Sfiglio RX6 Vs Pm Vs stealth

m and m · Feb 4, 2011

So I am very torn and I would like your guys opinion. I'm going to be getting a new fixture soon but I'm not sure what I want/fit my needs best. I have a 30/30/24 tank mixed chalice and sps tank. My thoughts are the pm is dimmable along with the rx6 which is nice. The rx6 will be nice because I can do mh/t5 and sky LEDs on the side. I'm really looking for opinions of people like Craig and such who have used all three and what they like most.

soccerbag · Feb 4, 2011

Wow....you have good (and expensive) taste! You are right...I currently run an ATI PM 10 bulb on my frag tank. I just switched from the Sfiligoi Stealth 12 bulb T5 to the Sfiligoi XR6. They are all really nice. Here are a few things that separate the two. I'm gonna simply compare ATI to Sfiligoi. I have and love both but it's important to note the differences.

-ATI PM has an acrylic shield to protect the bulbs - Sfiligoi uses glass regardless of the fixture. The glass is much easier to clean, doesn't discolor, and gives the fixture a more classy look.
-Both have very good reflectors (individual reflectors for each bulb) - very happy with both
-Both have active cooling. The Stealth pushes air "across" the bulbs while the ATI "vents" from the top. I can say that my bulb life in my Stealth was much better than my ATI bulb life. Not a biggie but something to think about as bulbs aren't cheap.
-The build quality of Sfiligoi cannot be beat by anyone. Their fixtures are really a piece of art hanging over the tank. They run very quietly (as do ATI's) but the materials used are of a higher quality.
-Tim at Aquatics Elite is a paying sponsor here at R2R and his customer service is impeccable! He will work with you every step of the way and will backup his product after the sale. I cannot say enough good things about him.
-Many who have never seen the Sfiligoi's in action will say that they aren't worth the extra money. However, if you've seen one and really looked at the build quality, you get what you pay for.

Hopefully ianawane and SaraB will chime in (and perhaps Tim from Aquatics Elite). I know they have or are looking at Sfiligoi's and can vouch for Tim's customer service and the build quality of the Sfiligoi's. That's my 2 cents worth m and m. Feel free to pm me if you have any specific questions as I have a feeling this thread will take a different turn as folks chime in....lol.

Hope that helps : )

m and m · Feb 4, 2011

what do you like better for the mixed reef? I think sfiglio looks so nice, what it needed for the rx6 a t5 and mh ballast.

soccerbag · Feb 4, 2011

For the XR6, the T5 ballasts are included and built into the fixture. You would need a Halide ballast for the halide portion. Any of them would be fine for a mixed reef. I like the dimensions of the tank and either of the Sfiligoi's would be ideal. But the ATI would certainly do an adequate job as well. Just depends on the money you want to spend and how important those extra features are to you. If something goes wrong with my Sfiligoi, I can get Tim on the phone in 2 seconds. I don't even know how to get a hold of ATI. I'm sure there's a way, but I don't know what that is. There's a lot to be said for that IMO.

Just Clownin Around · Feb 4, 2011

the service alone is worth its weight in gold.
i have no personal experience with the xr6 but the ati are definately nice. i wouldnt know how to get in touch with ati. so far i have not had to thank goodness

m and m · Feb 4, 2011

soccerbag said:
For the XR6, the T5 ballasts are included and built into the fixture. You would need a Halide ballast for the halide portion. Any of them would be fine for a mixed reef. I like the dimensions of the tank and either of the Sfiligoi's would be ideal. But the ATI would certainly do an adequate job as well. Just depends on the money you want to spend and how important those extra features are to you. If something goes wrong with my Sfiligoi, I can get Tim on the phone in 2 seconds. I don't even know how to get a hold of ATI. I'm sure there's a way, but I don't know what that is. There's a lot to be said for that IMO.

Now i have a personal question why did you go to the rx6 modal from the stealth you had over your DT? Also will you be moving your chalices to your new display?

soccerbag · Feb 4, 2011

Valid question. I would have had to go with 2 T5 fixtures for my new tank. Instead, I decided to go with the 72" XR6 with 3 250w 20K Radiums and 8 T5's. I also have the ACLS ballasts so I'm able to dim both the halides and the T5's. While this is obviously a luxury and not a necessity, it's something that I really wanted for this new setup. I've always loved the look of 20K radiums so I went ahead and went ahead with the combo fixture. The XR6 is well ventilated and doesn't add any heat to the water and I'm enjoying seeing the shimmer again. I would go back to all T5's in a heartbeat as they worked beautifully for me. However, I just wanted a different look with this tank and am very happy with the results. I will continue to run all T5's on my frag setup and none of my chalices will be in the display tank. I will keep them all under T5's. My new display is SPS dominated with just a few scolys and a few favias. I have around 150 chalices so it would be impossible to have them all in the display. I may move one or two up but most will stay in the frag tank.

m and m · Feb 4, 2011

You see that’s where I’m torn if I want to go all t5. One part knows i can get better results out of the t5's and chalices. Then the other part says I want to go both because i think i will end up balanced out with acros in there. I think i just might end up going T5's stealth with the dimmable ballast due to, i have heard things fish and coral act different when you can truly simulate rise and fall of the sun.