Switching Back to T5 need advice

RuttingB · 06/27/2015, 03:41 AM

I am going to switch from my LED to T5. I am on the fence as far as the fixture is concerned. I have a 50 gal cube and may be changing it out to a 60 gal cube soon. Current dimensions are 24x24x20.

If I order my T5 fixture I was thinking of going to ATI. I will have a mixed tank mostly Softies and Zoos etc. But that's how it was on my last tank that went all SPS.

1) So just in case it goes the same way, should I get the 6x24 or 8x24?
2) ATI or another fixture that is as good?
3) If ATI, dimmable or not?

I have always known ATI to be a great fixture but I have been reading the issues and they seem to be more problematic than reliable.

Thanks.

xdestry · 06/27/2015, 05:23 AM

Are you really going to upgrade just 10 gallons larger? Seems like a lot of work for not much more space. If you have sps I think you should get the 8x24, gives you a lot more choices for bulbs including actinics. Ati is great I think it's the one most people use.

I have a dimmable, I couldn't imagine running it on max the entire time all day, I use the dimming to run 2 actinics on channel 1 at night for more of an actinic look.

ReefCowboy · 06/27/2015, 07:18 AM

Get the eight bulb, dimeable. I always say, you CANT go wrong with ATI fixtures.
With the eight bulb you will be covered in case of the upgrade and if you decide to go with higher number of high par bulbs(blue+,aqua blue special)you could dim them until your tank is used to that light.

The best thing about the ATI are the reflectors, they do make a difference in the light those fixtures put out.
Why don't you go hybrid and add a few blue LEDs? I think you will miss a bit of that POP.

daveonbass · 06/27/2015, 07:31 AM

I would highly recommend the 8 bulb...and I love my ATI. You'll have many more color blending options and if you get dimmable then I think you'll be happier with the ability to do it if you want. I have an older PM that is not dimmable but I still love it. Though I sometimes wonder how cool it would be to ramp the bulbs up and down for dawn dusk effect throughout the day.

twf0369 · 06/27/2015, 11:15 AM

I too switched from LED to T5 (ATI of course) and have no regrets. One of the best things I've done for my tank. If you miss the "pop" get a Reefbrite LED blue and attach it to your ATI fixture. Good Luck!

jdraider75 · 06/27/2015, 11:33 AM

I would do an 8 bulb also.

RuttingB · 06/27/2015, 07:29 PM

Well first of all thank you for the advice. The only reason I would upgrade to a 60 gal is that this one came scratched very badly.

I stayed up until 3:30 AM researching and listening to the complaints and problems with the dimmable version. I agree I'm going to miss the pop, but I would rather have coral growth and color. No doubt about it.

I read about the ballasts, people taking them apart after having them for only 2 months. I read a ton of issues with regards certain channels not working. BUT the thing I also read was how great the customer service was.

After reading this I was like okay tomorrow you should order the ATI non dimmable version. If I do wouldn't the 6 bulb running at 100% be better than a 8 bulb running at 100%?

Thanks.

KingTriton1 · 06/27/2015, 07:38 PM

I'd go with a Sunpower nondimmable 8 bulb personally. I think if you went 6 bulb you'd regret it in the long run.

Reefvet · 06/27/2015, 09:16 PM

6 bulb ATI Sunpower grows SPS just fine on my 60 cube. FWIW.

I also run ATI T5s in a TEK by Sunlight Supply. There are lots of good reflectors, ATI's are not as special as they'd like you to believe.

v10king · 06/27/2015, 09:31 PM

I've had both dimmable and non dimmable. The dimmable is way better in my opinion. It has one cord, has a temp sensor and varies speed of fans as required. Today it was hot and fish room was buttoned up, I go over to tank and I see in status page that there is an "!" and then I see that both channel 1 and 2 are at 59%. My program is 100% at the time, I figured out it automatically dims the light as required to maintain bulbs and ballasts if it overheats. I opened door and it immediately ramped back to 100%.

ifarmer · 06/27/2015, 10:17 PM

6 bublbs can do fine on 60g cube. However, if you have an option, go with 8 bulbs, you will have more choice on color. the 8 bulbs fixture are hard to find now.

ReefCowboy · 06/28/2015, 06:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by v10king

I've had both dimmable and non dimmable. The dimmable is way better in my opinion. It has one cord, has a temp sensor and varies speed of fans as required. Today it was hot and fish room was buttoned up, I go over to tank and I see in status page that there is an "!" and then I see that both channel 1 and 2 are at 59%. My program is 100% at the time, I figured out it automatically dims the light as required to maintain bulbs and ballasts if it overheats. I opened door and it immediately ramped back to 100%.

Wow, that is pretty cool. I didn't know of such feature

06/27/2015, 03:41 AM	#1
RuttingB Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 23	Switching Back to T5 need advice I am going to switch from my LED to T5. I am on the fence as far as the fixture is concerned. I have a 50 gal cube and may be changing it out to a 60 gal cube soon. Current dimensions are 24x24x20. If I order my T5 fixture I was thinking of going to ATI. I will have a mixed tank mostly Softies and Zoos etc. But that's how it was on my last tank that went all SPS. 1) So just in case it goes the same way, should I get the 6x24 or 8x24? 2) ATI or another fixture that is as good? 3) If ATI, dimmable or not? I have always known ATI to be a great fixture but I have been reading the issues and they seem to be more problematic than reliable. Thanks.

