36in ATI Dimmable sunpower for 120(48in x 24in)

[Bugsy_Barboza]

Would a 36in ati 6 bulbs 39w be enough light for a 120gallon 48in x 24in x 24in ? Was thinking of supplementing the sides with 2 kessil 360. But just a start with the ati fixture.

 

[_Alex_]

Would be more than enough. I used an 8 bulb no problem and was plenty of light don't see any need for the kessil unless your running a lot of sps on the edges but even then I think be ok without them

 

[gus6464]

Unless you are putting SPS right on the side glass you will be fine. For 24" wide tanks I like 8 bulb units but that's just me.

 

[Bugsy_Barboza]

I think 48in 8 bulb would be best. But, I jus wondering how the electricity usage would be compared to LEDS?

 

[gus6464]

I think 48in 8 bulb would be best. But, I jus wondering how the electricity usage would be compared to LEDS?

Well let's use Radions for comparison.

Now for a Radion to match the spread of a 48" x8 bulb sunpower you have to have 3-4 Radion XR30 with the led pucks mounted front to back. I don't know how tall your tank is but let's assume 24". Assuming you are running the Radions at ~65% power puts your power usage at ~100W per Radion.

The ATI will be 432W/hr. Now 3x Radions are $1950. ATI unit is $500. Bulbs are $160/year. Let's say you keep your lights for 5 years that's $800 in bulbs so $1300 total cost for running the T5 for 5 years. If you take the remaining $650 and put it towards the extra electricity usage the T5 will generate you will maybe use up $200 of the $650 in 5 years. T5 still ahead ~$400 for 5 year life span.

 

[Bugsy_Barboza]

Well I was thinking 48in ati 8 bulb unit, or 2 radions pros. I would think that you would receive better growth and color with the t5's.

 

[gus6464]

Well I was thinking 48in ati 8 bulb unit, or 2 radions pros. I would think that you would receive better growth and color with the t5's.

2 Radions can't match the spread of a T5 in that size tank. You need minimum 3. Check out the BRS video on LED so you can see how crappy Radion spread is. You want great spread with an LED buy a reflector based unit.

Kessil AP700
ATI Sirius
Giesemann Vervve
GHL Mitras

 

[FoD]

I had that same fixture over my 120, SPS dominant. Used ATI lamps, and PAR was great! I also had 2 ReefBrite XHO Royal Blue LEDs for actinic viewing attached to the front and back of the fixture.

 

[WesF]

Should be fine.