Purchasing a 9 month old ATI Dimmable

[CoralManz]

While on the search for equipment for an upcoming build I came across a 36" ATI 6 bulb dimmable fixture thats being offered locally for $350. However I'm unsure about the longevity of the fixtures and would appreciate any advice when it comes to purchasing used T5 fixtures.

 

[CoralManz]

#REEFSQUAD

 

[Homelander]

While not personally, a good friend of mine has the 8 bulb ATI fixture. The biggest thing (with any lighting fixture) is to keep the fans clean and dust free. As soon as the fans start gunking up the air flow is restricted and the fixture gets hot, and that has the potential to take out bulbs and ballasts fast. Hope this helps

 

[dbl]

Great fixtures. Yes, you may end up having to replace the ballast along the way and obviously bulbs, but if it's in good shape, especially the reflectors, it's probably worth looking at closely. My $.02 anyway.

I sent you a PM since we're basically neighbors...lol.

 

[Fritzhamer]

It’s a great fixture. Like anything, if you even remotely take care of it it will last a very long time.

 

[Greybeard]

Bulbs need replacing every 6 to 12 months. Ballasts, as long as they're not overheated, should last years. Even if the ballasts do need replacing, it's not terribly difficult.

I bought a used TEK brand 8x54w T5 for my Peninsula. The used fixture with one bad ballast was $80. Polished up the reflectors, bought two new 4x54w ballasts, $45 each, wired them up, 8 new ATI bulbs, and I got a like new fixture to light my 140g system for under $300. I'm as happy as I can be with it.

I've never priced a dimmable T5 ballast... I'd assume they'd be a bit more money, but probably not that much more.

Even the cooling fans wouldn't be that big a deal to replace... if you needed to.

 

[Diesel]

I ran two ATI 8 bulb power module fixture for years.
Used the Giesemann bulbs which last longer that the ATI bulbs themself out of own experience.
I switch out every 8 months and at the same time blew the dust of the fans with canned pressurized air.
Had a 8 bulb suncore for my fragtanks and that one lasted 10 years before one ballast went out.
Best T5 fixture on the market as we speak.

 

[Fritzhamer]

The bulbs should last you a year easy, BRS did some videos on it. ATI is also great with replacement parts if they are ever needed.

 

[Sabellafella]

While on the search for equipment for an upcoming build I came across a 36" ATI 6 bulb dimmable fixture thats being offered locally for $350. However I'm unsure about the longevity of the fixtures and would appreciate any advice when it comes to purchasing used T5 fixtures.

Had mine for almost 4 years now without issues while crossing my fingers! Just needs a good dust cleaning every now and then