tek 8xT5HO vs ATI Sunpower

[the_rider]

Hi,

I am searching for an upgrade, i currently have a retrofit of 4x54w and 2 39w, but they are old, and i will need to change the bulb, also I will like to go open top.

So now, in montreal, I can have a TEK fixture 8xT5HO for 550 without bulb and ATI sunpower for 800$ no bulb also. Now I will like your input on, is the difference worth the 300$ ? I read that ATI sunpower give the double in PAR. But what would you guys do because if the ATI is better, I also have to consider MH fixture ...

Thanks

[the_rider]

bump

[Rick55555]

I wouldn't run the Tek fixture on a tank that's 30 inches tall. But that depends on what type of coral you'll be keeping.

If you're intending to keep soft coral, I think you would be fine with the Tek. Nevertheless, I like the idea of active cooling and the apparent performance boost provided by the ATI fixture over the Tek.

Rick

[the_rider]

Thanks Rick

I want to be able to keep SPS lower because now they are all stacked at the top of my rockwork.

I also have a frogspawn at the bottom of the tank that double in size in 2 or so month.

Also, my SPS are growing at a rate that I think is good, color are nice, the only problem i have is with a purple monti cap that is kind of red-orange instead of purple ... lol

[reefsahoy]

I run TEK lights on a 24 inch deep tank with sps on the bottom of the tank. My light is 6 bulbs and the colors are excellent on the sps.

[the_rider]

Thanks Reef,

I did some calculations and after 3 year if I remplace my bulb every year, the tek would cost me more because of the 2 extra bulb ... I may take the ATI but I'm not sure yet ... Someone can put some comment that would help me choose ??

[dan223]

Originally posted by the_rider
Hi,

I am searching for an upgrade, i currently have a retrofit of 4x54w and 2 39w, but they are old, and i will need to change the bulb, also I will like to go open top.

So now, in montreal, I can have a TEK fixture 8xT5HO for 550 without bulb and ATI sunpower for 800$ no bulb also.
Thanks

Hmm here in the states the sunpower is $519 why so much more there, I thought the exchange rate had evened out somewhat.

[James77]

The ATI is FAR better than the tek The ATI has a shield, and is actively cooled- neither of which the Tek has. The ATI Powermodule outperformed a comparable Tek by double- and the Sunpowers have very similar performance as the PMs- just not as fancy.

[the_rider]

Thanks

I dont know why its so much more

[uglyamericanV1]

i switched out a tek 4 light 48 inch that had a 250 halide hanging behind it....sps at top/favias/zoas with good growth

got an ati 4 bulb 48 inch
irritated at first weight, at the fact that i had to hang it

i am so glad i had to hang it, because i had to pull the light X2 the height of the tek
this thing PUMPS out light.

also, it swivels on a longitudinal axis, so instead of wasting light out the front of the tank, i swivel the light a little bit and the light is no longer wasted

the fan cord is weak, but i like the idea of keeping my bulbs tips cooled and lasting long and pumping out that goodness

[Canadian]

Originally posted by dan223
Hmm here in the states the sunpower is $519 why so much more there, I thought the exchange rate had evened out somewhat.

Exchange rate, shipping costs from ReefGeek the North American authorized distributor, brokerage fees, and Canadian taxes all explain the higher price.

I would bet the retailer in Canada selling the ATI Sunpower is simply purchasing from Reef Geek and then re-selling. When I bought my Sunpower I bought it directly from Reef Geek and the 6x24W fixture ended up running me around $700 CAD (the current exchange rate is about $0.82 CAD to the USD).