Metal Halide + T5s

[MrDJeep123]

I'm transferring my Kessil from the 40b to another tank I'm working on. I bought a 150w HQI + T5 setup.
I'm looking at getting some bulbs, however, I'm not sure what to purchase.

Will this be sufficient? I'm new to halides, but not T5s. But could use a refresher on which T5s are currently best. I've been out of the t5 market for awhile. I used to have Giesemann bulbs.

Thanks!

 

[Vivid Aquariums Verified Sponsor]

Here at vivid we like to use 20k Radium bulbs for our metal halide and have had great growth and color with them. As far as T5's we have had really good luck with the ATI bulbs.

James

 

[MrDJeep123]

Here at vivid we like to use 20k Radium bulbs for our metal halide and have had great growth and color with them. As far as T5's we have had really good luck with the ATI bulbs.

James

Thanks for the input, James. Is the 20k bulbs all blue? I'm looking for a middle of the road.

 

[FlipperFin]

I have ran T5s HO, Mh, and now recently LED. I have to say by far my favorite is LED, But the Mh's are a super close second. They are more efficient and produce amazing colors (If they are full spectrum) My tank and coral are doing better then ever since putting LED's on.

 

[Anthony kolodziej]

Radium bulbs give a nice blue tint and crisp white look best par and color IMO , either that or Pheonix bulbs by Hex arc

 

[MrDJeep123]

Radium bulbs give a nice blue tint and crisp white look best par and color IMO , either that or Pheonix bulbs by Hex arc

So the 20k bulbs aren't all blue? I'm to understand that 10k are sunlight-ish, 15-16k is a light blue, and 20k is pure blue. Or is that completely off base?

 

[Anthony kolodziej]

depends on manufacturer , Usio Bulbs are mostly blue and don't seem that bright . I have not used XM bulbs but looking to try them .

 

[Vivid Aquariums Verified Sponsor]

Most of the photographs on our website were taken under 20k radiums feel free to take a look.

James

 

[Harry_Y]

I use Hamilton 14K for MH

For suplemental I run a Pair of Blue and a Pair of atinic

 

[DeniseAndy]

I have used Hamilton 10 and 14K, Ushio 10K, XM 20K and currently using Reeflux. My favorites have been the XM. I have yet to try Radium. The 20K bulb puts out a spectrum that has a higher peek in the blue range. This is why we see a bluish hint. Took me a while to adjust after using 14K. Now, I do like the 20K. Especially for growth.

T5s I have used KZ and ATI mostly. Both do a great job with color and growth. I run Blue Plus ATI currently on my 210g to supplement the MH and run a coral white and blue plus on my 40g and 20g setups since no MH on those.