not really for growth.

O its going to be a mostly SPS dominant with a few lps.

Reefing Madness · May 15, 2014

6 lamp unit would be enough, 8 would be awesome.

Chris155hp · May 20, 2014

What bulb combo do you guys recommend for acros. I'm leaning to 3 blue plus some purple plus one coral plus and one aquablue special. Might replace aquablue special with another coral plus but afraid will be too pink! Looking for good combo or color and growth on Sps

Chris L · May 20, 2014

I'd definitely do the Sunpower. An eight bulb would be awesome because you can do many more lighting combo's. Its a great fixture and reasonably priced. The amount of PAR these things throw out is incredible. My light combo below is 12" off the surface of the water and still hits 280-300 PAR at the bottom of a 24" deep tank.

I currently love my bulb combo with 8 bulbs...

(Front)
Blue+
C+
Actinic (sunrise/sunset)
Blue+
P+
Blue+ (sunrise/sunset)
C+
Blue+
(Back)

So for your six bulb a similar look will be:

Blue+
Actinic
C+
Blue+
P+
Blue+

You would have to play around with order what looks best. Also for your fixture I'm not sure which 2 bulbs are your sunrise/sunset so Id use your Actinic and Blue + on that channel.

Chris155hp · May 20, 2014

Thanks Chris!!! I think I'm gonna go with the 6 so I have enough space the throw in a blue and royal blue led strip like build my led or reefbrites without it over hanging my tanks.

arnel0387 · May 22, 2014

I'd do the 8-bulb ATI fixture and convert one of the bulbs into an LED. 4 blue+, 1 purple+, 1 coral+, and 1 actinic. This unit is 17" width and is perfect for a 20" deep tank. 8"-12" above the water surface. Post some pics!