Ati or get to more sol blues

Cassklar · Sep 4, 2012

I have a question first of all I have a 72 gallon bowfront I am getting into sps and what I was wondering is should I buy 2 more ai sol blues or I was thinking about trying a ati 6 bulb fixture but I have a canopy and was wondering also if a 36" ati 6 bulb would work over my tank or should I get the 48 inch right now my tank is a mixed reef thanks in adavance for your advice

WVUreefer · Sep 4, 2012

Don't see the need in investing in lighting 2x..stick with the AI's..some very nice tanks run AI..

Wesley42079 · Sep 4, 2012

The coverage on a AI isn't that great.

I have seen and heard many people grow sps under ATI T'5's. That is a great fixture since it has active cooloing compared to Tek fixtures (except the Elite series).

Actually, you are in luck, since I am selling a ATI 6x39w fixture.

prsnlty · Sep 10, 2012

I have 2 AI Sol Blues and 2 24" (x2 @ 65w ea) T5s in between them on a 125g peninsula with canopy and no fans other than the ones on the AIs. They are set 12" from lense to water surface in a 22" deep tank. My temp stays at 78* (house temp is steady 75*) and corals are doing well. I do however know that on this 6' long tank if I were to go strickly with AI I would need 2 more. The AI Vega is now out and considering upgrades for my AI SBs +1 more unit (maybe 2 but I need other things too) at tax time.

What I would do if it was me with your tank is get 1 Vega, put it in the center of the Blues (+/or) upgrade Blues to Vega. If keeping Blues change all 40* lenses on Blues to 70* replacement lenses (that will cost $50 total for 2 units) Adds a better more even light spread. JMO :)