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A Reef In The Sky
Initial impressions of the ATI Hybrid
I am one to not carry on about a new product that hasn't been proven or tested over time however I will simply say that so far this light unit is impressing me greatly. Time will tell if it continues to do so. I have written a few notes about my experience with this light unit so far.
Build Quality
As expected from German engineering... EXCELLENT!! :thumbsup:
Functions
The functionality and programming ability of the light unit is extremely good. The unit can be programmed from the LED power supply or through a program that can be download from here. Install it on your computer, connect the LED power supply to your laptop (mine is vintage which runs windows XP), open up the program and bingo!!
I have the 8x80W + 4x75W Hybrid. There are two channels for the T5 bulbs. Channel 1 controls x4 bulbs (1,2,7 & 8) and channel 2 controls the other x4 bulbs (3,4,5 & 6). I have the dimmable Hybrid version so all bulbs can be fully controlled from 0-100% intensity at any time I choose. Each of the x4 LED clusters can be fully controlled, from intensity to colour representation. The program allows you to chose pre programmed colours that represent ATI bulbs (Blue +, Purple + etc) or you can customise each. This is achieved by adjusting the intensity of each of the 4 separate colour channels for each cluster of LEDs. The four colour channels are Red, Royal Blue, Blue and White. As you can imagine... it gives an exceptional amount of flexibility. I prefer to program it through the computer as it gives you a graphical representation.
Cooling fans
The cooling fans impress me as they run automatically when required and are triggered to operate by temperature sensors. Most importantly, I can't hear them at all due to my MP40W ES.
No more sag
The newer version of the Hybrid comes with a hole at each end of the unit to allow you to place a clip to stop the perspex from sagging due to heat, age and gravity. A most welcome addition.
Shimmer
I am pleased to say that this unit provides a shimmer effect with the use of LEDs. You can achieve a large shimmer effect by simply turning down the T5 intensity or vice versa if you only want a little. I personally little only a little shimmer.
Acclimatising the new lights
Besides the burning in of the T5 bulbs which I had already done, I went against protocol and ran the lights at full intensity from day one but of course monitored the corals closely. After 2 weeks, I have seen zero side effects, no burning of coral tips or bleaching of any sorts.
Evening shots
I have managed to take a few evening shots (something I find very hard to do).
This picture shows only the LEDs operating. Each cluster can be programmed to whatever appearance you choose: Blue Plus, Purple Plus, etc... It gives great flexibly.
In this picture, three of the four clusters of LEDs are at 2% intensity. The far right is at a higher intensity which is creating an awesome spot light effect. The scenarios you can create are endless. :bounce3:
I hope to get a few screenshots of the program and my light schedule soon.
I am one to not carry on about a new product that hasn't been proven or tested over time however I will simply say that so far this light unit is impressing me greatly. Time will tell if it continues to do so. I have written a few notes about my experience with this light unit so far.
Build Quality
As expected from German engineering... EXCELLENT!! :thumbsup:
Functions
The functionality and programming ability of the light unit is extremely good. The unit can be programmed from the LED power supply or through a program that can be download from here. Install it on your computer, connect the LED power supply to your laptop (mine is vintage which runs windows XP), open up the program and bingo!!
I have the 8x80W + 4x75W Hybrid. There are two channels for the T5 bulbs. Channel 1 controls x4 bulbs (1,2,7 & 8) and channel 2 controls the other x4 bulbs (3,4,5 & 6). I have the dimmable Hybrid version so all bulbs can be fully controlled from 0-100% intensity at any time I choose. Each of the x4 LED clusters can be fully controlled, from intensity to colour representation. The program allows you to chose pre programmed colours that represent ATI bulbs (Blue +, Purple + etc) or you can customise each. This is achieved by adjusting the intensity of each of the 4 separate colour channels for each cluster of LEDs. The four colour channels are Red, Royal Blue, Blue and White. As you can imagine... it gives an exceptional amount of flexibility. I prefer to program it through the computer as it gives you a graphical representation.
Cooling fans
The cooling fans impress me as they run automatically when required and are triggered to operate by temperature sensors. Most importantly, I can't hear them at all due to my MP40W ES.
No more sag
The newer version of the Hybrid comes with a hole at each end of the unit to allow you to place a clip to stop the perspex from sagging due to heat, age and gravity. A most welcome addition.
Shimmer
I am pleased to say that this unit provides a shimmer effect with the use of LEDs. You can achieve a large shimmer effect by simply turning down the T5 intensity or vice versa if you only want a little. I personally little only a little shimmer.
Acclimatising the new lights
Besides the burning in of the T5 bulbs which I had already done, I went against protocol and ran the lights at full intensity from day one but of course monitored the corals closely. After 2 weeks, I have seen zero side effects, no burning of coral tips or bleaching of any sorts.
Evening shots
I have managed to take a few evening shots (something I find very hard to do).
This picture shows only the LEDs operating. Each cluster can be programmed to whatever appearance you choose: Blue Plus, Purple Plus, etc... It gives great flexibly.
In this picture, three of the four clusters of LEDs are at 2% intensity. The far right is at a higher intensity which is creating an awesome spot light effect. The scenarios you can create are endless. :bounce3:
I hope to get a few screenshots of the program and my light schedule soon.
