ATI Power Module 8 x 10 -80 watt T5HO $1,469 Expensive or Cheap?

[alton]

I posted something on this a while back and most of the responses where either can’t afford it or just too expensive. But because I got bored I started comparing this light with option #2 and #3 on lighting my 300 DD;

Option #1 ATI Light $1,469 with lamps
Replace lamps each year $250
Cost for power usage per year $306
For 5 years (ELEC)$1,530 + (Lamps)$1,250 + (Light)$1,469 = 4,249 + Tax

Option #2 Canopy with MH and VHO
Canopy from Marineland $500?
3- 250 watt MH ballast, lamps and reflectors $750
1 – 160 watt VHO Ballast and Lamp $100
Total $1,350
Replace lamps each year $250
Cost for power usage per year $365
For 5 years (ELEC)$1,825 + (Lamps)$1,250 + (Light)$1,350 = 4,425 + Tax

Option #3 Pendant Fixtures
3-400 watt MH $1,050
Replace lamps each year $240
Cost for power usage per year $ 481
For 5 years (ELEC)$2,405 + (Lamps)$1,200 + (Light)$1,050 = 4,655 + Tax

The electrical cost are based upon running the lights for 10 hours a day x $0.10 a KWH

Now I nickel and dime, beg borrow steal so I run my lamps 8 hrs a day and I built my own canopy and had the reflectors and ballast from my old tank but if not the ATI fixture would of made sense.

[fishypets]

I say go with the ATI. I have one and love it! Plus my chiller never turns on.

[Mr Cob]

I don't know man. ATI is a sweet light. If you want it, get it. You can't go wrong.....but for most reefers the other two options are more easily met. Upfront costs normally drive the purchase.

Your calculations are nicely done...however I personally only spend $80 per year on new bulbs 2 x 250w MH. You are calculating top of the line bulbs that aren't exactly the average cost. my point is....you are talking yourself into the ATI fixture....so just get it man. Also....I don't know anyone that has kept the same light setup over a reef for 5 years anyways. I think 2 years is common.

You might as well just calculate for 10 years and then you will easilly purchase the ATI fixture. : ) I'd get it if I could.

[Europhyllia]

I think the thing about fixtures being resold at 1 or 2 years old might have more to do with newbies entering the hobby and giving up after a year or so (just read an interesting article on that subject). I had the fixture for my first tank (29g) forever. And now my ATI is a year old and unless LEDs really start offering color, etc. I am not planning on selling it for a long time either.

[alton]

I started with MH in 2003/04. First with DE and then after the lamps only lasted 8 months I switched to SE. I still use the original Coral vue ballast from then along with 12K Reeflux lamps that I change when my FTC meter tells me to. The key issue is keeping the lamps dry and clean away from salt spray. I found that running a multi-speed fan in my canopy helps keep everything dry 24/7.

[dipan]

How do you feel about a canopy vs open top with a sweet big Powermodul over it? I say go with ATI if the upfront costs aren't an issue.

[ErikH]

What about dual 36" fixtures? Does that change the game a little bit?

[FireWater]

What about dual 36" fixtures? Does that change the game a little bit?

Dual 36" 10 bulb ATI Powermodule fixtures would put you close to $2500 right off the bat. Plus you would incur higher bulb change costs and consume more power by running smaller but, more ballasts. I love t-5 lighting so much I would buy the fixture and run a Tupperware container for my tank if I had to. LOL!!
Up front costs or not they are all expensive and priced similar to get going - whether you go the DIY route or fixture route. You also get what you pay for with any lighting.

[apedroza]

How is the coral growth with these light?? I always had good growth with MHs but am seriously considering putting t-5s on my 180.

[alton]

How is the coral growth with these light?? I always had good growth with MHs but am seriously considering putting t-5s on my 180.

Good question, I like most use T5HO's but on shallow tanks. When we get around 24" we seem to lean more to MH for SPS.