Difference Between MH and ATI T5 Sunpower

[Alattner]

how do you know if they are factory second modules i dont care about scratches as long as it works

 

[dougers31]

ReefGeek also runs deals on factory seconds. They are in perfect working condition but may have a scratch or something.
They are great people to work with.

Saweet! I am probably going to be ordering one in the next day or two and will look into that. Thanks.

 

[dougers31]

how do you know if they are factory second modules i dont care about scratches as long as it works

They prolly have a section on their site for scratch and dent etc...

 

[Alattner]

douger31 let me know what you can find about the factory seconds thats the way to go :bigsmile:

 

[cmcneil]

the ATI fixtures also hold there value too.i sold my 6x39w sunpower for $400 after a year of use :D
i looked into several T-5 fixtures before buying the ATI and the people who owned them ALL loved them and swore by them.IMO they are the ferraris of T-5's and are built superbly and use high quality reflectors that produce higher PAR numbers than most fixtures.they also use spec T-5 ballasts that DONT overdrive the bulbs along with active cooling which increases bulb life.

 

[dougers31]

the ATI fixtures also hold there value too.i sold my 6x39w sunpower for $400 after a year of use :D
i looked into several T-5 fixtures before buying the ATI and the people who owned them ALL loved them and swore by them.IMO they are the ferraris of T-5's and are built superbly and use high quality reflectors that produce higher PAR numbers than most fixtures.they also use spec T-5 ballasts that DONT overdrive the bulbs along with active cooling which increases bulb life.

So with that being said how long could one expect to go before changing bulbs(sps/lps tank)?

 

[wicked demon]

around 2 years

 

[Alattner]

They prolly have a section on their site for scratch and dent etc...

still havent found where there used modules are but if anyone finds out let me know

 

[ksc]

The ATI fixtures lose about 20-30 percent of their output in 6-8 months.

 

[Alattner]

ahh thats no good. so what would you suggest as an alternate fixture i want like a 6x48 fixture

 

[ksc]

Unfortunately, that's about as good as it gets with t-5 bulbs. My bro inlaw has an ebay special and his loses about 50 percent in 6 months. My Sunpower is 9" above the tank and gives me about 700 par on the surface with new bulbs whereas his is 3" above the tank and gives him 500 par on the surface. In 6 months he has 250, I have around 500, that's what you are paying for.

 

[Alattner]

well i would like to go with whatever is going to hold up in the long run even though it is going to lose 50 percent. i think i am going to stick with something from ATI

 

[dougers31]

Unfortunately, that's about as good as it gets with t-5 bulbs. My bro inlaw has an ebay special and his loses about 50 percent in 6 months. My Sunpower is 9" above the tank and gives me about 700 par on the surface with new bulbs whereas his is 3" above the tank and gives him 500 par on the surface. In 6 months he has 250, I have around 500, that's what you are paying for.

Great info! Thanks for posting it. I was already going to get a sunpower fixture and now am more confident in my purchase.

 

[red02]

i get mine this week and can't wait now that i saw this thred

 

[cmcneil]

well i would like to go with whatever is going to hold up in the long run even though it is going to lose 50 percent. i think i am going to stick with something from ATI

he is referring to bulb life not fixture life.the bulbs should last aroud 8 months max(depending on bulb color and brand) compared to 5-6 months for other fixtures