hahnmeister
In Memoriam
mrpet, do you want to go all T5, or a T5+MH mix?
ATI T5 Lighting Fixture
- Thread starter Serioussnaps
- Start date
The Grim Reefer
Ready for some NOBALL!!!
Not unless there are some fans hidden in there somewhere. Doesn't look like much in the way of reflectors either. Got any shots that show the reflctors better?
Who makes the fixture, it looks cool.
Who makes the fixture, it looks cool.
hahnmeister
In Memoriam
Fans can always be added. Seems every T5 mfg and their mother makes those little 120mm clip-on fan arrays for that very reason.
vthondaboi
Premium Member
hahnmeister
In Memoriam
mr pet, I not that Im into the watts/gallon thing, but considering we know your dimensions, volume, and the intended type of light, I feel comfprtable saying you are looking for something in the range of 800-1000 watts worth of T5s.
This could be done with 80 watt bulbs (12+) or 54watt bulbs (18+) of either fixture.
This could be done with 80 watt bulbs (12+) or 54watt bulbs (18+) of either fixture.
The Grim Reefer
Ready for some NOBALL!!!
Too bad they build such a cool looking fixture and don't build in fans. They are giving away 30% output, at least.
Aqua Keepers
New member
I contacted reefgeek to see if they had possably tested the ATI against the Ice Cap retro and this was his reply:
Hi Robert,
Unfortunately we haven't had a chance to do a direct comparison between an ATI fixture and an IceCap retrofit, but based on independent test results of each respective system I would suspect that the output between the two is comparable with the IceCap retrofit probably putting out a bit more light. Even though the IceCap kit will probably produce more light, the ATI fixture is going to be more energy efficient as it normally drives the T5 bulbs while the IceCap over-drives them. The ATI fixture is also going to run cooler. Unfortunately these benefits come with a higher up front cost especially since you'll have to run two 36" fixtures end to end in order to get good coverage over your tank.
Hi Robert,
Unfortunately we haven't had a chance to do a direct comparison between an ATI fixture and an IceCap retrofit, but based on independent test results of each respective system I would suspect that the output between the two is comparable with the IceCap retrofit probably putting out a bit more light. Even though the IceCap kit will probably produce more light, the ATI fixture is going to be more energy efficient as it normally drives the T5 bulbs while the IceCap over-drives them. The ATI fixture is also going to run cooler. Unfortunately these benefits come with a higher up front cost especially since you'll have to run two 36" fixtures end to end in order to get good coverage over your tank.
grim, couldn't agree with you more!!!
although after looking at the fixtures more closely, the top and side metal seems to be full of little holes, almost a mesh like material. im betting that thats what keeps the temp so easy to control. the fixture is made by the top manufacture of MH fixtures in the world and im pretty sure they invented the acls method as well, they should know what they are doing. that said, im still very doubtful, and if i pay anywhere near the price of what i expect that fixture to cost (1000 plus) and dont get fans im going to be very upset
just my two cents
although after looking at the fixtures more closely, the top and side metal seems to be full of little holes, almost a mesh like material. im betting that thats what keeps the temp so easy to control. the fixture is made by the top manufacture of MH fixtures in the world and im pretty sure they invented the acls method as well, they should know what they are doing. that said, im still very doubtful, and if i pay anywhere near the price of what i expect that fixture to cost (1000 plus) and dont get fans im going to be very upset
just my two cents
hahnmeister
In Memoriam
Well... the ATIs can be had in 80watt/5' bulbs though, unlike the Icecaps (okay, you can with the icecaps, if you can get some of the limited edition 5' reflectors and dont mind only running 3 bulbs per ballast). But I would still chalk up the 80watt/5' units by ATI as an advantage in this realm, since you dont need to have twin 3' units then.
The Grim Reefer
Ready for some NOBALL!!!
If you are talking retrofits Ice Cap is the schnitz if you need that extra intensity. You really should run fans anyway so the Ice Cap ballasts are giving you 35% output for 30% more power usage, not a bad deal.
The Grim Reefer
Ready for some NOBALL!!!
Expensive retrofit. The 80 watt units ar a good deal
The Grim Reefer
Ready for some NOBALL!!!
Having the fans turn on and off with temp is a waste just like Ice Cap's variable speed fans. If the lamps are running you ned the fans running too. Functionally I don't see any benefit to the FM over anything else. They are just much easier to install.
Aqua Keepers
New member
Yes, i was talking about the80w 660 retrofits. I did'nt know IC made a fixture. Anyway, I think I'm just gonna go with the Ice Caps as I was gonna end up putting the fixture in a hood anyway. I just thought that the ATI's might be pushing better light. However, it seems (if I'm getting this right) that you get better light with the Ice Cap retros, but better electric bill with the ATI fixture.
The Grim Reefer
Ready for some NOBALL!!!
I am going to do a test to try to see if the ATI is overdriving the 39 watt lamps. The company says no, I just find it hard to believe that fixture can double the output of a Tek based on reflectors and cooling alone.
hahnmeister
In Memoriam
The OSRAM ballasts dont overdrive, they do run at a much higher frequency though... close to 100khz. Others by advance and universal (ones we see more commonly sold by SLS) are 50khz.
Its not overdriving like a Icecap, but its using the whole 'higher frequency' thing like Icecap.
Its not overdriving like a Icecap, but its using the whole 'higher frequency' thing like Icecap.
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