Lighting

hkornel · Feb 25, 2011

Hi Girls,

I would have a question to discuss here, as I am not sure what to choose.

Just a few days ago my new tank is ready with 115X60X60 dimensions.
My question is about lighting, and I have to options:

1. ATI Powermodul 8X54W 118x56x8

2. hand build lamp: 3HQI and 4T5 with 120x50x18 and for half of the ATI price

What would you choose?
First option looks perfect for long of my tank as well, but the HQI is HQI and the price of that is perfect, and it has new 20k lamps build in, but...little longer as my tank!

Looking forward to hearing your opinions!
Kornel

RogerWilco357 · Feb 26, 2011

I have a metal halide setup and just got the ATI PM.8x80watt and it rocks love the color and the pop they put out ...on the other hand I still like the metal halides and for the money would have stayed with that setup if the heat wasn't such an issue in the summer..

florida reef · Feb 26, 2011

Both are good options and have but have some different pros and cons. Like Wilco said, MH may cause some heat issues, but ou will get far more light penetration with MH. T5's are cheaper to run and allows you to adjust the color temp of your lights fairly easily.
If I am reading the dimensions of your tank correctly it is 60cm deep, which is roughly 24"?

youngtimothy · Feb 26, 2011

I would go with the ATI they are much cheaper to run then metal halides.

phi delt reefer · Feb 26, 2011

get the sunpower version of the light and save some cash - only 5% less par and MUCH CHEAPER.

that much halide power will be very apparent on your electrical bill and you may need a chiller.

hkornel · Mar 27, 2011

Thank you guys for all suggestions.

I still did not bought any.

But I am closer to ATI now. If so, I would choose the 8x54W version.
What T5 versions would you choose from ATI? Blue Plus, Actinic, Purple plus....etc.

I heard some bad experiences with the Sunpower, and some sad the Powermodule has much more bette quality and lighting.

Please comment!