ATI t5 fixtures worth it??

[m1nh0h]

Im thinking if I should buy the ATI 4x24 sunpower fixture or the Sunlight supply tek 4x24 fixture on my 29 gallon tank (30x12x18). Is the ATI fixture really worth the extra 150 dollars?

[rtparty]

On that tank, no. If you upgrade, yes.

[GSMguy]

Originally Posted by rtparty

On that tank, no. If you upgrade, yes.

?? The money saved in getting the splash guard and hanging kit free coupled with the extended bulb life and higher resale value makes it a definite better value. Plus the ATI is much Brighter.
Sunpower is the way to go.

[m1nh0h]

what do you mean that it wouldn't be worth it on my size tank?

[rtparty]

Originally Posted by GSMguy

?? The money saved in getting the splash guard and hanging kit free coupled with the extended bulb life and higher resale value makes it a definite better value. Plus the ATI is much Brighter.
Sunpower is the way to go.

A) The splash guard is a TERRIBLE idea for the Tek. It traps in heat and kills the bulb life.

B) I know an ATI is brighter. About 25-30% actually.

C) On a shallow tank, the ATI is completely overkill and the OP will have problems with some LPS and other low light corals unless the fixture is a foot over the water.

D) With a cheap clip on fan, you can cool the Tek fixture and get the bulbs to last 10-12 months just like an ATI. The longest I have ever seen T5 bulbs go is 18 months and it was a Tek fixture, not ATI.

E) I have owned an ATI Sunpower and am actually planning to get another one here pretty soon. NO ONE besides Grim recommends ATI more than myself but in this case it just isn't the best option IMO. The tank would have to be majority SPS and clams to warrant an ATI.

[m1nh0h]

I see. I was thinking about getting the corallife 4x24 and switch out the bulbs with ati bulbs. The tank is 18 inches deep and will be a mixed reef tank including a decent amount of sps. What do you think? What would you recommend for my tank?

[A. Grandis]

Well, like was said before: ATI is the best!
You have to decide yourself.
You can change the bulbs for now, but won't get what you could with the ATI, for sure.
I think you already know that from the other thread. You are just trying to hear that you won't need the ATI. And you actually don't.

But I would get the ATI!!! Put some money aside and do it.

If you really can't...
Only you know about your pocket, my friend.

Grandis.

[rtparty]

ATI, Aquatic Life and Tek are the only three I would use.

I love ATI stuff and it will work just fine. The SPS will enjoy it. You will just have to keep LPS down low and shaded. Just acclimate everything properly.

The Aquatic Life and Tek aren't as poweful but are still plenty for your tank.

[m1nh0h]

Do you think getting the ati fixture will burn corals?? I think i'm going to get the Aquatic Life 30in (4x24) fixture and switching it out with ati lamps.

What do you think about this light combo for a mixed reef tank mainly sps and one clam?
Front
ati blue plus
ati purple plus
ati blue plues
ati purple plus

would this look be very blue? I'm trying to go for a look similar to a 20k hallide tank

[A. Grandis]

Maybe
Blue Plus
Purple Plus
Aquablue
Blue Plus
Would be better.

Grandis.

[m1nh0h]

sounds good, i'm still waiting for a reply from grim reefer, but thanks! i'll take it into consideration

[rtparty]

Originally Posted by m1nh0h

Do you think getting the ati fixture will burn corals?? I think i'm going to get the Aquatic Life 30in (4x24) fixture and switching it out with ati lamps.

What do you think about this light combo for a mixed reef tank mainly sps and one clam?
Front
ati blue plus
ati purple plus
ati blue plues
ati purple plus

would this look be very blue? I'm trying to go for a look similar to a 20k hallide tank

If you want a 20k look, go with 3 blue plus and 1 purple plus.

[m1nh0h]

Originally Posted by rtparty

If you want a 20k look, go with 3 blue plus and 1 purple plus.

do you have a picture on what that lamp combo might look like? I don't it to be too blue

[GSMguy]

It's not too blue, I run that combo 11 hours a day and it looks soo good I'm going to ditch my AB specials and run another 2 blue+

[A. Grandis]

Originally Posted by m1nh0h

do you have a picture on what that lamp combo might look like? I don't it to be too blue

It's all personal taste.
It's all good.
If you have the PAR you want/need...

Grandis.

[m1nh0h]

Originally Posted by GSMguy

It's not too blue, I run that combo 11 hours a day and it looks soo good I'm going to ditch my AB specials and run another 2 blue+

can u put up a pic of ur tank? want to check out how it looks!

[GSMguy]

All the pics I take end up looking too blue. It's not like that IRL.

[m1nh0h]

one more question. when i get my aquatic life fixture would sps be okay with the lamps that come with it? I don't want to waste the bulbs if i dont have to

[GSMguy]

Yes they will do fine with the stock bulbs

[zeeter]

Originally Posted by rtparty

ATI, Aquatic Life and Tek are the only three I would use.

I will never buy another aquatic life product. I've had two timers go out on me in a year and a half. There's no override for it, either. If the timer dies then so does the entire unit.

The first timer began to frequently go off randomly and resetting itself. The manufacturer replaced that timer, but on the replacement the white bulb button got stuck making it completely unusable. I've been dealing with the original timer and just hoping that when I get home from work it's still on.

However, replacing the bulbs with Geissemann or ATI bulbs made a world of difference with this unit. Corals and anemones really began to pop afterward.

I'll soon be getting a tek or ATI system with two power cords so that I'm not reliant on any intricate electronic system with a high rate of failure.

[zeeter]

I'm in the market for a new lighting system. I would like to get a 6x54 either tek light or ATI.

The tank is a 75gallon. ATI's are approximately $50 more expensive than Tek. Since I can't mount from my ceiling I would have to buy some sort of mounting base for the ATI. Tek offers a legs kit, so that is a wash as far as necessary accessories.

So realizing that ATI is a better overall light, is it $50 better than Tek Elite for a 75gl tank? It is mixed reef at the moment but that is more due to the lack of acceptable lighting than anything else.

[GSMguy]

There is no mounting base for the ATI. Go for the tek elite.

[zeeter]

Not to start another flame war, but what's everyone's opinion of ATI vs Giesemann bulbs?

I've always been a big fan of the Giesemann Aquablue Plus yet recently I purchased an ATI Aquablue Special and am quite happy with that.

Going either way, what would be a good 6-bulb combination?

Into consideration is that the Giesemanns are two hours away from me and the ATI's are 45 minutes. I don't like to mail-order bulbs.

[zeeter]

Originally Posted by GSMguy

There is no mounting base for the ATI. Go for the tek elite.

I was leaning toward the elite. Just wanted to know if the difference in quality was worth $50. For a 75gl I wouldn't think so, but I'm no expert.

Also - does anyone have an opinion on the non-elite tek lights? Are they do-able using external fans or do they still get too hot?

[rtparty]

ATI's have better PAR and seem to hold up better over time. I think Geisemann is over priced for what you get.