Current USA t5 6 bulb question

[Gdk414]

Is this light worth buying for $90 with new bulbs? Or should I just save the 700 for the ATI unit? Any opinions on this light? I think it has been discontinued.

 

[Gdk414]

Or is this light crap??

 

[rtparty]

What size tank and what do you plan to keep?

 

[Gdk414]

90g with ATI bulbs. Sps tank

 

[rtparty]

If you want full blown SPS, the ATI will be the better fixture. However, the Current will do the job with good bulbs. You'll just have to be more selective about placement. At $90 you can always replace the ballasts for slightly better performance if you want

 

[Highgrade]

The ballast in the current may not power the bulbs the same as the ATI fixture. So you most likely wouldn't get maximum output with the Current like you would with the ATI. I say go for the ATI you wont regret it. If for some reason you don't like the ATI or get out the hobby the ATI fixture will retain more value and would have a higher resale price.

 

[Gdk414]

I'm just thinking this would be a good starter light for the first year until things are really ready and stable. Eventually I want the best light I can buy but I'm just starting this tank from scratch and would be great to have the extra 700 or so for a other equipment until things level off a bit. But my concern is this light is complete crap and won't be any good at all. I'm not looking for maximum performance right off the bat, just might be a good starter idk

 

[Highgrade]

ATI would be the better investment long term and more beneficial for SPS than the underpowered ballast of the Current. SPS is a challenge and if you go for a full blown SPS tank you'll appreciate the ATI more.

 

[Gdk414]

I am going to get the ATI for sure but I guess I'm just wondering if anyone has tried this light, and weighing those opinions so I can decide if I should get the current and spend the money on other high end equipment. I don't even plan on adding sps for the first 6months or so. I wanna get the tank dialed in first.

 

[Highgrade]

I am going to get the ATI for sure but I guess I'm just wondering if anyone has tried this light, and weighing those opinions so I can decide if I should get the current and spend the money on other high end equipment. I don't even plan on adding sps for the first 6months or so. I wanna get the tank dialed in first.

I've tried lower end brands of T5 fixtures. Current, Aquatic Life and Marine land all with ATI or Giesemann bulbs. Out of those 3 I'd say the Aquatic life performed the best. As I mentioned before the lower end fixtures seem to have weaker ballast. When I went to the ATI fixture it was night and day difference.

 

[Gdk414]

Yes. I bet. It's like comparing a Honda and a Mercedes Benz.. I might just but the light to get me going. As the first year I'm not really adding much

 

[rtparty]

If your budget takes a big hit getting the ATI now, go with the Current for now. At $90 it is PLENTY good for the beginning. Get a good controller, better skimmer, better power head instead. Save up for the ATI and switch out in a year if needed.

There's no doubt the ATI is far superior. I just don't think it's worth it for the first year when you won't be SPS heavy early on

 

[hybridazn]

Your just starting off, I'd go with the current and use the rest of the cash to get other equipment that isn't so easily upgradeable. The current will be fine with ATI bulbs, if anything you will have to swap out the bulbs at the 8 month Mark as opposed to the 12-16 month Mark with the ATI.

Also with the first year adding sps right away doesn't always end well. By the time your ready to really start adding nice sps you probably can save the cash again to get the ATI next year.

 

[Gdk414]

If your budget takes a big hit getting the ATI now, go with the Current for now. At $90 it is PLENTY good for the beginning. Get a good controller, better skimmer, better power head instead. Save up for the ATI and switch out in a year if needed.

There's no doubt the ATI is far superior. I just don't think it's worth it for the first year when you won't be SPS heavy early on

That's what I'm thinking. I have a sick trigger systems sump and vertex skimmer. I want everything to be top of the line. Saving for other stuff too. But don't really need the ATI while the tank is cycling and stuff right?

 

[Gdk414]

Your just starting off, I'd go with the current and use the rest of the cash to get other equipment that isn't so easily upgradeable. The current will be fine with ATI bulbs, if anything you will have to swap out the bulbs at the 8 month Mark as opposed to the 12-16 month Mark with the ATI.

Also with the first year adding sps right away doesn't always end well. By the time your ready to really start adding nice sps you probably can save the cash again to get the ATI next year.

Yes! This is exactly how I'm thinking!

 

[rtparty]

That's what I'm thinking. I have a sick trigger systems sump and vertex skimmer. I want everything to be top of the line. Saving for other stuff too. But don't really need the ATI while the tank is cycling and stuff right?

Correct. It's a waste early on unless you have deep pockets IMO. Lights are an easy upgrade especially if you plan for it.