ATI T5 question

[Camps23]

Hello,
I'm looking to run an ATI PM T5 fixture on my new tank. The tank is 55x27x24
I planned on running a 48" fixture Im just not sure if I should run a 6bulb or 8 with the 27 width tank.

 

[mike810]

if you don't plan to keep much stuff at the front or back of the tank you can get away with 6 bulbs, but if you do go with 8 bulbs. I have a 36x24 tank and run 8 bulbs. My brother has a 48x30 tank and started off with 10 bulbs but took out two bulbs to reduce the intensity of the lights

 

[Camps23]

Thanks Mike

 

[rtparty]

8 bulbs IMO. 6 bulbs will not cover the the 27" and I bet you would regret it down the road.

You can always throw in a couple actinics to help lower the PAR if needed.

 

[pimp4cheddar]

Atleast 8 bulbs as stated.

I have a tank that's 18 inches wide and I have a 6 bulb Powermodule...and it fits perfect. Anything wider...requires a wider lighting unit to spread the light evenly.

 

[crvz]

I ran 8 bulbs on my 24" tank and it worked well. I would recommend 8 for you also.

 

[solitude127]

I have a 8 x 54w PM over my 60x30x20. My rockwork is 3"-4" off the glass all the way around, so essentially, I only need to light 22" - 24" front to back. I would suggest an 8 bulb. If you want to save a few $, go with the SunPower.

 

[Camps23]

Im always up for saving money. The sunpower par readings are similar just not as sleek and one less fan..correct?
I will be mounting the fixture in a hood is that an issue ?

 

[Camps23]

Im always up for saving money. The sunpower par readings are similar just not as sleek and one less fan..correct?
I will be mounting the fixture in a hood is that an issue ?

 

[solitude127]

Im always up for saving money. The sunpower par readings are similar just not as sleek and one less fan..correct?
I will be mounting the fixture in a hood is that an issue ?

For the 8 bulb, it will be 2 less fans. And you are correct, IMO, the SP doesn't looks as good, but are looks worth the extra $300?

 

[gveng]

your paying top dollar for an ATI because of how sleek it looks. if your going to mount it inside a canopy buy an 8 bulb tek and save yourself the money.

 

[Camps23]

your paying top dollar for an ATI because of how sleek it looks. if your going to mount it inside a canopy buy an 8 bulb tek and save yourself the money.

I would be fine with a tek but have heard the ATI blows it out of the water in performance. I dont care about looks just performance. I talked to the LFS today and they said the TEK elite is a better value/performance to the ATI sunpower and close to the ATI PM and nearly half the price !

 

[GiantBen]

I bet they sell the Tek and not the ATI?

 

[solitude127]

If you don't care how it looks, buy a SP. After talking with ReefGeek, they say it's only about a 5% loss in performance compared to the PM. And if I remember correctly, the PM produces about 30% more PAR than a comparable Tek fixture. Also, with proper cooling and spec ballast, like the PM and SP you'll get longer bulb life as well. Don't get me wrong, you can still grow SPS under a Tek fixture, but for a little more money, I'd buy a SP.

 

[rtparty]

I would be fine with a tek but have heard the ATI blows it out of the water in performance. I dont care about looks just performance. I talked to the LFS today and they said the TEK elite is a better value/performance to the ATI sunpower and close to the ATI PM and nearly half the price !

No Tek comes close to competing with an ATI. Get the LFS to show you PAR numbers, they won't have them. There are multiple threads on here proving that ATI's put out the most light.

Like solitude said, you can grow SPS under a Tek or a Current USA fixture or even the cheapest fixture made. But you get what you pay for. Buy cheap and buy often.

If you want performance, get an ATI. They win every time when talking about T5's.

Make sure you have the proper ventilation for canopy. You will want exhaust fans on the side and top. The top should be pulling in cool air for the fixture to take in and the sides should be pulling the hot air out. If you don't properly ventilate the ATI fixture, you will have premature failure. The internals need to be cooled properly to work at their maximum levels.