ATI 8 Bulb SunPower vs Radion Pro

[Michigan Mike]

The 24" ATI will cover 32". For years I used a 24" t5/Sunpower on a 30" tank. I like some space around the glass for cleaning but I had corals up to the glass all around the tank. You should be fine.

Corals are going to love the new light too, now its up to you if you are willing to invest the bulbs long term.

Set the fan speed to 9v on the Sunpower for higher PAR and better longevity.

 

[asid61]

If you want shade elimination, what's to stop you from simply adding a couple of T5 bulbs along the sides? Is there a space constraint?
You could hang the fixtures lower to reduce shading if you add the two extra tubes.

 

[FlyPenFly]

Thinking about switching out one or two of the bulbs for a Aquablue Special for more peaks in greens. Thoughts?

 

[flamron]

One part that is pretty crappy is that it's $160 + shipping in bulbs every 8 months...

Why so often? When I ran T5s, I changed them out every year.

I recently bought an ATI LED Powermodule - it arrives tomorrow. Changing from a Radion G2. I got plenty of growth, but the color was never there for me.

 

[Michigan Mike]

Ge6500 or ABS

I think a GE and coral plus is enough "day" bulbs

8 bulb fixtures are great because you can use the ge6500 or ABS without dramatically altering the color temp too white.

 

[Michigan Mike]

Only the strictest SPS gurus change bulbs at 10-12 months if the bulbs are cooled like the ATI fixtures. Cooled bulbs only lose about 10% in 7 months. So if you are wanting to keep the light at its best a year is about right.
Most people use them longer than a year. 15 months or more! If corals are happy still, why not. Lower the fixture a couple inches as the bulbs get older to compensate intensity.

Uncooled t5 should be changed sooner. Much sooner.

 

[Michigan Mike]

I still want to see some pics! Lol

I think the ATI is gonna look great over your rimless tank, way better than before!

 

[xXch0dyXx]

Problem solved ; - )

 

[FlyPenFly]

8 month Par Test

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1641235&page=25

You're right, I can probably go for 10-12 months assuming degradation is linear.

 

[SKAREEF]

Another option,

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2289403
http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/Jcrandell1/media/Reef Tank/Reefpics28_zps8093cf5a.jpg.html

 

[FlyPenFly]

Another option,

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2289403
http://s1298.photobucket.com/user/Jcrandell1/media/Reef Tank/Reefpics28_zps8093cf5a.jpg.html

Very interesting and affordable. I wonder what their LED mix is and lens angles.

 

[Michigan Mike]

Never heard anyone have coral die or anything really dire because they didnt change bulbs at 1 yr. Growth will slow a bit and some colors may fade/change a bit - but far from unhealthy IMO. That said I'm at a year on my T5 bulbs, running 8 hours a day. Uh oh!

I like that thread you linked about changing bulbs, I link to it often.lol See how switching the fans to 9v helped boost PAR? Good thread.

 

[FlyPenFly]

Hmm tank looks a bit too purplish to me right now. Should I swap out one of the Coral+ or Blue+ for an ABS or GE6500?

Currently:

ATI Blue Plus
ATI Coral Plus
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Coral Plus
ATI Actinic
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Coral Plus
ATI Blue Plus

 

[FlyPenFly]

Current shot

 

[D-Nak]

I would remove the middle 4 T5 bulbs on that ATI fixture and mount the Radion there!!!

Front to back

ATI Blue Plus
ATI Purple Plus
RADION
ATI Purple Plus
ATI Blue Plus

The light would be amazing!!!

I have a friend who did this exact thing (gutting the center of an ATI fixture and installing a Radion) and he loves it. I like my Radion + T5 combo as well. You really do get the best of both: bright light and color control/dimming with the Radion, and linear, even light from the T5 that removes the shadows (and only 2 bulbs to replace each year).

Problem solved ; - )

Exactly.

 

[FlyPenFly]

I would worry that the Radion is getting very hot if you keep the acrylic shield on.

I found a Zoo Medic 6500K "Ultra Sun" bulb I had from Petco a few months ago and installed that in place of a back Coral Plus. I actually think I'm pretty happy right now with the spectrum shift to warmer.

Still a bit windex-y but not bad. I might replace one of the front Blue+ for a Coral Plus still.

 

[D-Nak]

I would worry that the Radion is getting very hot if you keep the acrylic shield on.

I found a Zoo Medic 6500K "Ultra Sun" bulb I had from Petco a few months ago and installed that in place of a back Coral Plus. I actually think I'm pretty happy right now with the spectrum shift to warmer.

Still a bit windex-y but not bad. I might replace one of the front Blue+ for a Coral Plus still.

I would not keep the shield on. The Radion definitely needs to breathe. You'd have to come up with a creative way to keep the T5s cool.

 

[tommyng79]

ATI all the waaaaaaaaayyyyy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! just sayin. best coloration hands down.

 

[HurricaneSystem]

I have that exact tank and I can't imagine needing more that the Radion Pro. Do you have any idea what kind of PAR that fixture puts out?

I am shocked your corals aren't bleached if you have it turned up a lot. What intensity are you at and why would you want to go to T5?

T5 are fantastic and I have only had great results with T5, but I just wonder why you are wanting to change the Radion Pro?

 

[FlyPenFly]

Clustered LEDs are flashlights, poor if you use only one straight down. You need to use multiple units at angles to get good all around polyp growth without die off in shaded areas.

T5 is much better in this respect because it's light is enveloping.

I've sold this tank and moved to another one and sticking with the ATI, I'm also putting on some DIY LEDs on it as well.