Ati vs LET retro

Pslreefer · 06/14/2018, 07:12 PM

Decided to go full on T5 so I ordered 4 x LET T5 kits. Now I’m having second thoughts and wonder if I should pony up another $350 for the ati 8 bulb fixture....

Is there any actual major performance factor in getting the ati fixture?

moondoggy4 · 06/14/2018, 07:35 PM

T-5 bulbs run best when they are cooled properly, I believe that BRS has a video on this. Too cold bad too hot bad. Let retro's are properly the best out there but they are not cooled.

Pslreefer · 06/14/2018, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moondoggy4

T-5 bulbs run best when they are cooled properly, I believe that BRS has a video on this. Too cold bad too hot bad. Let retro's are properly the best out there but they are not cooled.

Ya I watched the video yesterday.

I have an open top canopy style canopy and a/c stays at 73 so cooling/ air movement isn’t an issue and the ballast would be on top instead of in the side where the bulbs and water is. Hoping that would make a difference and also keep corrosion out of the equation.

michael.lemke · 06/14/2018, 07:53 PM

Do you have a canopy or no. Let used the same ballasts as the ATI. The let reflector is a bit more focused. I’d go with the look you want. Both are going to perform well.

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Pslreefer · 06/14/2018, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by michael.lemke

Do you have a canopy or no. Let used the same ballasts as the ATI. The let reflector is a bit more focused. I’d go with the look you want. Both are going to perform well.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yes I have an open top and open back canopy. The front raises up for access.

The pic is my current T5 fixture with led B.B. on the ends. My plan is to mount the retros and lay on the rails I have the current fixture on.

Big E · 06/15/2018, 02:02 AM

The only difference between the LET and the ATI is you'll have to change the bulbs out sooner due to them not being cooled.

I have run both setups..........ATI you'll get about 10 months..........LET about 7-8

mcgyvr · 06/15/2018, 04:47 AM

You can easily add a fan or 2 for less than $350

06/14/2018, 07:12 PM	#1
Pslreefer In Memoriam Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Port St Lucie, FL Posts: 597	Ati vs LET retro Decided to go full on T5 so I ordered 4 x LET T5 kits. Now I’m having second thoughts and wonder if I should pony up another $350 for the ati 8 bulb fixture.... Is there any actual major performance factor in getting the ati fixture?

06/15/2018, 02:02 AM	#6
Big E Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: South Euclid, OH Posts: 4,281	The only difference between the LET and the ATI is you'll have to change the bulbs out sooner due to them not being cooled. I have run both setups..........ATI you'll get about 10 months..........LET about 7-8 __________________ 80g Rimless Acropora System reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2197142&page=31 Ed

06/15/2018, 04:47 AM	#7
mcgyvr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20,050	You can easily add a fan or 2 for less than $350 __________________ Who me?

06/14/2018, 07:35 PM	#2
moondoggy4 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: menifee So cal Posts: 11,042	T-5 bulbs run best when they are cooled properly, I believe that BRS has a video on this. Too cold bad too hot bad. Let retro's are properly the best out there but they are not cooled.

06/14/2018, 07:53 PM	#4
michael.lemke Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: greeley co Posts: 395	Do you have a canopy or no. Let used the same ballasts as the ATI. The let reflector is a bit more focused. I’d go with the look you want. Both are going to perform well. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk