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View Full Version : ATI Power Module 48" or 36" over 120g

DP Reef
08/01/2014, 03:27 PM
I think I have settled on the ATI Power Module on a 48"x24"x24" rimless. Tank will be SPS focused with a minimalistic look. I don't plan to upgrade....

Should I get:

48" 8 bulb Hybrid
48" 4 Bulb Hybrid
36" 8 Bulb Hybrd

Which of the 3 should I do in terms of aesthetics of the tank and good coverage for SPS? I don't want it to look like a have a slim canopy over my tank but I have going from Radio Pro's because I can't stop looking at the shadowing effect under the coral and don't want to end up in the same spot. Lots of money to not get it right!

Which of those 3?

Also if it was between the 48" 4 bulb or the 36" 8 bulb, what would be better for coverage? Not efficiency or cost...
Drae
08/01/2014, 03:52 PM
I would do the 8x39 hybrid. The only reason I'm running a 48" sunpower on a 48" tank is the light was used on my 60" 150 gallon first.
mark54321
08/01/2014, 04:55 PM
+1 on 8x39W hybrid. I am running the same fixture over 48x32x20 tank, looks perfect. With minimal rock work there is plenty of light for SPS.
DP Reef
08/01/2014, 07:39 PM
Yes, I felt since it is a T5, the 36" 8 bulb would give me front to back coverage and there would be enough spilling to the edge past the light lengthwise to provide sufficient coverage. I plan to have open area near the glass so that the tank is not crowded looking. At most, an LPS near the bottom edges.
DDon
08/01/2014, 08:28 PM
I have no experience with T5 myself but was reading through this thread in my research.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1641235&highlight=t5+par&page=2
There was some discussion about how PAR is quite a bit lower on a 36" ATI PowerModule compared to the 48" unit. These were not hybrid units though but the PAR difference should still apply. Might be worth a read for you.
Drae
08/01/2014, 09:09 PM
I have no experience with T5 myself but was reading through this thread in my research.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1641235&highlight=t5+par&page=2
There was some discussion about how PAR is quite a bit lower on a 36" ATI PowerModule compared to the 48" unit. These were not hybrid units though but the PAR difference should still apply. Might be worth a read for you.

The 36" t5's are lower in par than the 48" versions but they still pack plenty of punch for even the highest light demanding coral. The hybrid is a par monster anyway.
DP Reef
08/03/2014, 06:42 AM
I've just decided to go with the 48" 8 bulb but upgraded my target build to a 60x24x24! :) Thanks for the advice.
mark54321
08/03/2014, 07:34 AM
I've just decided to go with the 48" 8 bulb but upgraded my target build to a 60x24x24! :) Thanks for the advice.

Sweet!!!
Drae
08/03/2014, 11:29 AM
I've just decided to go with the 48" 8 bulb but upgraded my target build to a 60x24x24! :) Thanks for the advice.

Now your talking! 150 gallon tanks are great. I miss mine.
rEeFnWrX
08/03/2014, 01:17 PM
You should drop it down to a 60x24x22 or 20 - Easier to clean + more par :)
DP Reef
08/03/2014, 03:20 PM
Yes, I've been thinking hard about the height. I decided on 24" after thinking for a while on 30"! With a stool (based on my tank height) I can get my finger tips to the sand with a 24".

I read through the power module thread and I don't think I will have to worry about the 8 bulb hybrid getting good PAR. I don't plan to have SPS on the sand bed. Maybe a clam, but not to the edge of the glass.

Thanks all for the feedback.