Change from ATI T5 to....what????

[agent462]

You don't think a lemon is ever produced?

Absolutely they can. My comment is that this is not normal. Have you tried talking to ATI on what the problem could be? Show them the history of it arriving damaged, the receipts for all the ballasts and try to see what they can help with.

 

[ReeferMaddness843]

I went from 4xt5 and 2xkessil 160s over a 90 to an SB Reef Light over an 80 shallow. Works pretty well. I had to kick the t5s when I went with the rimless tank and the 160s were causing all my acro to brown out. Still on the ramp up with my SB, increasing 2.5-5% every week as it's way more powerful than what I had. Colors are definitely bouncing back and holding strong. A tricolor I have bouncing back. Can still see the slight brown in the center. Slowly but surely getting some great color back though the more the light intensity increases.

 

[luke33]

You could always build one...
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/show-me-your-diy-led-t5-hybrids.283746/

Yep, I've thought about this. I've done the retro in the past, but I don't have a canopy on this build so it would probably not look to pleasing. I'm not the best when it comes to diy :)

 

[luke33]

Absolutely they can. My comment is that this is not normal. Have you tried talking to ATI on what the problem could be? Show them the history of it arriving damaged, the receipts for all the ballasts and try to see what they can help with.

When the first ballast went out right after the warranty ran out I contacted them about it. I told them I replaced it with a ballast from premium aquatics and they just said something along the lines of "sounds like you have it under control". I emailed them today so hopefully will have a response some time this week.

 

[luke33]

I went from 4xt5 and 2xkessil 160s over a 90 to an SB Reef Light over an 80 shallow. Works pretty well. I had to kick the t5s when I went with the rimless tank and the 160s were causing all my acro to brown out. Still on the ramp up with my SB, increasing 2.5-5% every week as it's way more powerful than what I had. Colors are definitely bouncing back and holding strong. A tricolor I have bouncing back. Can still see the slight brown in the center. Slowly but surely getting some great color back though the more the light intensity increases.

Did you have many brown out or die after the move to only sb lights?

 

[Ty Hamatake]

Yep, I've thought about this. I've done the retro in the past, but I don't have a canopy on this build so it would probably not look to pleasing. I'm not the best when it comes to diy :)

Lol, just paint it black. No one knows the difference if it's painted.

As far as choice for LEDs go, I've heard great things about reefbreeders, I love my Hydra 26s, Radions seem pretty sweet, and Kessil is for the rich ;) just trying to point out that they all work and it really just comes down to personal preference. You'll find absolutely stunning tanks under any of the lights.

 

[luke33]

Lol, just paint it black. No one knows the difference if it's painted.

As far as choice for LEDs go, I've heard great things about reefbreeders, I love my Hydra 26s, Radions seem pretty sweet, and Kessil is for the rich ;) just trying to point out that they all work and it really just comes down to personal preference. You'll find absolutely stunning tanks under any of the lights.

Yep agreed, I'm just a bit worried to make the move since I'm having such good luck. Your canopy looks good.

 

[Ty Hamatake]

Yep agreed, I'm just a bit worried to make the move since I'm having such good luck. Your canopy looks good.

You probably already know this, but whatever you decide just take it slow. Looking forward to see what you decide on!

 

[luke33]

You probably already know this, but whatever you decide just take it slow. Looking forward to see what you decide on!

Thanks Ty, will definitely go slow and use the par meter whatever I do.

 

[ReeferMaddness843]

Did you have many brown out or die after the move to only sb lights?

I had absolutely 0 loss. I had the issue going from the t5 and kessils to just the kessils. Have had nothing but color coming back and explosive growth since adding the SB.

 

[luke33]

I had absolutely 0 loss. I had the issue going from the t5 and kessils to just the kessils. Have had nothing but color coming back and explosive growth since adding the SB.

Thank you, good to hear.

 

[hart24601]

Reef breeders v2 and cover the surface with LEDs. T5 doesn't even temp me.

How wide is the tank and how big are sps? Pic?

 

[luke33]

Reef breeders v2 and cover the surface with LEDs. T5 doesn't even temp me.

How wide is the tank and how big are sps? Pic?

72-24-24" check out my sig to see my tank pics.

 

[Centerline]

If you are wanting something that looks impressive hanging over your tank, have you considered a Giesemann hybrid fixture? I have ran both their LED/T5 combo(Aurora) and their MH/T5 combo(Spectra). Was very impressed with both of them.

On different tanks I run a Spectra, Gen4 Radion Pros, Hydra 52 Hds, and up until I got the Gen4s a 8 bulb ATI. Hands down the most well made is the Giesmann Spectra. All of them grow corals fine but I'm partial to the Giesmann because its so well made, looks great and halides running Radium has been my go to for years now.

 

[hart24601]

72-24-24" check out my sig to see my tank pics.

Booo for using mobile, no Sig.

Would you be willing to do 24" photons across the width of the tank? I have been extremely impressed with the v2.

 

[Broadfield]

On different tanks I run a Spectra, Gen4 Radion Pros, Hydra 52 Hds, and up until I got the Gen4s a 8 bulb ATI. Hands down the most well made is the Giesmann Spectra. All of them grow corals fine but I'm partial to the Giesmann because its so well made, looks great and halides running Radium has been my go to for years now.

I 100% agree! I am also running the Spectra and it's a work of art. I love the combo of T5 and MH.... just turn it on and let the magic happen. On LED fixtures, I personally get caught up in always changing my LED settings; spectrum, intensity, schedule and so on... always looking for that "perfect" setting. I probably end up doing more harm than good.

 

[luke33]

Booo for using mobile, no Sig.

Would you be willing to do 24" photons across the width of the tank? I have been extremely impressed with the v2.

I could probably swing that, but my guess is I'd need 4 fixtures. I think I'd rather do two 36"

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/luke33s-acrylic-180g-sps-adventures.252444/

 

[luke33]

I 100% agree! I am also running the Spectra and it's a work of art. I love the combo of T5 and MH.... just turn it on and let the magic happen. On LED fixtures, I personally get caught up in always changing my LED settings; spectrum, intensity, schedule and so on... always looking for that "perfect" setting. I probably end up doing more harm than good.

Those spectras are sexy but pricey. Agreed on the led settings, I like to set them to come on and go off, not into the ramping.

 

[hart24601]

Awesome tank! I don't think you should have much trouble going to LED. I personally would do 4 36" RB photons with 24" deep.

I guess it's 32" fixture so 4 of those. Especially coming from t5 I like a lot of coverage.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Did you have many brown out or die after the move to only sb lights?

You'll have to figure your aproximate par at the top of the tank.
But I went from halide to led then to the sb.

I set the intensity on the sb with the lux meter got it dialed in, set the ramping program etc and Let it go for a mont or so.
The acros colored up an got good growth and made this reefer very happy.

Was on r2r and someone asked my settings/schedule and I checked them. I had messed up and set the intensity to half or a quarter of what I wanted and should have been.

Jus sayin.
I have acros and sps and a clam and zoas at the bottom of the tank now 18 in deep with the light 13 in above the tank at a 60% even peak for six hours on a 14 hr period including blue only.