What do you think?

Dapg8gt

New member
ATI 8 bulb 48" dimmable or 3 ai hydras (or hydra 52's if they ever release) over my 48" 105 gallon.. Going to be SPS dominant with lps and chalices.. I'd rather run 3 units even though they say 3x3 coverage I don't want to come up short..

I already have a 6 bulb 36" ATI sunpower(non dimmable ) but know I'll need more so want to get it over with sooner than later. Love T5's but leds just look better over the tank imo with the right hanging kit and the features are awesome. Apprehensive to go all led but my thoughts are if others can do it I can too=).. Thanks..

Vegas are also an option but not sure it's worth it on the controllability and pucks.

Really like the radion pros but would rather not dump 2k into them.. (that eats into my supercharger and head work fund =).

My gut says go with the ATI but that little voice says screw it rock the LED'S..

Trying to keep a 14-$1500 cap on it but really would like it to be less than a grand =)..
 
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I used to run a 48" 6 bulb over my 90. I was growing SPS half way down. I switched it up to a 90g retro kit from RapidLED. It's still taking a while for me to get used to the new look but my corals seem to be happy. With just LEDs I do get a lot more shadowing under ledges and stuff with the narrower fixture.

However I will be adding supplemental t5 lighting when I have the time to mess with it.

Hope that helps.
 
Cool thanks for the input I was also looking at the rapid pre made controllable fixtures.. My tank is eurobraced open top no canopy so I need whatever I choose to look super clean.. Thanks for the feedback..

I'm sure my tank will rock for a while with what I have but you know how it goes there's always something better..

Another option I was thinking was buildmyled fixtures attached to my sunpower front and back controlled by my reef angel.. I think I can fab up some nice brackets and I saw a mounting option on a sunpower that looked pretty clean.. Just not sure..

Never thought It would be hard to spend $ lol..
 
The t-5s will smoke a tank! they are tried and true. i run a 6 bulb fixture over a 58 gallon and have to put acans and zoas in the shade.

the only downfall is bulb replacement cost and lack of "shimmer"

I want to try LEDs on my next build, but if you want something that you can GUARANTEE will work, the T-5s wont let you down.
 
Yeah I know that the t5's will work for sure, but it's just like your next tank I want to try it but am on the fence due to the way things are going in the led world . there is always gonna be a better unit as the T5 is the top dog in its class.. Guess I just got to pull the trigger on something because the cost is negligible in the long run where the ATI will end up costing more but with less cool factor and features.. Although the dimmable is a cool feature.. Thanks for the opinion it's appreciated.. =)
 
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