ATI troubles... I wish it wasn't so

Felixc395 · 01/15/2011, 10:54 PM

I just got my 75 gallon with the stand and canopy up. I was planning on getting an ATI 6 x 54 watt sunpower for an SPS dominated tank when I ran into problems. The canopy has a strip in the middle for ventilation, so you can't mount it to the top in the middle. And also the canopy doesn't flip all the way open like I thought it would, just two front panel doors. So when I want to work on the tank, I have to take the canopy off and the heavy light as well.

So I feel like I have to default to other options. My second choice is a Tek Elite. I know it would be a good choice, but could I keep SPS everywhere in the tank and have them thrive??? That's really my goal.

Thanks everyone.

aquaph8 · 01/15/2011, 11:03 PM

Ive talked to a few people with the Tek and there not as happy as they were with the ATI fixture. But I still think you could accomplish a full blown SPS tank with that light. If it were me I would ditch the canopy all together. It makes everything so much easier.

Felixc395 · 01/15/2011, 11:13 PM

Well unfortunately I can't just ditch the canopy, I do like it a lot. And I just spent $500 on it so that wouldn't be the best idea. But mainly it's to keep my stupid cats out so they don't drown and then ultimately kill everything in the tank. That would be bad...

fasteddie99 · 01/16/2011, 08:12 AM

Shoot the cat, ditch the canopy.

Ha ha j/k.

Following along for I too am looking into new lighting and will be using ati bulbs. I've been looking for a color chart or something to show how blue/white each bulb is.

milkman55 · 01/16/2011, 08:56 AM

Why don't you install a T5 retro in your canopy? The finished fixtures like ATI and TEK are usually installed without a canopy. Check out ReefGeek and look at the high output retro kits.

I have a 8 bulb TEK over my 120 gal and think it's great. Seems to be a direct correlation between spending more and the level of satisfaction with the products like ATI, prevalent with skimmers as well

http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_...y_LET_Lighting

Felixc395 · 01/16/2011, 09:10 AM

milkman55 I most definitely realize what you're saying. But then this goes back to the fact that when I want to work on the tank I have to lift the canopy and the heavy lights up everytime. If I could put up with that, I would just go with an ATI instead really.

wickedfish · 01/16/2011, 09:44 AM

Ufortunately it rounds like you have very limited options. One you cut the top with a router and mount the lights over the canopy and bolt or strap the ATI's. Two you sell your canopy or your lights and start over. I never put a top on my canopy for this reason once I sold my MH and bought the LEDs I put an acrylic top on and added o nice block to each side of the canopy for my lights to brace to. I can email pics pm me.

I have to flip the entire canopy onto it's back, it's awkward but works. And it's sturdy. I know what your saying though but you might be flipping the whole thing too, instead of how you open the top now, it's not as cool but it works. My canopy weighs 58lbs and is solid mahogany. The lights weigh another 10 or less.

Felixc395 · 01/16/2011, 05:04 PM

So what I suppose I reall am asking here is how well would the Tek elite work on my tank? I know it will be good, but will it suffice for any coral light requirement I need?

jmill72x · 01/16/2011, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Felixc395

So what I suppose I reall am asking here is how well would the Tek elite work on my tank? I know it will be good, but will it suffice for any coral light requirement I need?

I have the 36" Tek Elite over my 65G and I'm happy with it. Throws off a lot of light, and runs super cool. I ditched my canopy and overdriven retro T5 kit for the Tek Elite and couldn't be happier. My tank is 10 degrees cooler.

Felixc395 · 01/16/2011, 06:40 PM

jmill72x, Could I ask what corals do you keep and where can you keep them?

chadfarmer · 01/16/2011, 06:56 PM

before the ati were over here, people were running sps with the older tek lights

chimmike · 01/16/2011, 07:41 PM

I gotta say, your thread title is a bit misleading versus your actual problem

Felixc395 · 01/17/2011, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chimmike

I gotta say, your thread title is a bit misleading versus your actual problem

I'm sorry you feel this way. However, I am trying to find a way to either find a way to mount an ATI unit or go with an alternative. I have to say that this is relevant and does reflect the thread name onto the actual discussion.

chimmike · 01/17/2011, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Felixc395

I'm sorry you feel this way. However, I am trying to find a way to either find a way to mount an ATI unit or go with an alternative. I have to say that this is relevant and does reflect the thread name onto the actual discussion.

your title implies that you're having troubles with an ATI fixture, which isn't so.

You're having troubles fitting your ATI fixture properly into a canopy. It has nothing to do with the functionality of the fixture.

I'm just saying this in fairness to the company and the fixture itself. Obviously it's not a problem I'd want either, because I've seen some really nice canopies, and the ATI fixtures are too darned good and expensive to just toss aside if you've already got one due to a canopy issue.

Is there any way at all you can do active cooling in the canopy?

The Donald · 01/17/2011, 10:29 AM

I have a 75 gallon with a 5-6" canopy. I just put a 36" ATI Sunpower over it, it was really easy. Take 2 2x2's and run them front to back sitting on the rim of the tank. Seperate them so that 1" of each end of the fixture rest on one 2x2. Them connect the 2x2 ends with some thin strapping to keep them from moving apart. You can add some wood blocks to keep the fixture from moving, but i didnt see a point...also i can slide my fixture forward or back for tank maintence. The light sits about 3" from the water.

Felixc395 · 01/17/2011, 12:12 PM

Thanks! That sounds like a great option and may be just what I'm looking for.

jmill72x · 01/17/2011, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Felixc395

jmill72x, Could I ask what corals do you keep and where can you keep them?

