Which light fixture would you use?

[rtparty]

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.

They usually have Vossloh Scwabe ballasts in them. Just a standard spec T5 ballast.

You can go to Reefgeek and get ATI ballasts now. Pretty sure they are either Vossloh Schwabe ballasts or rebranded with ATI's name on them.

 

[Ocean Mang]

The canopy is about six to eight inches (not sure). But when measured to mount the fixture to the bottom of the lid I expect the the distance from the water to be a couple inches, which is where I have my Sunpower at right now. I have great color and growth. The only downside is I will not be able to adjust the height as I do now sometimes. When I lift the lid the Sunpower will come with it.

 

[Ocean Mang]

They usually have Vossloh Scwabe ballasts in them. Just a standard spec T5 ballast.

You can go to Reefgeek and get ATI ballasts now. Pretty sure they are either Vossloh Schwabe ballasts or rebranded with ATI's name on them.

What about the fan issue Ryan? Do you know anything about that?

Thanks for all your help!

 

[rtparty]

What fan issue? There aren't any fan issues with ATI stuff. There are times when the fan grill will get pressed down into the fan and the fan won't spin. Get a butter knife and very carefully pry the grill away from the fan.

It is the Tek Elite fixtures that have the known fan issues.

 

[Ocean Mang]

Sorry, I meant if I go Retro with ATI ballasts, supposedly T5 bulbs need a fan blowing on a specific part of them for proper cooling.

 

[Ocean Mang]

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.

I just read the last part of this post by you. I had missed it. The costs of retro would probably be as much anyway.

 

[Ocean Mang]

BTW, I only see Accustart and Icecap ballasts on reefgeek.

 

[nanojg]

The cost of a retro would be substantially cheaper and you can get near the same par if set up properly.

 

[rtparty]

Sorry, I meant if I go Retro with ATI ballasts, supposedly T5 bulbs need a fan blowing on a specific part of them for proper cooling.

You need to cool the cold spot. The cold spot is located where you will find the labeling on the bulb.

If you have a good 4" fan blowing cool air into the canopy and another 4" fan on the opposite side blowing hot air out that is usually enough. So you have a fan on the left and right (if you are looking at the tank).

You want the cold spot of the bulbs to be right around 95F. Hard to do with a retro but you can get close enough.

 

[Ocean Mang]

When using and ATI fixture, is the cold spot only on one side of the bulb, so it would not matter which way you turned it when installing, or does the air have to hit one of the two sides? Like should it hit the letters or the other side?

 

[rtparty]

BTW, I only see Accustart and Icecap ballasts on reefgeek.

Go to their forum page here on RC. You will see where they list ALL of the ATI stuff they carry now.

They usually carry Vossloh Schwabe, AccuStart and Triad. They are all the same thing. I am not positive they are the same ballast just rebranded but they are ALL spec T5 ballasts.

 

[rtparty]

The cost of a retro would be substantially cheaper and you can get near the same par if set up properly.

Where do you see that????

LET 6x39w Retro - $438 w/bulbs

http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5...-Output_Retrofit_Kit_w!_Bulbs_by_LET_Lighting


Even if the OP was to sell both fixtures they aren't going to get $450. A 6x24w ATI sunpower will sell for right around $300 shipped if it has slightly used bulbs. If the bulbs are new then you van get $350 or so.

How do I know?? I have been watching the sale forums like a hawk for a 6x24w ATI Sunpower.

The Current fixtures go for about $150 to $175 if lucky.

A retro will not be *substantially* cheaper.

 

[Metal Man 1221]

Interesting thread, I might have to stick around, as I am looking for a 6x39W unit.

 

[Ocean Mang]

Yah just the reflectors are like $20 bucks each.

 

[rtparty]

When using and ATI fixture, is the cold spot only on one side of the bulb, so it would not matter which way you turned it when installing, or does the air have to hit one of the two sides? Like should it hit the letters or the other side?

No you need the label ends of the bulbs under the vents. Pull the bulbs out and look by the reflectors, you will see holes. That is where the fresh air hits the bulbs.

 

[nanojg]

438 v. 560 for a 6 x 39 watt retro v. 6 x 39 sunpower...that is where I see that. Add a couple fans and you are saving $100. I would call that substantially cheaper.

The poster was considering purchasing a 6 x 39 ati fixture i believe.

Yes, if comparing apples to apples a retro will be substantially cheaper. Obviously if he is going to use a fixture he already has that would be cheaper.

 

[Ocean Mang]

No you need the label ends of the bulbs under the vents. Pull the bulbs out and look by the reflectors, you will see holes. That is where the fresh air hits the bulbs.

Yup, got that part of it Ryan. I was asking if when you put the bulb in does it matter if the top or the bottom of that part of the bulb is facing up or down. Should the writing face the hole or be visible to you when you install the bulb? thanks, and sorry we keep missing on the first try with the questions.:lol:

 

[Herbie]

From what I have researched, The bulbs need to be cooled on the ends. Cooling the middle of the bulbs doesnt provide much benefit. Here is a good picture of an ATI Sunpower and the location of the cooling vents.

Herbie

 

[taklein65]

The label being up or down doesn't matter just as long as the end is near the vent to keep it cool. All T5,T8,T10 and T12 bulbs will benefit from keeping the ends cool. When the ends get hot for long periods they start to turn black or look burnt this shortens the lift if the bulb.

Tim

 

[rtparty]

Yup, got that part of it Ryan. I was asking if when you put the bulb in does it matter if the top or the bottom of that part of the bulb is facing up or down. Should the writing face the hole or be visible to you when you install the bulb? thanks, and sorry we keep missing on the first try with the questions.:lol:

Lol sorry! No it does not matter which way the writing faces. I like to try and get mine to point down just so it is easier to remember which bulb is which without having to take them out or turn them on. Not a big deal though.