T5 fixture comparison

[IronMan72]

I'm planning to upgrade my current Power Compact fixture on my 75G DT with T5's. I frequently read that the ATI fixture is the best and that the TEK fixtures are close behind. What makes these fixtures so much better than the rest? While cost is always a consideration I would rather buy once and be happy than to buy cheap and need to replace it soon. These are the fixtures I am comparing.

ATI 48" SunPower T5 HO 6x54W
Sunlight Supply TEK LIGHT T-5, 48" 6x54W
Catalina Aquarium 48" BLACK SOLAR T5 HO - 8x54W

Actually I'm leaning toward the TEK fixture as a good blend of price and quality. The ATI fixture seems to have a premium price tag for limited additional value. The Catalina fixture seems decent and for just a few dollars more than the TEK light it has two more bulbs (8x54W) but is probably overkill for my 75G DT.

The thing I dislike most about all of these fixtures is the power configuration (2 bulbs on one switch, the rest on the second switch). I'd much prefer one switch controlling 2 bulbs each. Does anyone know if any of these fixtures comes with all 2x54W ballasts? This would make a mod very easy to do to add the extra switch.

 

[Gravesj1s]

Im not sure about those comparisons,so cant comment.I have a ATI power module it differs slightly from the ATI sunpower.

I know lots of people immediately see ATI and think $$$$.Not exactly the truth.I compared the costs between the TEC and the ATI and cost wise there wasn't all that much difference.
ATI I use is only 4 bulbs and I dont think it woulkd be easy to put a 6 bulb over a mixed reef.Its a bit tricky for me with chalices ,acans and lots of other lps that dont do well in the direct light,ime.

I forgot what the tec cost initialy but I want to say 400 plus the acrlic sheild , all the bulbs (20 a piece plus shipping.You still need a mounting kit or hanging kit.

The ATi was 550 shipped from Reef geek ,included was mounting kit ,acrlic sheild choice of 4 bulbs ,with close to double the par of the tec 6 bulb.Per grims testing and the response he gave to me,but that was 3 years ago.Maybe the tec has improved,I really dont know.

 

[Capt_Cully]

As far as I'm aware, TEK reflectors improved within the last 2 or 3 years. They went from something like 93% up to 96% reflectivity. Doesn't sound like much, but multiply it by the number of bulbs and it'll kick out a bit more PAR. The ATI's are at 98% I believe.

Not familiar with any differences between their ballasts, someone else would have to comment there.

 

[Tonynlo]

Ironman- I have a 6x54 sunpower light arriving on Wednesday. You are more than welcome to stop by and have a look. Like graves said, 6 bulbs will be a lot of light for a mixed reef. I re-stacked my 90 to create more caves and low light areas.

I assume it's going over your 75? Give George at reefgeek a call and talk to him, he's a great guy and knows his product.

 

[IronMan72]

ATI I use is only 4 bulbs and I dont think it woulkd be easy to put a 6 bulb over a mixed reef.Its a bit tricky for me with chalices ,acans and lots of other lps that dont do well in the direct light,ime.

This is exactly why I'd prefer to have the option to turn the bulbs on two at a time. This would allow me to run 2 at sunrise and at sunset, two more an hour or two later to an hour or two earlier to simulate mid morning and mid afternoon sun, and the last two for a couple hours a day to simulate mid day sunlight. I use an AC2 controller so this would be easy to setup.

Ironman- I have a 6x54 sunpower light arriving on Wednesday. You are more than welcome to stop by and have a look.

I assume it's going over your 75?

It is going over my 75G. I really appreciate the offer to stop by, your a bit far from me though.

As far as I'm aware, TEK reflectors improved within the last 2 or 3 years. They went from something like 93% up to 96% reflectivity. Doesn't sound like much, but multiply it by the number of bulbs and it'll kick out a bit more PAR. The ATI's are at 98% I believe.

This explains why older posts seemed to suggest a much wider variation from ATI to TEK than newer posts.

 

[Capt_Cully]

I just got new TEK retro fits, still in the box. Just checked and they advertise 97% reflectivity FWIW.

 

[Gravesj1s]

Ok ,now it makes more sense to me why the tec seamed to be getting better review.Thanks for clarifying guys.

 

[Johnny C]

Great topic!

Great topic!

Dave,

Seeing that I am a T5 'junkie' and have owned all three of the fixtures you mentioned, I feel obliged to reply.

First and foremost, none of them are created equally. The Catalina was one of the first light fixtures I owned. It certainly served it's purpose, but it's a lower-quality chinese made fixture, nothing more or less. I then upgraded to a Tek and noticed a 10-15% increase in PAR. I noticed that a lot of the colors of my corals didn't come alive until upgrading to the Tek. Finally; the ATI. I didn't understand why they were so exclusive until I received mine. The attention to detail in regards to aesthetics is far superior, the built-in controllable fans are great, and the use of high-quality ballasts/reflectors was very obvious when I quickly started bleaching corals. I then tested the PAR and realized that the ATI put out almost 30% more PAR than my Tek. :eek2: I also noticed a difference in the life of the bulbs, and I attribute that to both the type of ballasts used.