I have a mix. I'm still relatively new to the hobby, so corals in my tank are very trial and error. I have a combination of soft, LPS, and SPS. But I have a monti that's doing very well in the upper third of the tank with the Tek Elite.

Felixc395 · 01/18/2011, 10:42 PM

Ok, what I guess I'm along now is that will the Tek elite be a great option for SPS everywhere? That's all I really need to know now.

01/15/2011, 10:54 PM	#1
Felixc395 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 1,612	ATI troubles... I wish it wasn't so I just got my 75 gallon with the stand and canopy up. I was planning on getting an ATI 6 x 54 watt sunpower for an SPS dominated tank when I ran into problems. The canopy has a strip in the middle for ventilation, so you can't mount it to the top in the middle. And also the canopy doesn't flip all the way open like I thought it would, just two front panel doors. So when I want to work on the tank, I have to take the canopy off and the heavy light as well. So I feel like I have to default to other options. My second choice is a Tek Elite. I know it would be a good choice, but could I keep SPS everywhere in the tank and have them thrive??? That's really my goal. Thanks everyone.

01/15/2011, 11:03 PM	#2
aquaph8 Love The Fish Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 5,652	Ive talked to a few people with the Tek and there not as happy as they were with the ATI fixture. But I still think you could accomplish a full blown SPS tank with that light. If it were me I would ditch the canopy all together. It makes everything so much easier. __________________ Brett Current Tank Info: Leemar 60x36x24, 8x80 T5/LED Sfiligoi GENESIS Alpha 300 skimmer

01/16/2011, 08:12 AM	#4
fasteddie99 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Delaware Posts: 1,028	Shoot the cat, ditch the canopy. Ha ha j/k. Following along for I too am looking into new lighting and will be using ati bulbs. I've been looking for a color chart or something to show how blue/white each bulb is. __________________ 125 gal LED lighting Super Reef Octopus XP-3000 SSS Current Tank Info: 125

01/16/2011, 06:56 PM	#11
chadfarmer Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: ST Charles, MO far from nanook Posts: 11,045 Blog Entries: 1	before the ati were over here, people were running sps with the older tek lights __________________ If you think you know the answer than ask 3 more people the question Current Tank Info: 200 Gal RR,ATB medium, 4 AI blue sol,230 LBS LIVE ROCK, no sand , 40 GAL sump, airstar1800, 3 tunze 6105 1- 6205 1-6305, Geo 818, profilux3ex with toys

01/16/2011, 07:41 PM	#12
chimmike oxygen abuser Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Parrish, FL Posts: 5,089 Blog Entries: 2	I gotta say, your thread title is a bit misleading versus your actual problem __________________ -Mike Tankless wonder Geaux Noles!

01/15/2011, 11:13 PM	#3
Felixc395 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 1,612	Well unfortunately I can't just ditch the canopy, I do like it a lot. And I just spent $500 on it so that wouldn't be the best idea. But mainly it's to keep my stupid cats out so they don't drown and then ultimately kill everything in the tank. That would be bad...

01/16/2011, 08:56 AM	#5
milkman55 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Parkville, MO Posts: 832	Why don't you install a T5 retro in your canopy? The finished fixtures like ATI and TEK are usually installed without a canopy. Check out ReefGeek and look at the high output retro kits. I have a 8 bulb TEK over my 120 gal and think it's great. Seems to be a direct correlation between spending more and the level of satisfaction with the products like ATI, prevalent with skimmers as well http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_...y_LET_Lighting

01/16/2011, 09:10 AM	#6
Felixc395 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 1,612	milkman55 I most definitely realize what you're saying. But then this goes back to the fact that when I want to work on the tank I have to lift the canopy and the heavy lights up everytime. If I could put up with that, I would just go with an ATI instead really.

01/16/2011, 09:44 AM	#7
wickedfish Moved On Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Southbay Posts: 2,167	Ufortunately it rounds like you have very limited options. One you cut the top with a router and mount the lights over the canopy and bolt or strap the ATI's. Two you sell your canopy or your lights and start over. I never put a top on my canopy for this reason once I sold my MH and bought the LEDs I put an acrylic top on and added o nice block to each side of the canopy for my lights to brace to. I can email pics pm me. I have to flip the entire canopy onto it's back, it's awkward but works. And it's sturdy. I know what your saying though but you might be flipping the whole thing too, instead of how you open the top now, it's not as cool but it works. My canopy weighs 58lbs and is solid mahogany. The lights weigh another 10 or less.

01/16/2011, 05:04 PM	#8
Felixc395 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 1,612	So what I suppose I reall am asking here is how well would the Tek elite work on my tank? I know it will be good, but will it suffice for any coral light requirement I need?

01/16/2011, 06:40 PM	#10
Felixc395 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 1,612	jmill72x, Could I ask what corals do you keep and where can you keep them?

01/17/2011, 10:29 AM	#15
The Donald Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Tallahassee, FL Posts: 99	I have a 75 gallon with a 5-6" canopy. I just put a 36" ATI Sunpower over it, it was really easy. Take 2 2x2's and run them front to back sitting on the rim of the tank. Seperate them so that 1" of each end of the fixture rest on one 2x2. Them connect the 2x2 ends with some thin strapping to keep them from moving apart. You can add some wood blocks to keep the fixture from moving, but i didnt see a point...also i can slide my fixture forward or back for tank maintence. The light sits about 3" from the water.

01/17/2011, 12:12 PM	#16
Felixc395 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 1,612	Thanks! That sounds like a great option and may be just what I'm looking for.

01/18/2011, 10:42 PM	#18
Felixc395 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 1,612	Ok, what I guess I'm along now is that will the Tek elite be a great option for SPS everywhere? That's all I really need to know now.

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