How many bulb ATI fixture is ideal for a 120p?

kevinmichael77

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Oct 5, 2012
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Just wondering what number of bulb fixture would be ideal for a ADA 120p. Trying to decide between one of these units or two Aquatic Life Halos.. Tank will be CO2 injected.


Thanks as always
 

Tom Barr

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More even, better colors, cheaper. Hydroponic places sell a 4x 54 e ballast unit that looks good for 90$. Enamel white.
 

kevinmichael77

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Oct 5, 2012
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Tom Barr said:
More even, better colors, cheaper. Hydroponic places sell a 4x 54 e ballast unit that looks good for 90$. Enamel white.

My only thought there is that I wouldn't have the ability to dim the lights if needed or program it for a ramp up/down cycle. I already have one ALH over a 33 and, if it provides an adequate amount of light, was considering buying a slave unit for it. My only other thought was to purchase a programmable ATI unit.
 

Tom Barr

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90$ vs 500-600$ for that? If you really like that aspect, then you can, you could also add the dimmer 0-10v ballast and swap them out. Those run 40-50$ each per ballast, you'd need 2 and then rewire. So about 250$
 
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kevinmichael77

Guru Class Expert
Oct 5, 2012
385
7
18
Wisconsin
Tom Barr said:
90$ vs 500-600$ for that? If you really like that aspect, then you can, you could also add the dimmer 0-10v ballast and swap them out. Those run 40-50$ each per ballast, you'd need 2 and then rewire. So about 250$

Money is a concern and the alternative you suggested is enticing. Given that I already


have a master AL Halo, and my DIY skills are limited, would adding another AL halo slave unit suffice. I know there are some concerns with red plants and stock LED fixtures,


but im looking at more of a nature scale versus a Dutch style.
 

Tom Barr

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Add the Halo


Nature style is fine for LED's. Red fanatics, not so much.


I got the ATI normal, non dimmer for the 120


No differences in growth etc, just the effect.
 

burr740

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Tom Barr said:
Add the Halo

Nature style is fine for LED's. Red fanatics, not so much.


I got the ATI normal, non dimmer for the 120


No differences in growth etc, just the effect.

With the non dimmable model do you still turn the CO2 on same time as the lights?


Ive been scared to try that :)
 

Tom Barr

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Yes, I add CO2 at the same as the lights. Ideally, the CO2 and light match, but it really does not make that much difference.


But...you can use two timers, and start CO2 1/2 hour before, then run for 8 hours, and the stagger the light a 1/2 hour later. The last 1/2 hour of no CO2 is fine and makes a good time to take pictures. Less mist etc in the tank etc.
 
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