With that being said, a 6x54w ATI is overkill for a mixed 75G. You'll have a hard time keeping Softys & LPS anywhere but shaded sandy areas, trust me. A 4x54w Sunpower would be more than enough to keep lower-light stuff on the bottom and SPS middle to top. As already mentioned, the Tek isn't any cheaper when you figure in the cost of legs and acrylic shield. Either way, be sure to light acclimate your livestock so you don't spend months recovering them like I did.

I actually have a 6x54W Powermodule being shipped to me as we speak. You are more than welcome to come over and check it out, but either way I plan to do a full T5 review with pictures and par ratings soon. Hope this helps!

PS- As mentioned, Greg and George at Reefgeek are great... they are also the exclusive US Distributors of everything ATI.

 

[toddmh]

I actually have a 6x54W Powermodule being shipped to me as we speak. You are more than welcome to come over and check it out, but either way I plan to do a full T5 review with pictures and par ratings soon. Hope this helps!
.

Awesome Johhny can't wait ..I'm upgrading my t5 lighting this spring..

 

[wesleyforbes2]

I will be looking forward to your review as I am upgrading to an ATI Sunpower 6 x 54w to place over my 90 gallon. I do have a few LPS and softies but am willing to sacrifice to start SPS.

 

[IronMan72]

It looks like I was overestimating the amount of light that I'd need so I've revised my list of fixtures to consider. The approximate prices include bulbs, acrylic shield, hanging kit, and ground shipping. I'm leaning towards the Tek Elite. Both the Tek Elite and the ATI Sunpower claim to have aluminum reflectors that are 98% reflective. Based on specs alone, it seems that there might not be as much difference in performance as in the past. Has anyone compared these two fixtures side by side? These fixtures are priced much closer than I would have expected but is there any reason why it makes sense to pay the extra $75 for the ATI?

48" 4x54W Tek Light Elite T5HO ~$400
48" 4x54W ATI SunPower T5HO ~$475

 

[Tonynlo]

What kind of bulbs are you getting with the Tek?

 

[sedorusc]

Does the tek come with fans?

 

[fatrip]

I'd say go with the ATI. The only reason just looking at them, because you stated they are alike tech wise, is the fans. The number one reason bulbs degrade fast in t-5 fixtures, reto fit or in a case, is because of heat not being dispersed from the ends of the bulbs. The Tek has a passive heat dispersion system and the ATI has active heat dispersion system.

nm I was looking at the wrong Tek fixture. The one your looking at has a fan.

 

[IronMan72]

What kind of bulbs are you getting with the Tek?

Once I've decided on the fixture that will be my next big decision. I'm sure there are plenty of people with an opinion that will help me make a good decision.

Does the tek come with fans?

The Tek elite comes with a fan. It seems to be a very competitive product.

 

[Tonynlo]

I just set up an ATI Sunpower 6x54 tonight. I don't regret spending the little extra on ATI over the TEK. 100% satisfied with this purchase!

 

[Johnny C]

I just set up an ATI Sunpower 6x54 tonight. I don't regret spending the little extra on ATI over the TEK. 100% satisfied with this purchase!

I wouldn't regret it either; the Sunpower is much nicer than the Tek Elite, which currently has a recall on the faulty fans. I have used both and there is a night/day difference in quality. Post pics!

 

[MarkKlier]

Great thread. Johnny look forward to your post. On the low end I have a retro fit job on my 180. There are only 6 bulbs lighting the whole tank. That turned out to be fine for the LPS and rose I keep in that tank. MK

 

[wesleyforbes2]

IMO go with the ATI! Don't forget that the ATI uses 2 fans versus one for the TEK. Also it is not only the fact that there are fans but the way in which the ATI channels the air through the fixture is important and this in itself makes it a better fixture.

I plan on getting the Sunpower 6x54 for over my 90 gallon and intend on growing prodominately SPS.

 

[Tonynlo]

This was taken with 2x 250MH's 14K

This was taken with ATI Sunpower 6x54

Bulbs are:

Back

Blue Plus
AquaBlue Plus
GE
Purple Plus
Blue Plus
Blue Plus

Front

These were taken with an iPhone. The picture with the MH's is messed up. It was not that blue. It is unfair to judge this picture by the way the corals look. I restacked my rockwork in anticipation of the new light, so the corals were pretty much closed up. The hammer looks amazing under the T5 though! I need to repaint the back of my tank... im a little bummed out that my girlfriend scratched the paint off with a mag float.