The T5 Q&a Thread

[rtparty]

Ok grim, i was all sold on the 36" 6x39w Tek Elite fixture..... But the more im looking at the ATI Sunpower in 4x39" fixture, i don't know which one i should get. Its for a 46 bowfront. There is only like $50 difference in the two, but the tek has 2 extra bulbs. I know the 6 bulb tek will hang over the edges of my bowfront, but i can live with that. Which one would you go with if you were in my position? Also, could you give me a recomendation on bulbs for great growth and good color also? I do want to keep some SPS, but mostly LPS.

On a 46 bowfront I would get a 4 bulb unit over the 6. Actually the fixture you should be looking for is an Aquactinics TX5. One extra bulb and it fits perfect over the tank.

For 4 bulb:

ATI Blue Plus
KZ Fiji Purple
KZ New Generation
ATI Blue Plus

For 5:

ATI Blue Plus
KZ Fiji Purple
UVL Super Actinic
ATI Aquablue
ATI Blue Plus

 

[rtparty]

also, is there anything wrong with going with 2 4 x 80 sp versus 1 8 x 80 pm on the 180 (24"). looks like each fixture is 9.4" which means that if i leave about 1" between, that would cover about 20" with 2" front and back not directly covered.

cost is about 200 less, though i worry about only 1 fan per fixture versus 4 for the pm.

The PM only has 2 fans per 4 bulb unit. The SP has 1 fan per 4 bulb unit. I run a 4x24w ATI Sunpower over my 40 gallon breeder. The second fan really ins't needed. I keep the end caps of my bulbs right around 95F with only one fan set at either 7.5v or 9v. I can't remember without looking.

The nice thing about going with 2 Sunpowers is that you will have total control over your lighting. You could in essence have a 4 stage lighting. 2 bulbs on then another 2 and so on. You get the point.

The only real drawback I see is looking at 2 fixtures being hung instead of one but for $200, I can stand looking at 2 fixtures. Now if they go in a canopy with proper ventilation, you will never know.

 

[Falcao]

when calculating the actual size of the top of a tank , assume I have to take into consideration a euro brace. it is a about 2" boarder going around the take. Do I still need to calculate the 48 x 24 open?

 

[roni]

The PM only has 2 fans per 4 bulb unit. The SP has 1 fan per 4 bulb unit. I run a 4x24w ATI Sunpower over my 40 gallon breeder. The second fan really ins't needed. I keep the end caps of my bulbs right around 95F with only one fan set at either 7.5v or 9v. I can't remember without looking.

The nice thing about going with 2 Sunpowers is that you will have total control over your lighting. You could in essence have a 4 stage lighting. 2 bulbs on then another 2 and so on. You get the point.

The only real drawback I see is looking at 2 fixtures being hung instead of one but for $200, I can stand looking at 2 fixtures. Now if they go in a canopy with proper ventilation, you will never know.

ryan,

thanks...that's very helpful. i think the dual 4 bulb setup would also help me if i go to a 30" wide tank in the future (which i likely will). time to open up the pocketbook again.

 

[Dunky019]

Ok grim, i was all sold on the 36" 6x39w Tek Elite fixture..... But the more im looking at the ATI Sunpower in 4x39" fixture, i don't know which one i should get. Its for a 46 bowfront. There is only like $50 difference in the two, but the tek has 2 extra bulbs. I know the 6 bulb tek will hang over the edges of my bowfront, but i can live with that. Which one would you go with if you were in my position? Also, could you give me a recomendation on bulbs for great growth and good color also? I do want to keep some SPS, but mostly LPS.

I was originally sold on the Tek light, but after doing a lot of research and giving myself lots of time to think about it, I settled for the ATI PM 4x39 watt fixture (I have a 46g bowfront as well). It's worth it considering the ATI fixtures are more sleek, compact, and efficient. Even if it costs a bit more initially, you don't want to regret it later down the road (at least I know I would have). Just my 2 cents

 

[mandm25254]

Looking for some options here guys, I have a 30-30-24 tank it's a mixed reef mostly chalice then zoos and a few select must have sps pieces. What do you guys suggest for lighting? Options I have sp 6 bulb pm six or eight bulb then I have tossed up the idea of the siligilfo 8 bulb stealth what's your guys opinion.

As bulb selection I was thinking

Ati attinic
22k aqua science
Blue pluse
22k aqua science
Blue pluse
Attinic

If I go 8 I'd add a blue pluse and Fiji I obviously like a blue look and I'll also have a led bar aswell.


I'm very couscous to see what you think about the six bulb combo because I use it now and get good color and growth and coral glow

 

[TonyV]

Ryan/Grim - ewhat have you heard about new fixtures from ATI? I hope you are not just referring to the white versions they list on their new site.

 

[rtparty]

Looking for some options here guys, I have a 30-30-24 tank it's a mixed reef mostly chalice then zoos and a few select must have sps pieces. What do you guys suggest for lighting? Options I have sp 6 bulb pm six or eight bulb then I have tossed up the idea of the siligilfo 8 bulb stealth what's your guys opinion.

As bulb selection I was thinking

Ati attinic
22k aqua science
Blue pluse
22k aqua science
Blue pluse
Attinic

If I go 8 I'd add a blue pluse and Fiji I obviously like a blue look and I'll also have a led bar aswell.