06/27/2015, 05:23 AM	#2
xdestry SPS Addict Join Date: May 2014 Location: Pasadena, CA Posts: 662	Are you really going to upgrade just 10 gallons larger? Seems like a lot of work for not much more space. If you have sps I think you should get the 8x24, gives you a lot more choices for bulbs including actinics. Ati is great I think it's the one most people use. I have a dimmable, I couldn't imagine running it on max the entire time all day, I use the dimming to run 2 actinics on channel 1 at night for more of an actinic look. __________________ 100 gallon MIXED / SPS frag dominant Current Tank Info: 100 Gallon + 40G Sump, ATI Sunpower Dimmable 8x39 (B+,C+,B+.Act.B+.P+.Gieseman Super Act, B+), 2x MP40QD, Aquamaxx Q2 + ConeS CO1 Skimmers

06/27/2015, 07:31 AM	#4
daveonbass Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: texarkana, TX Posts: 1,364	I would highly recommend the 8 bulb...and I love my ATI. You'll have many more color blending options and if you get dimmable then I think you'll be happier with the ability to do it if you want. I have an older PM that is not dimmable but I still love it. Though I sometimes wonder how cool it would be to ramp the bulbs up and down for dawn dusk effect throughout the day. __________________ dave Current Tank Info: 58g reef, 60 total gallons including rocks and sand, 36" 6 bulb ATI Powermodule, DAS skimmer, Bio pellets, 2 MP10 vortechs

06/27/2015, 11:15 AM	#5
twf0369 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Annapolis, Maryland Posts: 106	I too switched from LED to T5 (ATI of course) and have no regrets. One of the best things I've done for my tank. If you miss the "pop" get a Reefbrite LED blue and attach it to your ATI fixture. Good Luck! __________________ 165 Custom Miracles Rimless Reef Tank and Sump; ATI 8x80w Powermodule w/ Reefbrite LED Blue light; Vertex 180i Skimmer

06/27/2015, 07:29 PM	#7
RuttingB Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 23	Advice Well first of all thank you for the advice. The only reason I would upgrade to a 60 gal is that this one came scratched very badly. I stayed up until 3:30 AM researching and listening to the complaints and problems with the dimmable version. I agree I'm going to miss the pop, but I would rather have coral growth and color. No doubt about it. I read about the ballasts, people taking them apart after having them for only 2 months. I read a ton of issues with regards certain channels not working. BUT the thing I also read was how great the customer service was. After reading this I was like okay tomorrow you should order the ATI non dimmable version. If I do wouldn't the 6 bulb running at 100% be better than a 8 bulb running at 100%? Thanks.

06/27/2015, 07:18 AM	#3
ReefCowboy Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Long Island, New York Posts: 1,742	Get the eight bulb, dimeable. I always say, you CANT go wrong with ATI fixtures. With the eight bulb you will be covered in case of the upgrade and if you decide to go with higher number of high par bulbs(blue+,aqua blue special)you could dim them until your tank is used to that light. The best thing about the ATI are the reflectors, they do make a difference in the light those fixtures put out. Why don't you go hybrid and add a few blue LEDs? I think you will miss a bit of that POP.

06/27/2015, 11:33 AM	#6
jdraider75 Registered Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Davenport, Iowa Posts: 546	I would do an 8 bulb also.

06/27/2015, 07:38 PM	#8
KingTriton1 Moved On Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Baton Rouge, LA Posts: 642	I'd go with a Sunpower nondimmable 8 bulb personally. I think if you went 6 bulb you'd regret it in the long run.

06/27/2015, 09:16 PM	#9
Reefvet Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Southern California Posts: 1,941	6 bulb ATI Sunpower grows SPS just fine on my 60 cube. FWIW. I also run ATI T5s in a TEK by Sunlight Supply. There are lots of good reflectors, ATI's are not as special as they'd like you to believe. __________________ "Skepticism is a method, not a position. It can be defined as a method of intellectual caution and suspended judgment." ~ Rich Ross

06/27/2015, 09:31 PM	#10
v10king Registered Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: San Carlos, CA Posts: 580	I've had both dimmable and non dimmable. The dimmable is way better in my opinion. It has one cord, has a temp sensor and varies speed of fans as required. Today it was hot and fish room was buttoned up, I go over to tank and I see in status page that there is an "!" and then I see that both channel 1 and 2 are at 59%. My program is 100% at the time, I figured out it automatically dims the light as required to maintain bulbs and ballasts if it overheats. I opened door and it immediately ramped back to 100%.

06/27/2015, 10:17 PM	#11
ifarmer Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: New York City Posts: 243	6 bublbs can do fine on 60g cube. However, if you have an option, go with 8 bulbs, you will have more choice on color. the 8 bulbs fixture are hard to find now.