eddiev0008 March 17, 2016 Share March 17, 2016 Guys need your expert advice I have a 3ftX2ft by 18 in deep 70 gallon cadlights I'm looking into purchasing my first t5 fixture . Wondering if the 8 bulb would be overkill especially if my tank is only 18in deep, any advice ? Also do you all recommend the dimmable or regular ? Heard that the dimmable is having ballast issues? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
epleeds March 17, 2016 Share March 17, 2016 I have been running T5 for a really long time, I don't see the point in the dimmable feature. As for the 6 or 8 bulb I would spend the money and get the 8 bulb. Gives you more choices for bulb selection to get the perfect colors that you want. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markcole1983 March 17, 2016 Share March 17, 2016 I have the ati 8 blub dimmable on a 75 and havent had any problems with it Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kyle&amy March 17, 2016 Share March 17, 2016 I agree with Eric (epleeds), I have also been running ATI T5 fixtures for a long time and I am sure the dimmable feature is fun to have I do not personally see the need. Also, Monkiboy has a brand new 24" 8 bulb ATI he is selling right now for a very good price. And yes, the 24" length would be plenty for your 36" tank. Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reefer_Madness March 17, 2016 Share March 17, 2016 6 bulb non-dimmable all the way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YHSublime March 17, 2016 Share March 17, 2016 I'm with Eric. I don't see the need for dimmable (but it was a nice feature to have.) I do see corals react to soft start ups and ramp downs, but for the most part, I think they adapt, and it's not worth the extra money on the fixture. I also would go 8 bulb, you can always use less if you find it's too much, but you can't add on if you get the 6 and decide it's not enough. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reefer_Madness March 17, 2016 Share March 17, 2016 On an 18" deep tank 8-bulbs is way overkill. I have a 6-bulb on a 12" and a 6 bulb on a 24". Both cook my corals and grow very well. Obviously the 12" deep is a very short photo period otherwise I would boil the water. The only benefit to buying an 8 bulb is just in case you plan to upgrade to a deeper tank someday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Origami March 17, 2016 Share March 17, 2016 Guys need your expert advice I have a 3ftX2ft by 18 in deep 70 gallon cadlights I'm looking into purchasing my first t5 fixture . Wondering if the 8 bulb would be overkill especially if my tank is only 18in deep, any advice ? Also do you all recommend the dimmable or regular ? Heard that the dimmable is having ballast issues? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Eddie, didn't you sell (or have listed) a 6-lamp ATI T5 fixture back in early February? Back when I ran T5's (on my 180), the ballasts were capable of dimming, but it was a feature that I never used. Instead, I turned on my lights sequentially in three phases. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eddiev0008 March 17, 2016 Author Share March 17, 2016 I am still selling one it's a tek brand I'm looking into ATI Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
epleeds March 17, 2016 Share March 17, 2016 If you have the tek why not just use that. Those lights are awesome. I have known many tanks that use those lights Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YHSublime March 17, 2016 Share March 17, 2016 If you have the tek why not just use that. Those lights are awesome. I have known many tanks that use those lights +1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Origami March 18, 2016 Share March 18, 2016 If you have the tek why not just use that. Those lights are awesome. I have known many tanks that use those lightsAgree with this. That's a good light you have. Sent from my LG-V510 using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now