How would you light up a sps dominant system?

[Wheelman76]

Originally Posted by MitchM

I have 2 of the 4' ATI Hybrid units and I am not happy with them.
I have had 4 ballasts burn out and 5 of the LED reflectors melt.
ATI told me that part of the problem was that I hung the 2 fixtures side by side and caused the 2 units to overheat.
They still provided me with replacement components under warranty, but I didn't appreciate ATI trying to partially blame me for component failure.

WTF am I supposed to do for an 8' tank 30" deep lighting?

MH, LED and T5 are great options, but educate yourself about the limitations of whatever drawbacks the fixtures may have.

Well the way ATI fixtures are designed to cool ,is the air is pushed down from the fans on the top of the light and the air is forced out one end of the fixture. Blocking the end of the fixture is like covering the top of your toaster and being mad your toast got burnt.

[MitchM]

6 inches of space between the fixtures and no canopy should provide sufficient air space for cooling. There is very little hot air coming out of the end of the fixture.
I think that the plastic reflectors were a design error and the ballasts are not heavy duty enough.
The overheating issue does not explain failures in both fixtures.

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by Scythanith

Metal halides with LED supplementation if you want faster growth and controllable colour.

I do like this option best, just not aware of any turn-key setups. If your building skills aren't high end, DIY might not meet the aesthetics factor.

[Howie]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

I do like this option best, just not aware of any turn-key setups. If your building skills aren't high end, DIY might not meet the aesthetics factor.

Reefbrite has a metal halide/led hybrid. I just set mine up a week ago and so far love it. Got mine from a fellow hobbyist

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by Howie

Reefbrite has a metal halide/led hybrid. I just set mine up a week ago and so far love it. Got mine from a fellow hobbyist

Not a bad offering, but depending on what you're after for looks, still a bit industrial looking. IT does give options though, thanks for pointing it out.

[Myka]

I left all halide fixtures out of the equation because he said this...

The tank will be a focal point for sure, it will be in the front of the house, dividing the formal dining room and the family room.

1. Aesthetics is a huge factor for me. It has to look clean & modern

Though Giesemann and Sfiligoi both put out nice DE halide fixtures that are pretty sleek. Some are even available in white. Imo you won't get a SE halide fixture that look sleek. ATI has a T5 + LED fixture that's been getting rave reviews, but I haven't seen it running over a tank in person. Radions are definitely still the "hardcore SPS fanatic" go-to.