Equipment - Need new lights HELP

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Need new lights HELP

Printed From: Utah Reefs
Category: Specialized Discussion
Forum Name: Equipment
Forum Description: This is the place to ask question about reef equipment.
URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=46577
Printed Date: July 10 2026 at 6:11pm
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Topic: Need new lights HELP

Posted By: Chevmaro
Subject: Need new lights HELP
Date Posted: February 04 2011 at 12:25pm

I dont like the current fixture i have. It is a Coralife Aqualight 4 bulb T5. I think I need more. I am considering replacing it but im not sure what I want. I am not going to be SPS dominated I still like the softies and LPS but I would like to have healthy SPS in my tank. So lets make this selection for a mixed reef. Here is what I have in mind.

ATI Sunpower 36" 4 Bulb

ATI Sunpower 24" 6 Bulb

Tek 36" 6 Bulb

Build a Canopy and do a 2x 150 HQI Retro with 2x 36" T5 Actinics

Or keep existing fixture and replace cheap coralife bulbs with ATI Bulbs. Im fine with the fixture but the color is whack. The Actinics are purple and I hate that. It doesnt look very bright. I have no corals to speak of it is a new tank but if its not going to work then I dont want to waste money on bulbs and would rather replace it now while I have the cash. On the plus side it does have moon lights and 2 power chordes for dusk/dawn which I love.

Tank Dimensions 36 long x 18 wide x 21 tall.

Replies:

Posted By: badfinger
Date Posted: February 04 2011 at 1:30pm

I personally would do the tek 6x36.... I know ati is better but I would do at least 6 bulbs and 36".. when I had my tek fixture it grew sps great... the things to look for in a T5 fixture is ballasts,reflectors,and cooling... bulbs do make a big differnce but you need the other things first and you can always replace your bulbs down the line

Posted By: Ahanix
Date Posted: February 04 2011 at 3:01pm

I have a tek elite 6x39w fixture and I am extremely happy with it. If you ever are down south please feel free to come take a look at it

Posted By: laynframe
Date Posted: February 04 2011 at 5:42pm

Ive owned a ati fixture and loved it, but I can honestly say my little brothers tek fixture was just as nice or better, save some moola and buy a tek light!

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The time we enjoy wasting isn't wasted time!!!!

Posted By: Chevmaro
Date Posted: February 04 2011 at 6:38pm

Ok im real interested in the tek now. I havent had one. I think what ill do is buy 4 nice ATI bulbs for my current fixture and see how it looks. If I like the look ill keep it for a while until I need more light. Then ill buy a tek and use the new bulbs for it and it will be no money lost.

I would love to see an ATI and a TEK in person before I make a purchase. Anybody near West Jordan have either? I really dont want to settle for a cheaper light. I just want the best for my tank. I bought a cheaper light last time and im not happy with it. I dont want to make that mistake twice.

Posted By: Ryan Thompson
Date Posted: February 04 2011 at 11:46pm

I am still selling my Aquactinics TX5. It was over my 40 breeder and I liked it.

ATI's are WAY better than Tek's. They have better ballasts, better cooling and better reflectors. Can they be overkill in some situations? Yes they can be but I would rather have the light and be happy with my purchase then be stuck with a light I don't like and won't be able to recoup some of my investment.

I HIGHLY recommend against a 6x39w ATI over your tank. You will fry softies and LPS with it.

A 6x24w ATI is a much better purchase and the best option on your list IMO.

If you are interested in my fixture PM me.

Posted By: jwoo
Date Posted: February 04 2011 at 11:50pm

Whatever you do go 6 bulb T5 not 4. You will be way happier with the color combo that you can do with 6. If it were me I'd just do the Tek. ATI is nice but tons of people on this board run Teks and get the same results. Just look at Capnmorgans tank for instance.

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None at the moment
Soon: 72 Gallon Bowfront