Which light fixture would you use?

[Ocean Mang]

I am changing my Display Tank to a 65 (36"x 18" x 24") from my 54 Corner. I have a 24" 6 x 24W ATI T5 fixture and I have a 36" 6 x 39W Current Nova Extreme Pro fixture. I would be running ATI bulbs on both. Obviously the Current fixture would fit the tank dimensions perfectly, but my thoughts are......Does the ATI fixture drive the bulbs brighter thus increasing Par? Also, the part of the tank that the 36" fixture would cover is partially the corner overflow. What do you think?

Thanks,

Joel

 

[nanojg]

Id do the ATI hung about 10-12" high, probably more light and less wattage.

 

[Herbie]

Thats a tough call. The Nova would fit perfect, but the ATI is the better overall fixture. Not sure if the 6-24" ATI would out do the 6-36" Nova. It probably would. The 24" ATI will look a little funny, being so short.It may cast shadows on the sides.
I say to sell them both and get a 36" ATI powermodule or sunpower.
Btw, I am looking for An ATI 24" fixture for my 54 corner. You may already have one of your lights sold ! Pm me if you want to get rid of the ATI.
Good luck with your choice,
Herbie

 

[sprayed99]

I'd say stick with the 36" light. It will look better, and provide plenty of light for the depth of the 65.

 

[midtownman]

i run a pac sun pyton 120watt it works great i could control the color temp from 14k to 24k plus the par intense i had it for about one 1/2 years & very pleased with it i also could grow sps on the bottom

 

[rtparty]

The Sunpower is probably throwing out about 40% more PAR compared to the Nova.

I would sell the Nova and buy a Vortech or some sweet corals. Use the Sunpower for sure.

 

[cubsFAN]

I agree with the ati fixture. A 24 in fixture does not look "funny" on a 36 in long tank. That is the light that I would go with even if a 36in sunpower was an option.

 

[Ocean Mang]

I agree with the ati fixture. A 24 in fixture does not look "funny" on a 36 in long tank. That is the light that I would go with even if a 36in sunpower was an option.

Yah, at 24", because of the corner overflow, there is only a 9" x 7" area that would not have lighting overhead. I could use this a lower light area for some lower light corals. I am finding it hard to justify spending another $150 on the 36" ATI. I feel so much of the light might be wasted going down the overflow. Again, I think I might have to just try it and see how it looks.

The light will be hidden in the canopy, so the "funny look" does not apply here.

Does anyone know why the 6 x 36" ATI fixture is less expensive than a 6 x 36" retro package that includes icecap ballasts and miro reflectors on reefgeek? With the retro you still have to buy and install cooling fans to save the overdriven bulbs.

 

[rtparty]

Yah, at 24", because of the corner overflow, there is only a 9" x 7" area that would not have lighting overhead. I could use this a lower light area for some lower light corals. I am finding it hard to justify spending another $150 on the 36" ATI. I feel so much of the light might be wasted going down the overflow. Again, I think I might have to just try it and see how it looks.

The light will be hidden in the canopy, so the "funny look" does not apply here.

Does anyone know why the 6 x 36" ATI fixture is less expensive than a 6 x 36" retro package that includes icecap ballasts and miro reflectors on reefgeek? With the retro you still have to buy and install cooling fans to save the overdriven bulbs.

Because you are paying close to $150 for each IceCap ballast. Then you have to put up with burning bulbs up and extra heat. Not to mention IceCap being out of business.

 

[Ocean Mang]

So ATI is the better option here then right?

 

[Herbie]

Think about re-sale also. Just in case, down the line, you decide you want to go in a different direction. The ATI fixture will be much easier to sell than a retro. Plus it will hold its value better.
Just a thought......
Herbie

 

[rtparty]

So ATI is the better option here then right?

I think ATI is ALWAYS the better option.*


* - Of course there are times when an ATI isn't reasonable. For example, a 10 gallon softies tank or an all out LPS tank. However, when you are choosing between a Current USA and ATI fixture, choose ATI. Just like Herbie said, ATI has much better re-sale.

 

[Ocean Mang]

I think ATI is ALWAYS the better option.*


* - Of course there are times when an ATI isn't reasonable. For example, a 10 gallon softies tank or an all out LPS tank. However, when you are choosing between a Current USA and ATI fixture, choose ATI. Just like Herbie said, ATI has much better re-sale.

Thanks Ryan, I meant between the reef geek retro and the ATI. Since it is going to be in my canopy anyway. Instead of cutting a hole in the top of the canopy for the fixture to come through, like I did for my 54 corner, I am thinking of cutting two holes for the fanes and mounting it inside the canopy. Just not sure how I can do that without putting some holes in the housing of the Sunpower.

 

[nanojg]

Retro's are a much better option inside of a canopy. However, I would do normal t5 ballasts instead of the icecaps.

 

[rtparty]

If you are putting a Sunpower in a canopy then you need to cut holes in the top of the canopy and you need to make sure you have some fans to pull the hot air out of the fixture as it exits out the one side.

I should also state that using a 24" fixture inside a 36" canopy is not as bad as a 36" fixture inside a 36" canopy. You will have 6 inches on each side where air can move around the fixture just fine.

I HIGHLY disagree that retro is much better in a canopy. It all depends on the application and how you ventilate each system. I have seen TONS of people put fixtures in canopies with no problems. It is nice to have a shield protecting the bulbs and reflectors from salt creep and water splashing.

 

[nanojg]

I would sell both fixtures and buy retros, spend the hundreds of dollars in savings on other equipment.

 

[5380]

I have a 65g and use a current usa 1x250 4x24" fixture. It was the cheapest option I had at around $100. The smaller fixture causes some shadowing due to my stack but it is a tolerable hindrence. If you could recoup the cost selling your current fixtures I wouldn't hesitate to go for the 36" ati. Hth

 

[Ocean Mang]

What ballasts does an ATI fixture use? I have also read that is important for fans to be blowing specific spots on the t5 bulbs, I believe by the lettering.

 

[Ocean Mang]

I have a 65g and use a current usa 1x250 4x24" fixture. It was the cheapest option I had at around $100. The smaller fixture causes some shadowing due to my stack but it is a tolerable hindrence. If you could recoup the cost selling your current fixtures I wouldn't hesitate to go for the 36" ati. Hth

Thanks for that info!!!!!!!!! I wonder if they shadowing is all from the MH or attributes to the T5's also?

 

[nanojg]

How high is your canopy? The shadowing from the mh would be much greater than from t5s.