I'm very couscous to see what you think about the six bulb combo because I use it now and get good color and growth and coral glow

For 30 inches front to back I would run a minimum of 8 bulbs. For the corals you want I understand that using an ATI may seem overkill but with a few actinics thrown in the mix you should be fine. I would be looking at either the 8 bulb PM or (2) 4 bulb Sunpowers. Keep the SPS directly under the bulbs and raise the fixture(s) to 8-10" off the water. That will give you better coverage and still be enough light for everything.

On a 6 bulb combo I would for sure be running a Fiji Purple. With all the actinic and blue light you have, some colors are going to be very hard to keep.

 

[mandm25254]

What do you think is better on this part ati power modular or the soligifo stealth 8 bulb?

 

[rtparty]

Ryan/Grim - ewhat have you heard about new fixtures from ATI? I hope you are not just referring to the white versions they list on their new site.

I haven't heard too much. Only that they are developing some that are dimmable and the new ATI Purple Plus bulb.

I know they have dimmable fixtures on the market already but maybe something different?

 

[rtparty]

What do you think is better on this part ati power modular or the soligifo stealth 8 bulb?

I don't know much about the Sfiligoi stuff except some older models had serious issues and the company wouldn't stand behind their product. I heard they are using fans now to help cool.

I would stick with the trusted fixture in ATI. They have great customer service and help here in the States. They also stand behind their products.

 

[flamron]

Ryan - any thoughts on this?

Ok - new bulbs are installed and I'm very pleased with color.

I'm overdriving four bulbs and have four regular wattage.

I can touch all eight bulbs on the label end where I'm cooling - they are warm, but are not even close to hot. Am I cooling sufficiently? NO 54w bulbs and the OD 85w bulbs are about the same temp - feeling wise.

 

[Felixc395]

What would be the approximate kelvin rating and PAR of this bulb combo in a 6 x 54 watt sunpower over a 75 gallon?

ATI blue plus
KZ coral light 10k
ATI blue plus
KZ new gen
ATI blue plus
ATI blue plus

Will this be enough for a sps dominated tank everywhere? I like more of a 20k look, and i thought this combo would have some high PAR

 

[rtparty]

Ryan - any thoughts on this?

Make sure you aren't over cooling them too. LOL it's a funny game we play in this hobby.

If you can touch the end caps then you are probably in the right area. Try getting a thermometer on the cold spots of the bulbs i.e the label end. THey should be running right around 95F.

 

[rtparty]

What would be the approximate kelvin rating and PAR of this bulb combo in a 6 x 54 watt sunpower over a 75 gallon?

ATI blue plus
KZ coral light 10k
ATI blue plus
KZ new gen
ATI blue plus
ATI blue plus

Will this be enough for a sps dominated tank everywhere? I like more of a 20k look, and i thought this combo would have some high PAR

Replace the Coral Light with a Fiji Purple. THe Fiji Purple really helps bring out some colors that you might lose with the Coral Light.

Again, good bulbs in an ATI fixture and you won't have issues with SPS. You may even have bleaching issues from too much light.

The combo you mentioned is probably close to an 18k look.

 

[flamron]

Make sure you aren't over cooling them too. LOL it's a funny game we play in this hobby.

If you can touch the end caps then you are probably in the right area. Try getting a thermometer on the cold spots of the bulbs i.e the label end. THey should be running right around 95F.

No kidding! I didn't know I could over cool them :blown:

I will see if I can get a temp gun and shoot some temps and see where I'm at.

 

[Dunky019]

I haven't heard too much. Only that they are developing some that are dimmable and the new ATI Purple Plus bulb.

I know they have dimmable fixtures on the market already but maybe something different?

I just ordered an ATI PM fixture from Reefgeek and George explained to me that the dimmable feature currently out is manual, so you have to physically flick a switch in order to use it... He also mentioned that a more automatic dimming feature would be implemented in the fixtures in the near future... So if you're looking for the dimmer, I would maybe hold off or do a bit of research.

 

[justinc0708]

grim and others,
i have a 75 gallon predator with a lion right now but will have a grouper to.i am going to be mostly be putting zoos and some hard corals in there maybe a clam.it is 15in from my sandbed to the water surface.i was trying to save alittle money and wanted to know what ya think of the wavepoint 4bulb t5ho or the 48"SunDial T5 HO 4X54W.the sundial does dusk and dawn and has moon lights ?will it be good enough to hold those things and what would be a good bulb combo for growth and color of my fish and corals?

anyone that can help,please and thank you in advance

 

[rtparty]

anyone that can help,please and thank you in advance

For a clam you will want at least a Tek fixture IMO.

The Wavepoint systems aren't cooled and have pretty bad bulbs. There are a couple people locally who have them and they were just talking about how they can't keep any SPS down low. All SPS had to be in the middle/upper part of the tank.

I would want a fixture that will put out some PAR if a clam really is in the plans.

 

[Felixc395]

Replace the Coral Light with a Fiji Purple. THe Fiji Purple really helps bring out some colors that you might lose with the Coral Light.

Again, good bulbs in an ATI fixture and you won't have issues with SPS. You may even have bleaching issues from too much light.

The combo you mentioned is probably close to an 18k look.

Fair enough. What effect will the new combo with the Fiji purple's color be. More or less blue? And will this combo cover all of the color spectrum so i bring out every color for sps?