What are the top T5 HO fixtures currently

[Trigger Man]

Originally Posted by randallino

+1 I love my Stealth, fans and individual reflectors 48" 8 bulb with moon LEDS, now you can get the unit dim-able, solidly built with a decent hanging kit.

Good to know, never even thought about the Stealths, going to have to do some research on them now.

[lastlight]

Stones' 4 foot 8 bulb stealth had a reflector for every 2 bulbs. They were bent to nearly appear to be individual. Not sure if Sfiligoi has change this or not (or even how much it matters).

[BC564]

I have the 4 foot Aquatinics Constellation fixture and really like it......good light coverage.....

[gobytron]

http://www.jlaquatics.com/product/hm...+6-54W%29.html

Some eople only feel good about purchasing knowing they have paid the absolute most possible for the best brand name.

If that's NOT you, have a look at these new Hamilton fixtures JL just started to carry...

literally everything on them that the stealth and power module owners have, but at 500$ bulbs in for a 48" 6 bulb unit...yes, there are 3 fans and led moonlights as well.

[phi delt reefer]

Originally Posted by gobytron

http://www.jlaquatics.com/product/hm...+6-54W%29.html

Some eople only feel good about purchasing knowing they have paid the absolute most possible for the best brand name.

If that's NOT you, have a look at these new Hamilton fixtures JL just started to carry...

literally everything on them that the stealth and power module owners have, but at 500$ bulbs in for a 48" 6 bulb unit...yes, there are 3 fans and led moonlights as well.

true - but ATI's are tried and true. Lots of documentation online that shows ATI's thermal management and reflector technology produces a more efficient unit. I couldn't anything for the Sfiligoi's.

as for the Hamilton units... for $599 - you can get a 6x54 ATI Sunpower with all ATI bulbs. Only difference is they have no moonlights. (from ReefGeek.com) Hamilton unit comes with their own bulbs which are probably not all that great in comparison to ATI, KZ, etc.

ATI actually manages heat in their unit - they just don't throw fans on it and call it a day. Their are channels to cool the label end of the bulb and the cover keeps bulbs and ballast operating at the right temp. Too cold and you lose output, too hot and you lose output/longevity. There is a fine balance.

The reason the Powermodules have more fans than the Sunpowers is because of how compact the Powermodule is. The Sunpower is more open so it can manage the same thermal load with fewer fans. Difference in par is only 5%. Both are made of the materials and contain the same ballasts. Sort of like buying a Honda Civic or its Acura counterpart.

[gobytron]

Originally Posted by phi delt reefer

true - but ATI's are tried and true. Lots of documentation online that shows ATI's thermal management and reflector technology produces a more efficient unit. I couldn't anything for the Sfiligoi's.

as for the Hamilton units... for $499 - you can get a 6x54 ATI Sunpower with all ATI bulbs. Only difference is they have no moonlights. (from ReefGeek.com) Hamilton unit comes with their own bulbs which are probably not all that great in comparison to ATI, KZ, etc.

ATI actually manages heat in their unit - they just don't throw fans on it and call it a day. Their are channels to cool the label end of the bulb and the cover keeps bulbs and ballast operating at the right temp. Too cold and you lose output, too hot and you lose output/longevity. There is a fine balance.

The reason the Powermodules have more fans than the Sunpowers is because of how compact the Powermodule is. The Sunpower is more open so it can manage the same thermal load with fewer fans. Difference in par is only 5%. Both are made of the materials and contain the same ballasts. Sort of like buying a Honda Civic or its Acura counterpart.

where do you get 499?...also, no LED moonlights on this fixture.
http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_...!_Bulbs_by_ATI

[phi delt reefer]

Originally Posted by gobytron

where do you get 499http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_Fluorescent/ATI/SunPower_Fixtures/48_inch__6x54W_SunPower_T5_High-Output_Fixture_w!_Bulbs_by_ATI

crap- i quoted the unit without bulbs.

http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_...Fixture_by_ATI

my bad...post updated.

[JohnnyReeftank]

When I was looking for gear about 5 months ago I was referred to this chart for T5 lighting.......I ended up with 4X36" Hagen GLO based on this chart....they aren't bad but I'm starting to wish that I joined Canreef a little earlier so I could've seen threads like this one before buying.

http://www.petsandponds.com/en/aquar...813/index.html

[lastlight]

Originally Posted by gobytron

Some eople only feel good about purchasing knowing they have paid the absolute most possible for the best brand name.

To be fair some people want something with a little design thrown into the mix as well. I don't personally feel that fixture bits the (large) bill for those people...

[gobytron]

Hey, or those who have the spare cash, why wouldnt you want the comfort of knowing you bought the most expensive piece of equipment out there.

There is definitely some peace of mind in that and as we all know, often you do get what you pay for.

It's uselss to talk semantics without a direct, controlled peer to peer device comparison.

My guess would be the difference between the ATI and the Hamilton is negligible.

your guess is likely different.