Anyone using a T5 only Fixture?

[moppy]

There's been a lot of positive advice about the ATI fixtures on Reef Central so I might go that way.

Was looking at the 60inch Sunpower with the 8x80W bulbs.

Which 2 bulbs do you (Bill@IA) use on the separate powercord?

And do you have any problems with heat?

[moppy]

Thanks for all the input so far. There's actually a thread on RC with 1,000's of responses tanking about going back to T5 or MH from LED as people aren't too happy with the look, growth etc...

I know it's not a fad but LED's have a way to go, especially in price, until I get in.

Bill@IA, do you use a doser or a calcium reactor? That's my next big decision...

[duncangweller]

What combo of bulbs are you using there? It's a great colour

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[duncangweller]

Dammit Rich, now I have to come over and buy frags!

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[Bblinks]

Anytime bud. Lol

[Stones]

I've been running T5 only fixtures on my reef tanks for the last 5 years or so and I keep nothing but SPS corals.

I had a 8 x 54 watt Sfiligoi stealth on my 90 gallon reef and I now have a 12 x 80 watt Sfiligoi stealth on my 225 gallon reef. I had originally wanted an ATI powermodule but they were severely backorded at the time so I ended up going with Sfiligoi. After seeing the build quality of the first fixture, I'd have a tough time going back to anything else.

Previously I had been running metal halide and was unhappy with the excess heat as well as the general color of my tank. With a 12 bulb T5 fixture, I can now mix and match bulbs to get the tank looking exactly how I like without having to worry about sacrificing PAR. My current tank is 24" deep and I have no problem keeping SPS alive and happy on the sandbed so long as they aren't being shaded by the forrest of acros above.

The only drawback IMO to using a strictly T5 fixture is the cost of bulbs, especially if you are using 80 watt. I spend ~$400 to $450 every year on bulb changes and I need to order them in from the US as I've had a difficult time locating the 80 watt bulbs from Canadian retailers. ReefGeek has a good selection but you pay a premium for shipping. Luckily I work close to the US border so I get most of my equipment shipped to a border town that has a package holding facility for Canadians.

I am using a 6 bulb Tek fixture. I replace my bulbs every 6 months. That's $300 a year. I wish I bought ATI instead. I think that its important to use a fixture with active cooling vs passive cooling.

I would highly recommend t5s but leds are very nice.

[duncangweller]

Rich,

Seeing as my tank is currently fallow until March 15th, I will put $30 a paycheck aside until then.

After that I will visit your place and leave with lots (hopefully) of frags. Perhaps start thinking of a little SPS/LPS package for me

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[moppy]

Thanks everyone.

Any chance BBlinks that I can come by and see your set up sometime?

Always looking for new ideas. (and frags once the new tank is up and running)

I'm just in Abby

[Bblinks]

Anytime moppy.