Lighting 36x12x16

[dbk07]

I've been thinking about upgrading the light I have over my diy aio. I'm currently using an evergrow d120 and while it's been doing a good job I'd like more coverage and color. Debating about trying out T5 but I'm not sure where to begin. I checked this out on ebay. Anyone have any experience with it. I'm not against getting an ATI fixture but I'm not willing to get one new. With the display area being 36x12x16 would this be over kill? Should I just go with a 4 bulb 24" fixture instead?

 

[peter]

Depends on what kind of corals you want to keep but the 36" 6bulb should work. Not sure about that brand though

 

[tofucube]

Cannot go wrong with ATI. Difference between ATI and any other t5 fixture is pretty noticeable at least for me. I would see if you can find a used one or save up and get a good one to start out with so you don't have to change it again down the road.

 

[dbk07]

Another thing I want to do is future proof it in a sense. If I ever have to downgrade to say a 20L I want this current fixture to be usable still with that in mind. Or in the event I want to retrofit some leds in there. I've seen a few used ATI's on other forums but they've all been 4 bulbs. Right now I keep a mix of mostly zoas and SPS like birdsnest and a few acros. Would a 24" 4 bulb be ok for that? I only posted that ebay thing to get opinions.

 

[tofucube]

Depending on placement, a 24" fixture should be able to work. Maybe move the rocks and corals closer together at the center so that they are sitting under the light more.

 

[dbk07]

Since the d120 is only 16" long I keep most of the sps directly under it with maybe a few frags right on the edge of that range. What bulbs would you recommend?

 

[tofucube]

4 bulb fixture

blue plus, blue plus, coral plus, blue plus
blue plus, blue plus, purple plus, blue plus

if you really like blue and also want a pop...

blue plus, blue plus, true actinic, blue plus

still blue but not super blue...

blue plus, blue plus, giesemann actinic, blue plus

 

[dbk07]

This is a current shot of how I have my lights sitting and whats underneath them.

 

[dbk07]

I ended up buying a used ATI 24" from another reefer. Can't wait to see how it looks.

 

[Wretched]

You can't go wrong with ATI. You've seen my tank at NR.com, and how I feel about it..... You'll enjoy it.

 

[xmas_one]

Sweetest setup on a tank that size is going to be an ATI Sunpower 4x39 with the Nanobox retrofit. IMO t5hos alone have crappy color/pop.

 

[orbela]

Why not raise your led for more coverage?


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