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Unread 05/19/2009, 04:16 PM   #1
ariel47
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which t5 setup

I'm moving my 55 gal reef[mainly LPS] reef to a 150 gal 48x24x30H. Which t5 setup should I use. Thinking on the ATI sunpower, or the constellation, or the 8 bulb tek. The 55 currently has a outer orbit pro with 150 watt hqi MH, T5's. the unit is 36". I didn't use the MH much, mainly the t5's. Any suggestions will be appreciated.


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Unread 05/19/2009, 06:24 PM   #2
ariel47
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come on guys 17 views and no suggestions, help a sister reefer out.


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Unread 05/19/2009, 07:25 PM   #3
nikon187
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At 30" deep I would go with ATI.


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Unread 05/19/2009, 07:44 PM   #4
ariel47
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thanks Nikon, I'm leaning that way. I was worried it may be to much light.


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Unread 05/19/2009, 07:56 PM   #5
ariel47
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can the ATI sit on top of the tank? My husband doesn't want anything hanging from the ceiling.


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Unread 05/19/2009, 09:20 PM   #6
dbdisok
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Hanging from the ceiling with a counter balance will allow you to get the unit out of the way for maintenance. This is a 30" deep tank you will probably be leaning way into the openings to get to the bottom.


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Present: 55 gallon, LR, LS, HOB skimmer, HOB filter with Chemipure bags, Current Dual Satellite Power Compacts. Established January 2008.

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Unread 05/19/2009, 09:28 PM   #7
dbdisok
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Sunlight Supply's TEK t-5 units appear to have what you are looking for. I will be using 4 pairs to light the 120 gallon i am building.


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Present: 55 gallon, LR, LS, HOB skimmer, HOB filter with Chemipure bags, Current Dual Satellite Power Compacts. Established January 2008.

Next up 120 gallon RR. Much planning and work to be completed.

Current Tank Info: 55 gal reef with sump, L/S L/R
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Unread 05/19/2009, 09:56 PM   #8
marineace5
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I have heard good things about the TEKs, but no first hand exp. Hopefully you are planning to keep the corals at mid level or higher in the tank, as any light gets thinned out quickly when trying to reach 30". I like the looks of the ATI, but wouldn't recommend sitting directly on the tank top. You would constantly be lifting it off for access and cleaning. The water splatter and salt would be a nightmare.


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Unread 05/19/2009, 10:15 PM   #9
ariel47
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Thanks, is their other ways to hang the ATI other than from the ceiling? Can you buy hanging brackets or get a stand of some kind to hang it? I think I saw a thread where someone use shelf brackets.


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Unread 05/19/2009, 10:24 PM   #10
marineace5
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Yes, I have a similar setup with shelf brackets over my frag tank. I used 1/2" eyebolts to support a metal bar that suspends my lights. I have the freedom to easily move them up or down and sideways depending on the frags.


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Unread 05/19/2009, 11:56 PM   #11
swpassion
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http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...ory=FILTFIT52U

expensive but worth it.


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Unread 05/20/2009, 03:16 AM   #12
divewsharks
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ATI is the best option for penetrating that deep, although i likely wouldn't put the most light demanding corals that deep. lower light corals would do well down there.
You can sit the ATI directly on top of the tank, but as mentioned it can make maintenance a little tricky but doable. You could also make a hanging shelf or light stand.
The Tek shouldn't sit directly on a tank, as you for optimal performance you want to remove the splash shield and use some clip-on fans to help cool the fixture, w/o the splash shield the reflectors can be easily stained by salt spray. this is not an issue with the ATI fixtures or even Aquatinics fixtures.





the top one is an ATI Sunpower

these are not mine...


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Unread 05/20/2009, 08:01 AM   #13
Robb in Austin
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Aquactinics. Support the home team.

I think your decision is really down to the ATI or Aquactinics. (As divewsharks mentioned, to get the most out of the Tek, you have to cool it and pull the splash shield.)


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Unread 05/20/2009, 10:52 AM   #14
james3370
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Quote:
Originally posted by ariel47
Thanks, is their other ways to hang the ATI other than from the ceiling? Can you buy hanging brackets or get a stand of some kind to hang it? I think I saw a thread where someone use shelf brackets.
this would work great....might be why it's DIY ThOTM lol

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2009-04/diy/index.php


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Unread 05/20/2009, 11:36 AM   #15
twinspots_goby
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I have a 30" deep tank and I'm using Icecap T5s. I'm very satisfied with the light. Since I have canopy, I chose the Icecap retrofit stead of light fixture. I'm hanging my canopy 18 inch above my tank. I'm still able to keep most of my soft corals and LPS coals on the bottom with no problem.


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Unread 05/20/2009, 04:37 PM   #16
UWUALineman
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Tek 5 8x54. Find one used, add a fan to blow over the surface of the water and do not use the shield. I had the mounting brackets for the Tek but it did make mainenance a bit of a pain. Have the fixture off the surface as far as feasible to minimize salt spray build up and enjoy. I love my Tek fixture.


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Unread 05/20/2009, 08:22 PM   #17
ariel47
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thanks everyone, diverwsharks I like the way the light is mounted in your picture. James3370 I wish I could get my husband to make the stands for me. James[my husband] doesn't share my passion for the hobby[he's in to antique cars]He doesn't even know I'm about to buy it, buts that why I work to support this saltwater addiction and pay other bills. I'm going to get the sunpower, will show my husband divewsharks picture and sweet talk him into making it[I hope he takes the bait]


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Unread 05/20/2009, 08:28 PM   #18
ariel47
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1 reason I decided on the sunpower is the cost. The tek light 8 bulb is around 490 without bulbs, no active cooling. The sunpower is 620, active cooling and with bulbs. I do like the constellation to and it could sit on top of the tank. I'll have to flip a coin. I don't like waiting until my husband feels like doing fixing something.


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Unread 05/20/2009, 08:38 PM   #19
hansmatt
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PM or sunpower are tops in my book... good reflectors & active cooling are the key


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Unread 05/20/2009, 08:50 PM   #20
ariel47
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how do you like your powermodule? did you hang it from the ceiling?


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Unread 05/20/2009, 08:56 PM   #21
ariel47
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Hansmatt how do you like the acjr controller?


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Unread 05/22/2009, 09:09 PM   #22
jhoff
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Quote:
Originally posted by ariel47
how do you like your powermodule? did you hang it from the ceiling?
You can also get one of these to hang your fixture marine depot has them hanging arm assembly part#CU01092 74.99


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Unread 05/22/2009, 10:39 PM   #23
maynardjames
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SOLARFLARE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


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Unread 05/23/2009, 04:34 PM   #24
ariel47
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Is the solarflare aquanetics?


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Unread 05/23/2009, 10:02 PM   #25
divewsharks
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Quote:
Originally posted by ariel47
Is the solarflare aquanetics?
Yes it is made by Aquatinics ( I believe that is what you are asking). its a very good fixture, it uses IC660 ballasts to overdrive the bulbs.


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