TX5 or ATI that is the ?

[wegotcrabs]

i have a 90 gal bow and can only fit a 12 inch fixture- I am uprgading from 4X96 pc. I just want to get some opinions on what fixture to buy. The choice is an aquatinics tx5 5x54 or an ATI 4x54 T5 fixtures. I currently have a mixed reef- and will be keeping SPS towards the top.

[GSMguy]

ati.

[Snarlax]

An ATI 4 bulb fixture will put out more PAR than a 5 bulb Aquactinics fixture.

[wegotcrabs]

I still dont understand how a 4 lamp unit puts out more light then a 5 lamp unit. There is alot to learn about this lighting thing.

[GSMguy]

Originally posted by wegotcrabs
I still dont understand how a 4 lamp unit puts out more light then a 5 lamp unit. There is alot to learn about this lighting thing.

Ballasts, Reflectors, and method of cooling. changing these components and how they are implemented can change the output.

[atvdave]

Originally posted by wegotcrabs
I still dont understand how a 4 lamp unit puts out more light then a 5 lamp unit. There is alot to learn about this lighting thing.

Thats up for debate, and not to be discuss in this thread.

However, I have a Aquactinics fixture on my tank but if your asking me between the 2 I would pick the ATI fixture.

Why, they have better reflectors, & more cooling which is where you get the higher PAR's. (However your not going to convince me that the ATI 4 bulbs will put out more PAR Than a 5 bulb Aquactinics fixture.)

But thy are both very good fixtures and regardless which one you choose I think you will be happy with.

Dave

[ReefRockerLive]

Get the ATI fixture, looks much better than the TX5's odd shape.

[Snarlax]

Actually, ATI (and 90% of other German T5 fixtures) don't have better reflectors than Aquactinics (or any other American fixture). The cooling on the ATI fixture is excellent and the use high end ballasts that put out lots of PAR.

TX5 fixtures are still great fixtures, but ATI is much better looking, quieter, runs cooler, and puts out more PAR.

[wegotcrabs]

what a debate this is becoming

[wegotcrabs]

ATI it is- Now that aquatinics has jacked up all their prices it makes this decision easy. The tx5 is the same price so I ask you this aquatinics why would i pay the same for unit that runs louder, hotter, and produces less par?

[The Grim Reefer]

Louder, hotter? Not in my experience but any waythey are both great units. I would go with the one that looks best.

[uhuru]

Check the aquactinics forum there are some refurb units avail and also there will be a sale at the end of the month.

[Waxxiemann]

If it were me, I'd go ATI. The fixtures are SLICK looking.

[MikeD]

Too bad the ATI's are never readily available....

[MikeD]

Whoops I take that back... It was just the 36" one I was looking at that wasn't available and I assumed it was all of them. Sorry!

[reef / aholic]

Originally posted by Snarlax
Actually, ATI (and 90% of other German T5 fixtures) don't have better reflectors than Aquactinics (or any other American fixture).

From www.atiaquaristik.com/index.php?id=141,0,0,1,0,0

Also, as far as we know, we are the only manufacturer which has decided to use the most superior reflecting materials on the market today. This is a material which has a 98 % total-light reflection, normally used in such high tech applications as TFT,LCD and LED displays in Mobile phones, Notebooks , Monitors and Television equipment.

[atvdave]

Originally posted by reef / aholic
From www.atiaquaristik.com/index.php?id=141,0,0,1,0,0

Also, as far as we know, we are the only manufacturer which has decided to use the most superior reflecting materials on the market today. This is a material which has a 98 % total-light reflection, normally used in such high tech applications as TFT,LCD and LED displays in Mobile phones, Notebooks , Monitors and Television equipment.

So when are you going to put out a 72" T-5 fixture?

I would much reather have a ATI over the Aquactinics.