ATI Sun Power Fixture

[rwells]

Hello all,

Need advice on a new T5 fixture for 48x24x20 tank. "MAINLY SPS"
Tank has a Bean Animal Overflow so it's 20" wide display.
Is 6 bulb fixture enough or I should go with the 8 bulbs? I like the dust to dawn effect so I'm leaning towards the dimmable fixture. When they just came out I heard a few issue with the ballast and wiring issues but I think they resolve these problems.
Please advice, Thanks Rob

 

[BKLYNREEF123]

Hey

I think the 6 bulb would work for you, but if your budget allows the 8 bulb would be nice. You might also want to consider adding some reef brights to the fixture. I have the 6 bulb dimmable on a 65 standard tank and am very happy with it. I also have one reef bright on the back of the fixture angled towards the front of the tank. The extra pop is really nice.

 

[rwells]

Thanks for the input, reef Brite not a bad idea. What are color bulbs are you using? Anyone using 8 bulb on similar dimension?

 

[Camer25]

I have a dimmable 6 bulb over my 110g. 48x24x22 and it is more than enough light. I actually cant run it passed 70% my sps lose color. Im still trying to get color back to them. The light output is unreal. Great fixtures. TBH an 8 bulb will be overkill.

 

[rwells]

Thanks Camera25, I think I go with the 6 six bulb. How high do u hang it from the water?

 

[BKLYNREEF123]

I have a dimmable 6 bulb over my 110g. 48x24x22 and it is more than enough light. I actually cant run it passed 70% my sps lose color. Im still trying to get color back to them. The light output is unreal. Great fixtures. TBH an 8 bulb will be overkill.

If your corals are bleaching I think you should raise the fixture a little and slowly acclimate the corals to the light. There is no reason you can't be at the point where you run them at %100. There's plenty of threads with guys (with amazing success) using 8-10 bulb t5 fixtures. Some even putting reef brights on these in addition. I think the 6is sufficient, but being that this tank will be sps dominant and you have the space I wouldn't rule it out because someone says it would be overkill.

 

[rwells]

If your corals are bleaching I think you should raise the fixture a little and slowly acclimate the corals to the light. There is no reason you can't be at the point where you run them at %100. There's plenty of threads with guys (with amazing success) using 8-10 bulb t5 fixtures. Some even putting reef brights on these in addition. I think the 6is sufficient, but being that this tank will be sps dominant and you have the space I wouldn't rule it out because someone says it would be overkill.

Not that I'm ruling out the 8 bulbs but was thinking about attaching reefbrite to the 6 bulb fixture. If I do the 8 bulbs I'm thinking about removing the 2 center bulbs and run LED in the center.

 

[jackson6745]

With 20" width I think you'll be fine with a 6 bulb and you can add a reefbrite for aesthetic purpose.

 

[rwells]

Thanks Rich, light is on its way I order the 8 bulbs.