T5 Powermodule vs Sunlight on 120gal

[BowieReefer84]

I notice the 48" Sunlight Supply Tek T5 8 bulb ($374) fixture is 19.5" wide.

The ATI PM 8 bulb ($900) is 17.5" wide.

It seems the Sunlight would provide better "coverage" over a 48x24x24 tank.

Also, with the 24" depth do I really need to move up to the PM? I know it is better made, but is the price justified on a 24" deep sps tank? I would put monti near the bottom and branching sps near the middle/top.

Thanks for any input.

 

[rtparty]

The Tek may throw the light out a little wider but you will have about 25% less PAR than an ATI. If your tank is full blown sps, you will want the ATI. But you don't the need powermodule at all. Save the money and get the sunpower instead.

 

[powderhound]

i Have had both lights over my 120, and would suggest spending the extra money the first time and get the sunpower.

 

[Gonzalex]

I bought an 8 bulb Tek light for my 120 a few weeks ago. Not bad for the price, but Im not impressed with the craftmans ship. It feels a little flimsy and the splash guard warps and looks bad when its off and cooled.

 

[GSMguy]

8bulb ATI sunpower. No need to spend all that extra on the powermodule.

 

[BowieReefer84]

Thanks everyone for the help. Sounds like the ATI sunpower is the way to go. The difference between that one, and the tek is about $250. In the long run that's a drop in the bucket worth of sps in this hobby.

 

[TimeConsumer]

The dimensions of the Tek aren't accurate. The fixture itself is that wide, but the bulbs don't extend all the way to the edge. It has a shape like this < oooo >, if that makes any sense. The width from bulb to bulb is probably about the same.
You can see what I mean in this picture