Like we need another t-5 bulb combo thread?

[florida reef]

Equipment-Current 6x54w T-5

I am buying new bulbs soon for my fixture and I am wondering what bulb combo will give me a 17k-20k color and of course, encourage further growth.
Right now I am running 3x wave point reef waves, 1x wave point coral waves, and 2x460nm actinics. I am happy with the color but I am wondering if there are better options out there as far as quality. What are your thoughts?

Pictures make everything better...

 

[swannyson7]

I'd go with:
ATI Blue+
ATI Purple+
ATI Blue+
ATI Blue+
UVL Superactinic
ATI Blue+

That would give you about a 20k look and the ATI bulbs have great PAR. If you wanted it a little less blue, you could swap out a Blue+ for an ATI Aquablue Special.

 

[-Logzor]

I'd go with:
ATI Blue+
ATI Purple+
ATI Blue+
ATI Blue+
UVL Superactinic
ATI Blue+

That would give you about a 20k look and the ATI bulbs have great PAR

That's a very blue combo, would definitely look great though. How do you like the Purple+ verses the Fiji Purple?

If you wanted a bit lower spectrum you could replace the Super Actinic with a KZ New Generation, this bulb is apparently between the Blue+ and Aquablue Special.

 

[swannyson7]

The Purple+ isn't quite as purple as the Fiji purple IMO (even thought hey are advertised as the same kelvin rating), but still does a very good job of bringing out violet hues and IIRC has a bit higher PAR. I run them on my frag tank along with Blue+ and AquaBlue Specials and they look pretty nice.

 

[ronnie]

I'd go with:
ATI Blue+
ATI Purple+
ATI Blue+
ATI Blue+
UVL Superactinic
ATI Blue+

That would give you about a 20k look and the ATI bulbs have great PAR. If you wanted it a little less blue, you could swap out a Blue+ for an ATI Aquablue Special.

I'd do this but replace the super actinic with an Aquablue for 17k, or another blue+ for 22k - mostly because super actinic are essentially useless for growing (and they are very dim from what I've seen). Get some moonlights if you want actinics. My two cents...

 

[florida reef]

Also, what is your preferred way of switching out the bulbs and acclimating the tank? Switch all at once and cut the photo period or switch one at a time over a few weeks and keep the same photo period?

 

[swannyson7]

I've always switched them out gradually, but either way will work just fine.

 

[ronnie]

I change out one bulb every two weeks or so as I replace mine.

But I'm overdriving four bulbs - changing out four 85w T5s would boil the coral I have up top. (and probably the lower ones as well)

 

[florida reef]

Ok guys, quick update. I just received my new bulbs yesterday. I finally went with (4) blue+, (1) purple+, and (1) aquablue special 12k. So far I have only switched out 2 of my bulbs and replaced them with blue +'s. I will probably add two new bulbs a week depending on how my corals are reacting. I already love the color both daylights and actinics only. I am seeing colors pop that I've never seen before. Thanks for the advice regarding bulb selection! I'll post sue pics after I get them all switched out.

 

[DrTrey]

Any comparison pics for our viewing pleasure?

 

[florida reef]

Not yet broham. Alan, whose camera I would use to take reef shots, has gone back to China as you know. I think I'm going to try and check one out from my school. BTW, the RTBA you gave me has opened up so much under these new lights its not even funny.