Best T5 Fixture....

[Snowsrfr]

.....for a 30" deep tank. I'm currently setting up a 150G 4'x2'x30". I want to go with a T5 fixture and from what I'm reading the ATI fixture might be the way to go. Was also looking at the TEK's but heard the ATI's are head and shoulders above. With going with the ATI how do the Sunpowers compare to the Powermodule? Also on a 2' deep tank can I get away with a 6 bulb fixture or am I better off with the 8 bulb version? Also, how high above the water line should the fixture be situated to give me the best light penetration in a tank this deep? Lastly, can anyone receommend an ATI bulb combination to give me the best growth with a 12-14K look? This will be an SPS dominate system with LPS in the lower regions and no to very minimal softies or leathers. Thanks in advance.

[rtparty]

You need an ATI for a tank that deep and you will want the 8 bulb Powermodule or 2 - 4 bulb Sunpowers. Start it out like 10 inches above the tank or you will probably bleach stuff. Then slowly move it down to 5-6 inches.

The Powermodules put out about 2% more PAR overall. Not worth the dough to me unless you need more than 6 bulbs, then you have no choice.

For bulbs, 4 ATI Blue Plus, 2 ATI Aquablue and 2 ATI Purple Plus.

Set the fans to 9 volts to help keep maximum PAR and life of the bulbs.

[drtrash]

Sunpower all the way. Top of the food chain.

[JG1]

Originally Posted by rtparty

You need an ATI for a tank that deep and you will want the 8 bulb Powermodule or 2 - 4 bulb Sunpowers. Start it out like 10 inches above the tank or you will probably bleach stuff. Then slowly move it down to 5-6 inches.

The Powermodules put out about 2% more PAR overall. Not worth the dough to me unless you need more than 6 bulbs, then you have no choice.

For bulbs, 4 ATI Blue Plus, 2 ATI Aquablue and 2 ATI Purple Plus.

Set the fans to 9 volts to help keep maximum PAR and life of the bulbs.

Will @ Sustainable Reefs told me the PM puts out like 20+% more then the SP.....he said ATI downplays the output of the PM.

I dunno....

[raynist]

Originally Posted by JG1

Will @ Sustainable Reefs told me the PM puts out like 20+% more then the SP.....he said ATI downplays the output of the PM.

I dunno....

Jeremy from premium aquatics tested a pm vs a sp and the pm put out 2% more par. I have several sp's and one pm. The sp's are every bit as bright as the pm. I actually much prefer the look of the sp. To me, the pm is bulky and too heavy.

I think you were being upsold.

[808lazyd]

what about the solar flare?

[raynist]

I had a solarflare. It was nice, I like the sp better. I am not a big fan of the colors of T5 bulbs when over driven.

[JG1]

Originally Posted by raynist

I think you were being upsold.

I wouldn't doubt it...lol

[discus510]

do u only want t5?? or would u consider MH if so ill look at the 48" marineland pro series lighting its around 720 bucks with bulbs 2 150 watts and 4 54 watts and u will get tat shimmery look

[rtparty]

Originally Posted by discus510

do u only want t5?? or would u consider MH if so ill look at the 48" marineland pro series lighting its around 720 bucks with bulbs 2 150 watts and 4 54 watts and u will get tat shimmery look

150 watt halides aren't gonna punch 30" of water. 250's are needed at a minimum. Not to mention Marineland stuff is pretty weak IME.

[Jeremy B.]

Originally Posted by JG1

Will @ Sustainable Reefs told me the PM puts out like 20+% more then the SP.....he said ATI downplays the output of the PM.

I dunno....

Not true at all. There is virtually no difference in light output between a SP and PM, running the exact same lamp, being measured with the exact same PAR meter.