View Full Version : which light fixture to get?
re-fin-away
03/15/2011, 09:48 AM
So I currently have a 6x80 watt Tek fixture with modded cooling fans on my 180. I have good growth with my SPS but want to get more without going overboard. I am thinking about upgrading to an ATI sunpower in the next few weeks and want to get your opinion on which one to get and why.Benifits of one over the other and or your experience with each fixture.
8x80 sunpower or
6x80 sunpower.
I have a 72x24x24 footprint and am currently doing strictly SPS. I have only been doing SPS for about 5 months so my knowledge is lacking on lighting for them. Also throw out other lighting options for me if you care to. Thanks in advance.
Don't have the experience to offer which will answer your question; however, have a testimonial. My buddy has a Tek 8x54w over his 150g [60"x24"x24"] and his tank is spectacular. I watched it grow from frags to full blown colonies that he continually has to cut back. So, should you be wondering if that is enough light for SPS - absolutely!
Based on that; either the Tek 8x80w or ATI 8x80w would be the way to go - 8 [I believe] is the key.
rtparty
03/15/2011, 10:01 AM
8x80 Sunpower is the fixture I would choose.
You need the 8 bulbs for coverage front to back on a 24" tank IMO. Plus with 8 bulbs you can change the color combo a lot more to your liking.
Be ready to acclimate your corals. The Sunpowers put out roughly 20-25% more PAR than a Tek.
Yes the Tek can handle your tank but, with you going full blown SPS, I would want as much PAR as I could get into the tank.
re-fin-away
03/15/2011, 10:26 AM
2 extra bulbs would be able to give me alot more coverage that is for sure. Is there a chart for optimal par levels for an SPS tank. Just wondering?
solitude127
03/15/2011, 11:20 AM
What type of aquascaping do you have? If it's an open style, you could probably get away with a 6 bulb fixture, but if stacked from front to back, then you'll need an 8.
Here's a thread on T5s and PAR
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1641235
In my tank, I have SPS growing from PAR levels from 200 - 550.
chimmike
03/15/2011, 11:35 AM
definitely do the 8x80 sunpower and do ATI bulbs. I have a mix of ATI and a few Giesmann bulbs, the ATI's are much brighter for whatever reason.
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