Christmas upgrade… Need some thoughts.

tcoyle · Dec 2, 2015

So with Christmas coming up, I am going to add some T5's to my 2 Kessil 360we on my 65 gallon. So my initial thoughts is having the kessils centered where they are and adding 1 of the 3 ft BRS LET retro kits. This will give me 2 T5's with reflectors. I was going to position one in the front and in the back of the kessils.

Sound like a good plan? What ATI bulbs would you recommend. My initial thought is 1 True Actinic and 1 Coral plus or Blue plus, but might like the purple plus as well.

JOKER · Dec 2, 2015

I installed an actinic on my 65 and don't really think it will help growth any as it doesn't put out much. I am running 3 B+, 1 P+, 1 A, and an aqua blue special. The overall color with all on is probably 14k or so. I have thought of removing it and adding a B+ or aqua blue special but im about to tear tank down.

tcoyle · Dec 2, 2015

so maybe one purple plus and blue plus. My kessils should be able to make up any spectrum that those may lack. I had heard that the actinic was lower power, but the spectrum promoted growth. Could all be marketing though.

JOKER · Dec 2, 2015

Im not real sure. I did some research and couldn't find out a lot. I gave it a shot but I have 6 bulbs. I like the aquablue special for a growth light but it is whiter the P+ seems to give some pop. My favorite is B+. You have the kessil so you can run any of them IMO.. There is a good video on youtube that shows the different ati bulbs. When I get chance I will try and find it

tcoyle · Dec 2, 2015

yeah I watched it a few times. Was just curious as to what some people thought if they were doing a hybrid setup like this, as to what would be a good combo. Im kind of excited to try out T5's. I love the kessils, but all the research I have been doing seems to point to a combo of LED and T5's as the best.

gmoney243 · Dec 2, 2015

Go with 2 coral plus will give high par with plenty of blue and white and will look killer with leds. This is what i ran on my last 120 exept i had reef breeders leds. Corals looked and grew amazing

fishdoc11 · Dec 2, 2015

Mike's plan sounds like a good one. You should already have plenty of blue with the LEDs. Depending on what color you want I would use ATI Coral plus, blue plus or aquablue special if you are looking for more growth. One thing to think about is each bulb will just have about a 9 inch spread so two of the same bulbs will look better than two different bulbs IMO. The coral + should compliment the LEDs great IMO

tcoyle · Dec 2, 2015

I didn't realize the 9" spread per bulb. So that a good point. Seeing that for now I only plan on running 2. Not sure I have much more room in my canopy for 2 bulbs on each side, which is why i am leaning towards the LETs.

gmoney243 · Dec 2, 2015

1 on each side is fine how i ran my 120 4x2x2. One up fromt one in back covers tank nicely reduces shadowing effect and adds a lot of color. Im a fan of leds for sure but never have liked them by itself. Coral plus bulbs give a 14k look mixed with the leds you get a nice 20k look and the corals will love it

tcoyle · Dec 2, 2015

Great. Thanks for the insight! Can't wait to get this setup.

gmoney243 · Dec 2, 2015

https://www.reef2reef.com/index.php?threads/149735/

My old tank thread if you wanna see what corals looked like and lights. Keep in mind all photos taken with old cell phone so some colors dont show well.

tcoyle · Dec 2, 2015

Man that did look good. What T5 fixture did you use?

I think with the kessils I will get that halide like shimmer with the evenness of T5 s.

gmoney243 · Dec 2, 2015

It was just old retrofit waterproof end caps with workhorse ballast and some clip on reflectors. Was cheap and effective

JOKER · Dec 3, 2015

Mikes tank did look good. I ran LED alone and was never happy with growth. I am looking at all options at this time. I run LED T5 combo on my frag tank at the moment and like the color I get. I took a few pics. This is 2 coral+ 2 Blue+, and a kessil 150 15k

JOKER · Dec 3, 2015

Sorry the text is in the middle, and glass is dirty. LOL..

tcoyle · Dec 3, 2015

man looks good. What t5 fixture you running and how big of tank?

JOKER · Dec 3, 2015

Thanks. It is a wave point 4 bulb 24". I have it about 12" over tank, and tank is a JBJ AIO 20 gallon 24" 20" 9" deep. I'm digging the LED T5 combo on it and seeing pretty good growth since started kalk. I think some T5 will help you along greatly. I love the kessil but seem to lack a little for SPS by their self..

tcoyle · Dec 3, 2015

I am getting pumped for it.. I think getting the T5's and getting the upgrade kit for this old mp40 wwd that I got for free (it's wet side is broken) will make a huge difference in my tank.