ATI LED/T5 Powermodule Hits USA in March

I see the T5/LED combo similar as to the traditional T5/halide combo, which get great shimmer.

While the 75 W LED cluster doesn't put out as much light as a 250 W metal halide, and isn't as much of a point source lighting, I would be really surprised if there was no shimmer at all.

 

A 75 watt cluster should give a decent amount of shimmer. My 100w Ecoxotic Cannon puts out far more shimmer than my 400w MH. This is because the overall light source is 4" x 1" with reflector included. That is 100w emanating from 4 square inches. My metal halide light source is 14.5" x 14.5". That is 400w emanating from 210 square inches. The ATI modules are from 4" x 1/2" area. That is 75w from a 2 square inch area. It is the vast amount of light emanating from a small source (hence the name point source) that creates the shimmer.

 

I'm very interested in this light. Currently building a 66" 178 gal SPS dominant tank. I am disappointed to hear that the 60" version will not feature dimmable T5's.

Should this be a deal breaker? Should I consider 2 of the smaller fixtures?

Thoughts?

 

Underdriving T5 shortens the life of the bulb. I am actually glad they are not dimmable!

 

Looks gorgeous, but is it not extremely overkill? I have 55 Bridelux LEDs running at 30%, 6' above waterline/24" above sandbed, over my 20 gallon and it may still be a little too high for my SPS corals.