Has anyone ever switched from ATI T5s to Radiums? Do you regret it?

[GroktheCube]

I'm in the middle of what's effectively a re-build of my 120. I managed to introduce ich, and basically needed to tear the tank completely down to catch all my damn fish to get them into treatment.

I took the opportunity to drain and clean EVERYTHING, and now have it back together, re-scaped (and much better than take one, way more room for corals and more open space for fish), and reasonably stable again with alk/cal/mag hanging around 9/410/1400. I lost all of my acros during the breakdown and reassembly, but everything else seems to be bouncing back.

Since I cleaned and re-did virtually everything else, I'm also re-examining my lighting.

I'm currently using an ATI 8x54w sunpower fixture supplemented by two 10kish BML strips. Obviously, it's more than adequate in terms of light output, but I was curious to see if anyone had switched from a similar setup to 250w Radiums and what your results were like if you did. I've seen plenty of beautiful T5 tanks, but every time I see Radiums in person, I'm always just a little bit jealous of that magical "look".

[rovster]

At the end of the day, its going to boil down to personal preference. Both are proven performers. Each has its strengths and weaknesses. Sounds like you like the "magic" of the Radiums. I say go for it.

[Bpb]

Bulb costs will be comparable. Slightly cheaper for radiums possibly I love ati t5 but recently made the same switch. I don't regret it. T5s look great, but the radiums are coaxing out certain colors that I was previously Unable to get previously.

[GroktheCube]

I do like the "magic" of radiums. I'm setting up a cube tank with a single 250w radium, and I set the pendant over my 120 this evening just to check it out. Wowzers! I'm a bit shocked at how much brighter it was than the 8x54w T5s, especially given the difference in power consumption isn't THAT big.

I'm a bit torn over it though. I know I'd probably be able to recoup part of the cost by selling the ATI fixture, but I've spent a lot on the current lighting system, and I feel a bit silly plunking down another grand.

[E.intheC]

They're both great choices honestly. I've used T5 and Radium MH (though very limited with SPS...mostly LPS and zoas personally) and really can't choose one over the other. The shimmer from the Radium is beautiful but I have to say I like the colors from T5s a bit more.

It seems like you're leaning toward the Radium, from the post above mine though.

[Aquatron]

There are several fixtures that give you both MH & T5's also some with LEDs.
I just bought a Cebu Sun mogul base so I could run them both and will be adding Reef Brite 36" LEDs strips to each side, powered by my Blue Wave dual HQI ballast......Lets the growing begin....lol

[stancfii]

Given that a radium is about $90, and lasts 1yr+ (on m80 ballast), and you replace 8 t5 bulbs every 6-8mo, the radium is a huge cost saving. Get a good reflector, and you'll get way more par for your $ than the t5 setup. Radium bulbs are magical, I think those Germans put ground unicorn dust in them.

[NastyZ]

Originally Posted by stancfii

Given that a radium is about $90, and lasts 1yr+ (on m80 ballast), and you replace 8 t5 bulbs every 6-8mo, the radium is a huge cost saving. Get a good reflector, and you'll get way more par for your $ than the t5 setup. Radium bulbs are magical, I think those Germans put ground unicorn dust in them.

Changing t5s at 6-8 months?? More like a yr especially on an ati fixture the cooling helps the life of the bulb big time I was/still am debating going MH/T5 I really wanted a cebu sun but I got a great deal on my ati powermodule I may at some point go MH/T5 and I will be running radiums

[sdboltsfan21]

what exactly is a radium bulb?

[CBlair]

Made the switch about a month ago and i love it... Somdo the corals. I supplement the radium with two t5 and a rapid led diy strip

[hollback]

Originally Posted by sdboltsfan21

what exactly is a radium bulb?

A specific brand.


I run 2 250w Radiums with two Actinic Reef Brite LED strips over my 120. I really love the color and growth I get from the radiums and the extra pop from the LEDs.

[d2mini]

I run both, Radium MH and T5 and not just ATI bulbs.

[GroktheCube]

Originally Posted by Aquatron

There are several fixtures that give you both MH & T5's also some with LEDs.
I just bought a Cebu Sun mogul base so I could run them both and will be adding Reef Brite 36" LEDs strips to each side, powered by my Blue Wave dual HQI ballast......Lets the growing begin....lol

This is what I was considering. 48" Cebu Sun fixture, and tack the BML strips on the sides for sunrise/sunset effect.

