Need new T5 light for tank, what brand should I get?

[nellecat]

Looking at buying a new T5 HO light for my 60 gallon reef tank. I am growing LPS and softies. What is a good brand? (Is ATI or TEK?) any help would be great!:eek1:
Thanks guys

[mykol reef]

The two are tremendous lamps, but if you buy the tek put ati t5 bulb

[rogerwilco357]

just bought my second Ati Powermodule 4 foot 10x54watt unit love the build and the look . I already have the 8x80watt 5 foot Ati-Powermodule and it kicks butt. either way you go Ati puts out an awesome light..haven't tried the others ..

[nellecat]

Okay I will probably get one or the other.

[rtparty]

What are your dimensions?

ATI is the better light but might not be the better one for you. With only LPS and softies, you don't need a lot of light and in the end an ATI could be too powerful. On the other hand, if you ever get into SPS (which you will) an ATI could be the better choice.

[zachfishman]

The two are tremendous lamps, but if you buy the tek put ati t5 bulb

I just picked up a used Tek fixture. What is it about ATI bulbs compared to others that makes them perform better in this brand of fixture? Do certain brands of bulbs do better in certain fixtures?

[pwoller]

For LPS and softies I would use a tek light for 10 percent more light the price isnt worth it. Make sure you dont cook your corals though these fixtures put out a ton of par.

[rtparty]

For LPS and softies I would use a tek light for 10 percent more light the price isnt worth it. Make sure you dont cook your corals though these fixtures put out a ton of par.

Actually, ATIs put out about 25-30% more PAR than Tek.

[Bretts05jeep]

I just picked up a used Tek fixture. What is it about ATI bulbs compared to others that makes them perform better in this brand of fixture? Do certain brands of bulbs do better in certain fixtures?

I think ATI bulbs perform better in all fixtures. I just replaced the bulbs in my 6 bulb fixture with them and I cant belive the difference.

[zachfishman]

I think ATI bulbs perform better in all fixtures. I just replaced the bulbs in my 6 bulb fixture with them and I cant belive the difference.

Compared to the stock bulbs that came with your hood, or another brand name (i.e. Geismann)? I'll probably get ATI anyways, just curious.

[nellecat]

ok I am getting the 48" unit of either Tek or ATI (havent decided) for lps and softies in a 60gal tank how many bulbs? 6? or 8?

[zachfishman]

On a 60, 6 bulbs will do you fine. You could however buy the 8-bulb for use over your future 120 :thumbsup: