I have 3 x XR30 gen 3 pros on my 4'.6" long reef tank and being an if it ain't broken fix it kind of guy and reading so much about hybrid lighting I thought I would keep my eye out for a cheap t5 unit to add to the Radion's and experiment a little. I found a little used Shpock Odyssea 2 x 39w twin T5 unit with remote ballast. A deal was done for £35 which included 10k and actinic tubes.
The unit had been used for a short period of time on a FW planted tank and the actinic tube had been replaced, it was refitted while there and so was like new. I replaced the 10k tube with an ATI true actinic tube. Strange thing (well maybe not so strange) is the existing actinic looked pinky when lit with the ATI more a lighter blue than I was expecting. There is no makers name on the original actinic tube just the word actinic and 39w.
A 4'unit would have been a better bet I guess but I could not find one suitable. My tank is only 19" front to back so I needed a slim as possible twin unit which I suspended at the front of the Radions tilted front to back to minimise light loss at the front and maximise light shining to the back which seems to work quite well even if the tempory hanging arrangement is a bit, Heath Robinson but it will do for now but it's serving its purpose well.
There is a noticeable difference when the T5s are on but not a big difference colour wise. There is a bit more "pop" However I am thinking the original actinic is poor and I will think about replacing it either with another ATI actinic or perhaps a Korallen Zucht Super Blue T5 39w, a D-D Giesemann T5 Actinic+ 39w or even a D-D Giesemann T5 Pure Actinic 39w. Any thoughts?
What about the results? Well. early days and I can't say there has been a major difference apart from a little more pop. However, a change of the original actinic tube to one of the above might achieve improved results but which to go for. Hmmmm we shall see.
Tank with just the actinic's on, dull as you would expect. Sorry for the reflections in the glass.
FTS with all lights on inc a 6500k LED spotlight I am also experimenting with for my H.magnifica which is now under the spotlight. I might take another FTS pic later.
The unit had been used for a short period of time on a FW planted tank and the actinic tube had been replaced, it was refitted while there and so was like new. I replaced the 10k tube with an ATI true actinic tube. Strange thing (well maybe not so strange) is the existing actinic looked pinky when lit with the ATI more a lighter blue than I was expecting. There is no makers name on the original actinic tube just the word actinic and 39w.
A 4'unit would have been a better bet I guess but I could not find one suitable. My tank is only 19" front to back so I needed a slim as possible twin unit which I suspended at the front of the Radions tilted front to back to minimise light loss at the front and maximise light shining to the back which seems to work quite well even if the tempory hanging arrangement is a bit, Heath Robinson but it will do for now but it's serving its purpose well.
There is a noticeable difference when the T5s are on but not a big difference colour wise. There is a bit more "pop" However I am thinking the original actinic is poor and I will think about replacing it either with another ATI actinic or perhaps a Korallen Zucht Super Blue T5 39w, a D-D Giesemann T5 Actinic+ 39w or even a D-D Giesemann T5 Pure Actinic 39w. Any thoughts?
What about the results? Well. early days and I can't say there has been a major difference apart from a little more pop. However, a change of the original actinic tube to one of the above might achieve improved results but which to go for. Hmmmm we shall see.
Tank with just the actinic's on, dull as you would expect. Sorry for the reflections in the glass.
FTS with all lights on inc a 6500k LED spotlight I am also experimenting with for my H.magnifica which is now under the spotlight. I might take another FTS pic later.
