ATI Sunpower vs ATI Powermodule

[Rodrigo_BG]

Hi, I'm wondering what is the big difference between an ATI Sunpower (e.g. 6x54w) vs an ATI Powermodule same bulbs? What makes Powermodule cost 200 dollars more than Sunpower?

Is there any variation regarding ballast, coller or PAR?

[boxer385]

from my research the PM is more stylist than the sunpower they have the same ballast and reflectors. the PM is steel and the other is alum.

[James77]

It is a higher end fixture. It is built beefier, and overall looks better. Performance is very similar between the two. If you want performance and a beautiful fixture, go with the PM. If you just want performance in a very good looking fixture, go with the SP.

The SP has the same ballasts and reflectors as the PM AFAIK.

[jmski333]

i talked to a gentleman about this who had a PM and he said i should get the SP. The PM is indeed made of steal and has the best cooling t5 has to offer, but the SP has pretty much the second best. the PM had some bulb firing issues awhile back while the SP has had pretty much 0 issues. thats why you can see that i went with the SP.

[Rodrigo_BG]

thanks for the informations guys!

[Cooper Inc]

There is not much difference between the SunPower and the Powermodule.

-The ATI SunPower is a more economical version of the ATI Powermodule with a bent aluminum housing instead of a curved, heavy-duty steel housing. Powermodule has a more “livingroom quality” appearance (with no canopy or euro brace tank) but the SunPower is not ugly.

-Powermodule has one more cooling fan by 2 T5 lamps so increases amount of heat heat removed from the fixture, further enhancing and maximizing heat transfer to the aquarium water.


NOTE : They have the same acrylic splash guard.


Performance wise the SunPower is almost, but not quite as good as the Powermodule.


SunPower is only available in 4 or 6 bulbs configuration and Powermodule is available in 2-4-6-8-10 bulbs configuration.

[kmu]

I went with the sunpower because I like the bent front corners better than curved ones from the powermodule.

[kc350twin]

The Power Module is not steal like many have said so far. It has a extruded aluminum housing with stainless steal end caps. If you only need 6 bulbs or less then the SP is a great choice. If you need more then the PM is your option or you can buy two SP's.

Also don't feel like you need to have the light the same width as the tank. These lights put down serious amounts of PAR and most people don't need crazy light allthe way out to the edges.

Kc3

[805reef]

no experience with either (yet, but sometime this week!) but i chose the powermodule because i need a 10 bulb fixture. a lot of good info in this thread already, but you can also go to the reefgeek forum on this site to read a lot more about both fixtures

[Rodrigo_BG]

Originally Posted by Cooper Inc

Performance wise the SunPower is almost, but not quite as good as the Powermodule

this is true??

this is the point! do they run different ballasts?

do they have different quality acrylic shield, one more crystal clear than other?

maybe more collers in the powermodule makes bulbs run at a better temperature and consequently generate more par?

Powermodule steel? So, 2 points for SP, aluminium more light and gentle.

IMO both are very stylist and well built. If it's just about style I will save 200. If it's about performance I will invest 200.

[rtparty]

If you have 6 bulbs or less then there is ZERO reason to go to a Powermodule.

They run the exact same ballasts and reflectors. The cooling is the only thing that is different. The Powermodule has a fan for every 2 bulbs while the Sunpower has one for every 3.

Also if your tank is 48" wide then go with a 36" fixture or you will have issues keeping most softies and LPS.

I have a 4x24W Sunpower over my 40g breeder and love it! I have all softies and LPS on the very bottom and most are shaded. If I don't, they will bleach on me. I can put just about any SPS on the sandbed and it will do just fine.

[Rodrigo_BG]

thanks Ryan

my tank will be 52'' x 22' x 18" (high)

do you believe that a Sun Power 6 x 54w is enough for this size?

sps tank

[rtparty]

Originally Posted by Rodrigo_BG

thanks Ryan

my tank will be 52'' x 22' x 18" (high)

do you believe that a Sun Power 6 x 54w is enough for this size?

sps tank

It will be plenty for that tank. I would raise it up about 6-8" to get better coverage front to back.

As far as bulbs go I would run

ATI Blue Plus
KZ Fiji Purple
ATI Blue Plus
GE 6500K
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Blue Plus

[kc350twin]

The 6x54 sounds like a good choice for you. I have the same height tank and have 200 par on the sand with the light 10" above the water. I have zero issues keeping LPS or softies. Do you have access to a PAR meter? I highly suggest buying or borrowing one. I don't use it much but knowing these numbers is good to know.

Kc3