36" LED Powermodule- What would you do?

BeanMachine · Jan 15, 2015

I have a 48" tank with a 6 lamp standard ATI Powermodule. Its not dimmable.

I have a lead to get a ATI LED Powermodule but in 36". I am thinking about pulling the trigger but wondering what some of you think? I don't necessarily need to light the ends of my tank and like having mushrooms or low light corals as well so the 36" would work. But I would have 8 lamps from to back with LEDS as opposed to 6 lamps.

What's cool about this new fixture is I can dim both the LEDS and T5's.

Its a rather large investment so I need a bit of a nudge.

Lexusman25 · Jan 15, 2015

Do it and get the new gyre, I want to see both haha but all kidding aside the led powermodule looks sweet and then you wouldnt have to worry about changing two bulbs everyear. I would just put the sticks in the center since the sides will have lower par.

Confuse · Jan 15, 2015

It's a tough call. I would say it really depend on how good of a deal you're getting and how much you value the dimming with both LED and T5. And is this the newest generation led powermodule (10 watt LED white/blue)?

lowbudget · Jan 15, 2015

dewit already be a man do the right ting

mr_bigl · Jan 15, 2015

You would have to raise it higher to ge the spread to fill your whole tank, which will reduce Par overall. Going from 54 watts to 39 watts will be a reduction already. Me personally id go with the 48"

BeanMachine · Jan 15, 2015

Its an 8 lamp x 39 watts as opposed to 6 lamp x 54 watts

BeanMachine · Jan 15, 2015

I could raise it up and would probably have similar par with less over spill right?

mr_bigl · Jan 15, 2015

yes 324 watts compared to 312 total plus the LEDs. I would still go 48".

gveng · Jan 15, 2015

I wouldn't!

Honestly, after seeing your tank I wouldn't change anything. Your tank is thriving (besides the red bugs) so why mess with it?

nasotang · Jan 15, 2015

This ati model is an awesome fixture. But i wouldnt go 36" on your 48" tank, it will look weird like a spotlight with dark ends

newtothis · Jan 15, 2015

Stop being a pansy and dewit already..

Spinner · Jan 15, 2015

Maybe think about using your fixture and make a T5/LED combo.....you can fit a lot of LEDs or even maybe a couple of PUCKS? I said pucks

If you can get Dog Boy off his couch he can do it in no time for/with you. Believe in yourself Bean you are worthy

..lol

pciscott · Jan 15, 2015

I have the 24" on a 36" tank and it looks great. I do not notice the ends being dim same as most tanks are wider than the light they run. I do like the fixture with one exception, no control via Apex, but it does save you outlets. You will enjoy the dawn to dusk and so will your fish. I run mine 10" over the water and the one led lights most of the tank.

DO IT!

xmas_one · Jan 15, 2015

Eh, I'm on the fence right now between dimming and not dimming, leaning more towards non-dimmable. Kind of a silly feature that you don't REALLY need, more things that can break. Also, 36" is the least efficient length for ATI.

NVTE · Jan 15, 2015

Cody,
36" light on 48" tank is not bad, I actually like that because dim area make my powerheads invisible. But you have good light already, why bother getting something else that cost you more money. IMO I wouldn't change a thing. if you like to add LED, I would go with extra 1 ReefBrite bar light. Anyway at the end, it is you decide to go or not.

SchnitzelReef · Jan 15, 2015

If it was me, I would stick with a 48" fixture. I would look into a 48" reef bright to add to your current fixture. I think you would be a lot happier with that setup. For that much money, I would say no go.

ericta000 · Jan 15, 2015

I have 39w ati powermodule 8bulbs led on my 120 as well. Love them dont have issues with the sides at all. If you like to see them you are more then welcome

tofucube · Jan 15, 2015

Keep your 48" and get a couple kessil 160s for the shimmers and the dimming via your apex.

BeanMachine · Jan 15, 2015

If I dont go for it reef brites will be in my future. At least one as Id like to see the corals pop before and after the T5s. Thanks guys for the feedback.

A drawback would be I couldnt use my powder coated light hangers and would have to hang it from the ceiling.

Zoarder · Jan 15, 2015

BeanMachine said:

I zip tied my reef brite to my fixture lol I got 2 48" strips they do make your corals pop

36" LED Powermodule- What would you do?

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