ReefCowboy
New member
I could be wrong but ive read somewhere ATI' sunpower is much superior in PAR compared to the Matrix.
I was set on the last one as it looks awesome, but was a bit discouraged with its performance.
Giesemann Lighting Club.
- Thread starter precko
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I could be wrong but ive read somewhere ATI' sunpower is much superior in PAR compared to the Matrix.
I was set on the last one as it looks awesome, but was a bit discouraged with its performance.
I have read that as well, but I believe that was a comparison with dimmable matrix, which makes sense. Matrix does however lack active bulb cooling and reflector design is different so that may be an explanation.
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ReefCowboy
New member
You are correct I remember now cooling had to do with it. I guess if we are trying to make it as appealing as possible, something has to give.
If I were to go T5 again, would definitely skip dimming as well. I hear way too many issues with those ballasts.
ClownBubbaJoe
Member
choss
New member
The spectra should be perfect for your 125. The shadowing mentioned in the earlier thread was on a huge tank - 48" wide I believe. I just picked up a spectra for a custom tank - its not set up yet but its an amazing light from a build perspective. I've never heard any spectra owner being disappointed so I'm hugely optimistic I will love this light.
ClownBubbaJoe
Member
I agree, but with my excitement, I did see the "note" on Bulk Reef Supply's website page, that says the unit does not come with any bulbs or a ballast, so the cost is way out of my budget. Really bummed. !
It's my fault, by not reading all the information and not researching enough, and getting ditty before posting.
I fail to see that with any of the top made lighting systems, that their so expensive. 72",....$3,000 ?
Sorry, I know that Giesemann puts out, in my feeling, the best looking and working light on the market, but 3k ?
So, my only hope is finding a real nice used one someday.
It's my fault, by not reading all the information and not researching enough, and getting ditty before posting.
I fail to see that with any of the top made lighting systems, that their so expensive. 72",....$3,000 ?
Sorry, I know that Giesemann puts out, in my feeling, the best looking and working light on the market, but 3k ?
So, my only hope is finding a real nice used one someday.
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VJV
New member
This is actually incorrect. I have the Matrix ii dim and it is active cooled. In fact, its cooling system is actually more efficient than that of the ATI because it forces the air to run the full length of the bulbs instead of heating just one end as the ATI. There is a BRS video that shows that the PAR levels on the ATI actually decrease towards the end of the bulb that is farthest from the fans.
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Przemek_PacSun
New member
Cooling in Matrix is less efficient in compare to ATI Sunpower due less efficient fans and different cooling way.
In ATI air is moved thru tubes from one side(where are holes from bottom chamber) to second end of tubes - where it out from the lamp.
Without any doubt Giesmann lamp is much nicer and very sleek looking unit, but this factors like cooling and not parabolic reflectors are weak points of that fixture(imho)
Regards
Przemek
In ATI air is moved thru tubes from one side(where are holes from bottom chamber) to second end of tubes - where it out from the lamp.
Without any doubt Giesmann lamp is much nicer and very sleek looking unit, but this factors like cooling and not parabolic reflectors are weak points of that fixture(imho)
Regards
Przemek
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Sorry but have you taken a look inside the Matrix? The "Active" cooling part consists of two fans, one draws air in and the second exhausts it out. The air travels between the fans but stays behind the reflectors. As such, there is no air movement over the bulbs themselves to cool them. At most the reflectors and ballasts are kept cool by this mechanism.
There is potentially a way to force the air to move over the bulbs by blocking air the direct flow of air between the fans with foam strips. Would need to use that orange heat resistant silicone foam to do this and that matterial is pretty expensive.
VJV
New member
Well, airflow dinâmica dictate that hot air rises and creates a void that pushes cooler air in. So the air that exists is in fact the hotter air that is closer to the bulbs and cool air fills in, effectively providing active cooling. The concept that the air just rushes access the top of the reflectors whilst the air bellow just keeps getting warmer and warmer frankly does not make much sense to me.
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rtparty
Raise The Reef!
Test after test has shown Gmann fixtures don't keep up with ATI in raw performance. For years, Gmann was adamant that active cooling wasn't needed and was actually bad for the fixtures. I argued with them about how ridiculous that all sounded and the proof was there to show active cooling was indeed needed for the performance and longevity of the bulbs.
I now have a Gmann light that will be over my new tank in a month or two. (Have a couple other home projects before the tank can be setup where I want it.) I am trying to figure out a sleek way to cool the fixture with a quiet fan or two and not compromise the looks of such a gorgeous fixture.
I now have a Gmann light that will be over my new tank in a month or two. (Have a couple other home projects before the tank can be setup where I want it.) I am trying to figure out a sleek way to cool the fixture with a quiet fan or two and not compromise the looks of such a gorgeous fixture.
There is a number of ways, this can be done. I think the biggest limit is the size of the fan holes in the glass panel. I found that a framless blower-type fan from a graphics card could use those openings much more effectively the the factory fan. Having both fans draw in air into the fixture and then have a slit in the middle of splash shield, would force the air to go through the reflector folds, flow over bulbs from both sides to exit through the opening down the middle.
rtparty
Raise The Reef!
I should have included it's a MH/T5 combo fixture. The Inifniti if I remember correctly
I really like those fixtures too. My original plan was to retrofit AI lights into one in place of Halides. But then I decided to go the hard route of designing and having made custom LED clusters to go into a Matrix chassis.
ClownBubbaJoe
Member
Has there been a poll between the halide, T5 and the LED fixture on what Giesemann owners prefer, and most important, what the corals prefer ?
Growth, color, and best health under which light.
Growth, color, and best health under which light.
I'm CLUELESS!
I'm CLUELESS!
Bought these a year or so ago. Got busy. Anyway.......Few questions if you could please help me.
1. Do I need ballasts for the T5's. If not how do I get them to dim?
2. Can I get 400Watt double ended 20,000K bulbs somewhere and will this fixture run them with the right ballest or do I need to use 250Watt?
I'm CLUELESS!
Bought these a year or so ago. Got busy. Anyway.......Few questions if you could please help me.
1. Do I need ballasts for the T5's. If not how do I get them to dim?
2. Can I get 400Watt double ended 20,000K bulbs somewhere and will this fixture run them with the right ballest or do I need to use 250Watt?
moondoggy4
Team RC
1) The T-5 ballast are internal with the unit.
2) You will have to run 250 watt bulbs.
Congrats that is a beauty. I have a 24'' Infinity model.
2) You will have to run 250 watt bulbs.
Congrats that is a beauty. I have a 24'' Infinity model.
Chris Mills
New member
what is the pin pattern on the lamp cord where it plugs into a ballast? Is it the same as Sunlight Supply?
Maximus
Active member
Has anyone taken off the T5 plastic shield on the Spectra to increase airflow? I just did but now I'm worried about splashes getting in the sockets or salt residue corroding the internal reflectors.
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