ATI T5 Fixture?

EVReef3 · Dec 7, 2010

Here i am again, thinking about upgrading my lights. Right now i have 6x54w t5's >icecaps over my 90 gallon(SPS dominated). I just started this tank thats why i want to get the light once and for all.

I was thinking about staying with t5s or going MH.
i was doing some research and came read good about the ATI fixtures. Now, im sure 8 bulb t5 would give me enough to keep pretty much anything in a 90 gallon (48X18X24).

Shall i go with the Ati T5 or try MH? I have been happy with t5's so far.

If i do go with ATI, i noticed the (sunpower) http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_...Fixture_by_ATI is a lot cheaper then the (powermodule) http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_...Fixture_by_ATI. Is it just the cooling difference or performance?

Any members on here who have used or have the ATI? I would really appreciate pictures, i want to see color and coral growth. Thanks.

stunreefer · Dec 7, 2010

I really like the ATI fixtures I've seen, and it seems most owners love them as well. I'm going with a Sunpower for a build I'm doing - they just released an 8 bulb version that should be hitting US soon.

Harry_Y · Dec 7, 2010

Think about the ATI dim-able fixtures

most of the controllers will control them and it is pretty cool to see the corals
and fish change behavior with the varying light levels throughout the day.

EVReef3 · Dec 7, 2010

yeah i was checking them out but again, the price is a little up there lol.

stunreefer · Dec 7, 2010

The dimming is definitely a neat feature, but as you mentioned adds to the coinage. I'm not around my tank enough to enjoy the benefits of a dimmable fixture.

Harry_Y · Dec 7, 2010

I can under stand on the added expense.

EVReef3 · Dec 7, 2010

i have been searching for pisc of tanks with this light on them, cant find any :s

CONSTANTNE · Dec 7, 2010

I have been using an ATI Sunpower for a little over a year and its a great fixture. For the price, the Powermodule wasn't worth it for me for maybe a 10% increase in performance plus my tank is only 17 inches high. I did have a ballast go 6 months after purchase but got a free replacement ballast.

hansmtt · Dec 7, 2010

I run a 6 bulb PM over my 90g tank...and as much as I like the idea of another two bulbs, I'd stay with the 6 again. I've burnt acans on the sandbed, and there is certainly an adjustment period necessary for even the most sun-loving sps. My 6x54 is wide enough that it gives great coverage without shadows...you don't really need the extra two bulbs to light the glass IMO. If I had a 24" wide tank then I'd go for the extra bulbs. I've had mine for 2 years now and still love it!

EVReef3 · Dec 7, 2010

thanks for the input.
hansmtt, do you have a pic of the tank? maybe a FTS?

emerald525 · Dec 7, 2010

We had this discussion on my local forum. Here's a great picture as it shows an ATI vs MH on the same tank. I also inquired on reef central as I am interested in getting the ATI for my new tank project.

Grassi's 65g - Page 13 - PNWMAS

ATI PM vs. Giesemann Ininiti PAR - Reef Central Online Community

EVReef3 · Jan 23, 2011

Do i need 8 bulbs or 6 is fine? I dont just want it to work, i want the corals to thrive.
Or any other suggestions?

Im thinking about finalizing it this week and ordering. Suggestions will be great!

the big debate is..6 bulbs ati or 8 bulb ati

divewsharks · Jan 24, 2011

6 bulbs over a standard 90 is quite good. I have the 6 bulb ATI over my 90G, I have no problems with clams and SPS down on my sandbed My tank is 25" tall, the fixture is another 6-8" above the tank. If not careful to acclimate my new additions, it's easy to bleach them out.

Are you having issues with your current setup or just looking for change? I would think that with the right bulb combo, you should already be good to go. What ballasts are you using?

MimicOcto8 · Jan 24, 2011

King-

Didnt have time right now to read all the other posts. Just wanted to let you know I have the exact same size tank and I use ATI 6bulb sunpower and absolutely love them! feel free to PM me for info or pix. good luck. Oh I have have tons of SPS in it

josepy1 · Jan 24, 2011

i have 4 ati blue + with 2 150 pheonix mh in my 90 and the colors are amazing. i get the best of both worlds

EVReef3 · Jan 25, 2011

My current lights are perfect for my tank. I just want to go all t5's. Right now the corals are doing just fine but I want to cut on that bill. The fixture I have im borrowing from a friend. He got it from ebay..
I have used t5 before and want to go back to them. So hopefully the 6 bulb will work. I would love to see pics.

EVReef3 · Jan 25, 2011

Oops I forgot to mention.. my current lights are not the icecaps.. they r 2x250w mh with 4xt5. Ebay fixture. I had the other t5s originally mounted in a canopy but they weren't icecaps I was mistaken.