Lighting Input needed

[CountryBoy72]

So with an ATI Powermodule 6x54W , would that be suitable for a good T5 fixture. Would the Ecotech Radion be a better choice an out perform the ATI unit (I know I need two of the ER's, which cost more but, no bulb changing or heat issues )? Not really sure how far I will venture into the corals, probably won't get too carried away. Have to make the setup somewhat easy for the wife to deal with when I go away for 7-10 days hunting and fishing.

[toxic111]

I would go with the LED's if you can afford them. I said the same thing about corals. Now I am planning on an upgrade to my 33 to a 90 or larger. Going LED's with those right away. My take is already mostly SPS corals.

[CountryBoy72]

That's the way I am leaning right now, to go with two ER's. That way I can expand the tank to alot more corals if I want too.

BigAl07, If you go LED you'll have to incorporate some level of optics to improve penetration.

What do you mean, an how would I go about doing this ?

Agreed! The optic is on the diode itself, so you get some 34 diodes with wide angle optics. This is done in part for "blending" the light from all bulbs to achieve color homogeneity. The downfall of this design is the inability to penetrate deeper tanks. I argued with Tim (the president of Ecotech) on their forum about these lights and he did mention (at the end of arguing) that the lights will have different types of lenses you can install to achieve different type of penetration... Now... I think their unavailability is in part a marketing strategy: "Oh, your Radion doesn't penetrate the depth? well, we have just designed these "COOL" $100/each cluster optics to outfit on it for better penetration and less light spread... it has just been designed and your fixture can be upgraded for $200" watch this happen Watch it happen $165 Lead acid battery is only the beginning ))