I'm moving my 55 gal reef[mainly LPS] reef to a 150 gal 48x24x30H. Which t5 setup should I use. Thinking on the ATI sunpower, or the constellation, or the 8 bulb tek. The 55 currently has a outer orbit pro with 150 watt hqi MH, T5's. the unit is 36". I didn't use the MH much, mainly the t5's. Any suggestions will be appreciated.
which t5 setup
- Thread starter ariel47
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marineace5
New member
I have heard good things about the TEKs, but no first hand exp. Hopefully you are planning to keep the corals at mid level or higher in the tank, as any light gets thinned out quickly when trying to reach 30". I like the looks of the ATI, but wouldn't recommend sitting directly on the tank top. You would constantly be lifting it off for access and cleaning. The water splatter and salt would be a nightmare.
marineace5
New member
Yes, I have a similar setup with shelf brackets over my frag tank. I used 1/2" eyebolts to support a metal bar that suspends my lights. I have the freedom to easily move them up or down and sideways depending on the frags.
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewI...n=view&idProduct=GL1621&idCategory=FILTFIT52U
expensive but worth it.
expensive but worth it.
divewsharks
Active member
ATI is the best option for penetrating that deep, although i likely wouldn't put the most light demanding corals that deep. lower light corals would do well down there.
You can sit the ATI directly on top of the tank, but as mentioned it can make maintenance a little tricky but doable. You could also make a hanging shelf or light stand.
The Tek shouldn't sit directly on a tank, as you for optimal performance you want to remove the splash shield and use some clip-on fans to help cool the fixture, w/o the splash shield the reflectors can be easily stained by salt spray. this is not an issue with the ATI fixtures or even Aquatinics fixtures.
the top one is an ATI Sunpower
these are not mine...
You can sit the ATI directly on top of the tank, but as mentioned it can make maintenance a little tricky but doable. You could also make a hanging shelf or light stand.
The Tek shouldn't sit directly on a tank, as you for optimal performance you want to remove the splash shield and use some clip-on fans to help cool the fixture, w/o the splash shield the reflectors can be easily stained by salt spray. this is not an issue with the ATI fixtures or even Aquatinics fixtures.
the top one is an ATI Sunpower
these are not mine...
Robb in Austin
New member
Aquactinics. Support the home team.
I think your decision is really down to the ATI or Aquactinics. (As divewsharks mentioned, to get the most out of the Tek, you have to cool it and pull the splash shield.)
I think your decision is really down to the ATI or Aquactinics. (As divewsharks mentioned, to get the most out of the Tek, you have to cool it and pull the splash shield.)
james3370
Premium Member
this would work great....might be why it's DIY ThOTM lol
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2009-04/diy/index.php
twinspots_goby
New member
I have a 30" deep tank and I'm using Icecap T5s. I'm very satisfied with the light. Since I have canopy, I chose the Icecap retrofit stead of light fixture. I'm hanging my canopy 18 inch above my tank. I'm still able to keep most of my soft corals and LPS coals on the bottom with no problem.
UWUALineman
Member
Tek 5 8x54. Find one used, add a fan to blow over the surface of the water and do not use the shield. I had the mounting brackets for the Tek but it did make mainenance a bit of a pain. Have the fixture off the surface as far as feasible to minimize salt spray build up and enjoy. I love my Tek fixture.
thanks everyone, diverwsharks I like the way the light is mounted in your picture. James3370 I wish I could get my husband to make the stands for me. James[my husband] doesn't share my passion for the hobby[he's in to antique cars]He doesn't even know I'm about to buy it, buts that why I work to support this saltwater addiction and pay other bills. I'm going to get the sunpower, will show my husband divewsharks picture and sweet talk him into making it[I hope he takes the bait]
1 reason I decided on the sunpower is the cost. The tek light 8 bulb is around 490 without bulbs, no active cooling. The sunpower is 620, active cooling and with bulbs. I do like the constellation to and it could sit on top of the tank. I'll have to flip a coin. I don't like waiting until my husband feels like doing fixing something.
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