ATI Sunpower T5 Lighting Fixture Review
Updated August 12, 2019
Author: Mike - FishLore Admin
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The ATI Sunpower T5 light comes in several different configurations such as 8x54 watt, 6x54 watt and 4x54 watt. These sunpower T5 fixtures also come in multiple lengths such as 24, 36, 48 and 60 inches with varying wattages based on the fixture. The fixture that we picked up was the 8x54 watt T5 sunpower for around $700 (beginning of 2011). The prices have since come down a little making them slightly more affordable. This is still a lot to pay for lighting and I researched several other T5 units including the Tek, Marineland and even the more expensive ATI power module fixtures. I made the decision to purchase these after hours and hours of research. There are definitely plenty of good options to choose from these days when it comes to high output lighting for your saltwater reef tank setup.
These ATI fixtures are known for being top of the line and for delivering top notch performance. They have individual reflectors for each of the T5 bulbs and built in cooling fans so that the T5's operate at optimum temperature. The combination of the individual reflectors and the optimized cooling system is reportedly (according to the manufacturer) supposed to deliver up to 50 percent improved performance and improved bulb life. The 8x54 watt T5 comes with 3 power cords. One is for the bank of 6 lights (main running lights), one is for the bank of 2 lights (morning and dusk) and the cord for the two built in fans. The fan speed is adjustable as well.
Specifications:
- Individual parabolic German reflectors made from silver-coated 98 percent reflective aluminum
- Active cooling system (fans)
- Built-in electronic ballast
- Acrylic Shield
- 10-foot power cord (x2)
ATI Sunpower T5 Light Positives
- The fans are fairly quiet when set at the middle voltage settings, but if you want them to run faster they do get louder.
- The individual reflectors are awesome and the sps corals in the 120 gallon reef are growing nicely. Even the montiporas placed towards the bottom of the tank are growing well. The acroporas still need to be placed toward the middle though for faster growth rates. I do have an acro colony about 5 inches from the bottom that is growing but a little slower than the once placed in the middle of the tank.
- The 2 power cords let you put them on a timer for simulating dawn/dusk and then full power. Nice feature.
ATI Sunpower T5 Light Negatives
- Doesn't come with a hanging kit. I purchased the Sunlight Supply Sun Lift which is a pulley system that can support up to 22 pounds. They were easy to install and use and I recommend them because the T5 lights look cool hanging from the ceiling and since they are on pulleys you can raise and lower the light fixture as needed to get in the tank.
- Price is high
This ATI sunpower T5 light is an awesome fixture, even for the SPS keepers out there. I've ran T5 units with a single reflector (Nova Extreme T5) and the growth rates of the corals definitely did not seem as good. The Nova Extreme 8x54 watt fixture is good, don't get me wrong. This unit is even better though in my opinion. Overall, I would recommend this fixture to a friend and I give it 
There is now a dimmable model of the ATI Sunpower T5 light fixture. I think it might be a bit more expensive than the non-dimmable version. See the video below on the dimmable model.
Reviewed by: Mike FishLore
Summary: Review of the ATI Sunpower T5 Lighting Fixture.
Description: The ATI Sunpower T5 light comes in several different configurations such as 8x54 watt, 6x54 watt and 4x54 watt.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars.