Thanks for the input folks.

EDIT: Still haven't made a decision. I'm weighing options in my mind. I feel a bit silly about ditching this rather expensive sunpower fixture, but I think I'd probably be happier with the tank using an MH hybrid fixture. I also know I'd have to get off my lazy butt to actually sell the thing! I have a 4x54w sunpower that's been collecting dust in my closet for months because I keep forgetting to take photos and get it up in the for sale forum.

[dtum]

Make sure to write about your upgrade experience

[ZON]

I'm thinking same thing ..now i'm using ati hybrid 8 bulb on my 150 and next week try to add more light with a 4 bulb sunpower near hybrid for best coverage..but..i'm thinking to give a try to radiums (2x400w) ..what do you think??

[ZON]

Have 2 lumenark3 with lumatek ballast.. And maybe add some t5 if needed

[d2mini]

Originally Posted by GroktheCube

This is what I was considering. 48" Cebu Sun fixture, and tack the BML strips on the sides for sunrise/sunset effect.

Thanks for the input folks.

EDIT: Still haven't made a decision. I'm weighing options in my mind. I feel a bit silly about ditching this rather expensive sunpower fixture, but I think I'd probably be happier with the tank using an MH hybrid fixture. I also know I'd have to get off my lazy butt to actually sell the thing! I have a 4x54w sunpower that's been collecting dust in my closet for months because I keep forgetting to take photos and get it up in the for sale forum.

I run the 72" Cebu Sun. Great fixture.
Lots of plugs, but that's a good thing... plenty of control.
And its got a nice reflector.
You can also add a reefbrite strip to the exterior with the brackets included with the reefbrite and the screws already on the cebu sun fixture.

[Nanook]

This thread has been moved to the current forum.

[GroktheCube]

Originally Posted by d2mini

I run the 72" Cebu Sun. Great fixture.
Lots of plugs, but that's a good thing... plenty of control.
And its got a nice reflector.
You can also add a reefbrite strip to the exterior with the brackets included with the reefbrite and the screws already on the cebu sun fixture.

Pretty sure I could mount my BML strips in the same way. I'm a fan of lots of plugs. I'd rather be able to turn things on one at a time. It's a 20 amp circuit, but if my heaters are running, all the T5s and MHs turning on at the same time might be pushing it!

[solitude127]

If you do switch, keep your Sunpower just incase you don't like it. Is electricity a concern? Do you have means of cooling your tank since 2 - 250w radiums coupled with T5s in the Cebu Sun fixture will heat your water more.

[GroktheCube]

Originally Posted by solitude127

If you do switch, keep your Sunpower just incase you don't like it. Is electricity a concern? Do you have means of cooling your tank since 2 - 250w radiums coupled with T5s in the Cebu Sun fixture will heat your water more.

Electricity is pretty cheap here, and usage wouldn't be THAT much higher, given the Radiums would be running for a shorter span of time. Not too worried about heat either, I have my Apex programmed to allow the temperature to shift between 78.5 and 83 over the course of the day, so if it stays in 81+ range while the lights are running, I'm not concerned. The room is reasonably well ventilated, so I don't think heat would be that awful.

[kc350twin]

My buddy dh350twin just did this. He sold his Sunpower so that's a indicator how much he liked the change. I'm sending him a pm now maybe he will chime in.

[dh350twin]

I reluctantly switch to halides and t5 supplements and absolutely love it will never go back! Corals responded immediately to the change in a very positive way. The SUNPOWER was a great light but the sfiligoi is the best light I have ever owned bar none!!! Good luck

[dh350twin]

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1408216611.998893.jpgImageUploadedByTapatalk1408216631.882463.jpg

[NastyZ]

Originally Posted by solitude127

If you do switch, keep your Sunpower just incase you don't like it. Is electricity a concern? Do you have means of cooling your tank since 2 - 250w radiums coupled with T5s in the Cebu Sun fixture will heat your water more.

I can tell you that the cebu sun that my LFS has runs really cool vs an open reflector set up I think it runs about the same temp as my powermodule I can touch the splash shield with out getting burned the cooling fans do there job