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T5 lighting question (Tek or ATI) (1 Viewer)

Timmy77

Timmy77

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Ok I'm ready to buy within the next week or so and can't decide between these.

48" ATI 4 bulb Sun Power
http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5...nPower_T5_High-Output_Fixture_w!_Bulbs_by_ATI

or

48" Tek 6 bulb
http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5...t_Fixture_w!_Bulbs_(Black)_by_Sunlight_Supply

I have been told the tek only kicks out 25% more light than the 4 bulb ATI so I just can't decide. $500 is my budget so a 6 bulb ATI is not an option (unless I can find a used one). My tank is a 90 gallon and will be a mixed reef.
Have also been told by reef geek that a new tek light model with active cooling will be coming out soon and will be better than the current model (more like the ATI with it's active cooling).
 
Unless you are really going to plan for a lot of SPS or SPS really low in the tank I would be tempted to go with the ATI, if only because it's going to be much cheaper to run long term, fewer bulbs to replace and less electricity used.

Just a thought.
 
Screwtape said:
Unless you are really going to plan for a lot of SPS or SPS really low in the tank I would be tempted to go with the ATI, if only because it's going to be much cheaper to run long term, fewer bulbs to replace and less electricity used.

Just a thought.
Click to expand...

Yes but will I be happy with the light output? Maybe someone who is using a 4 bulb ATI will chime in.
 
Most folks who choose to go the extra mile with ati go with the 6+. They don't want equal light they want MORE :cool: I can't think of any TCMAS member or SWE member who has a 4 bulb ATI
 
I would look into an icecap retro kit if you have a hood. You can't beat them for performance/flexibility. I have a 4 bulb retro kit that colors/grows SPS to within inches of the bottom of a 75 gallon tank.
 
Save your money for a 6 bulb ATI.... I wouldn't wait for a new Tek, the resale value of the ATI will be higher as well...
 
I'm in the same position and have been leaning toward the 6 bulb Tek fixture. Let us know what you end up getting
 
I had the same dilemma and choose to go for the ATI 6 bulb over my frag tank and really like it. The quality of this fixture is excellent.
Very happy with the PAR readings I got.
Corals are just doing great
 
When you save up, you want the powermodule not the lower end version you have linked. Cooling is so important with T5s and the sunpower doesn't have as good of cooling.
 
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I went with the 36" 6 bulb tek fixture. as long as you have plans for cooling the tek fixture, you should be fine. The ATI I believe has active coling.
 
for 20$ more get 4x54w ATI powermodule they both have fans but powermodule look sexier
6x54 powermodule would be perfect,,,for 90g
 
Downside to the aquaactinics is they use fulham workhorse ballasts not programmed start ballasts. Workhorse slightly underdrive the bulbs because they are generic ballasts not specifically designed for T5s. Does have good reflectors and active cooling. I'd place it above the Tek but still well below ATI the powermodule in performance.
 
David Grigor said:
Downside to the aquaactinics is they use fulham workhorse ballasts not programmed start ballasts. Workhorse slightly underdrive the bulbs because they are generic ballasts not specifically designed for T5s. Does have good reflectors and active cooling. I'd place it above the Tek but still well below ATI the powermodule in performance.
Click to expand...

I sure have been reading great things about there Contellation fixture.
 
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