My t5 combo. Looking for opinions.

[Docdiggy]

Does anyone think that not using a day light bulb will cause coloring issue? I've decided on 4 B+ and 2 P+. I've used other combos, but this color combo looks awesome imo. Attached is what the current set up looks like.

 

[Ocelaris]

I think that's fine if you like the colors. I run 4 b+, a p+, and either a coral + or aquablue special. Jason fox runs all blue plus, actinic and blue leds and corals grow. I think it's quite subjective personally. Some people say blue will color up corals more, but I don't know of any evidence for or against that argument.

 

[Docdiggy]

I did use a C+ before the 2nd P+, but to me it drowned out the blue/purple color. I've been having issues with purple sps kinda changing to a dull purple/Brown color. I know there could be a few factors for that, but I just wanted to make sure sps will be good without a daylight.

 

[reefndude]

I think the tank looks great. As far as corals go only thing I can advise is just pay attention and time will tell.
combo I used was 4b+ and 2 c+ along with two blue strips. Color lookes very similar to your picture. Corals were happy too

 

[Docdiggy]

There is a DIY led fixture I built mounted to the back. 12 3w blue leds. It's enough to give the tank tasteful shimmer.

 

[mcarroll]

Stop tweaking.

 

[A. grandis]

Does anyone think that not using a day light bulb will cause coloring issue? I've decided on 4 B+ and 2 P+. I've used other combos, but this color combo looks awesome imo. Attached is what the current set up looks like.

I think your tank looks great!! It shows how the T5s are so great in "delivering life"!!
Personally I'm not a fan of the Purple Plus. I would change them for Coral Plus.
Yes, I think Coral Plus and Blue Plus bulbs are the best ATI bulbs.
If you really like the colors of the tank now I would just wait and see in about 6months to a year and if there are any issues you can change 'em. The ATI Coral Plus will deliver better spectrum for growth and for colors for most corals. Perhaps you could change one Purple Plus for one Coral Plus? It's really up to you!! That is the beauty of T5s!!!
Enjoy your tank!
Beautiful!
Grandis.

 

[A. grandis]

I think that's fine if you like the colors. I run 4 b+, a p+, and either a coral + or aquablue special. Jason fox runs all blue plus, actinic and blue leds and corals grow. I think it's quite subjective personally. Some people say blue will color up corals more, but I don't know of any evidence for or against that argument.

How do you know Jason Fox runs Blue Plus bulbs?
I'm not doubting what you are saying, and you are not the only one, but I never heard him saying exactly that. I'm just curious.
Thanks!
Grandis.

 

[A. grandis]

I did use a C+ before the 2nd P+, but to me it drowned out the blue/purple color. I've been having issues with purple sps kinda changing to a dull purple/Brown color. I know there could be a few factors for that, but I just wanted to make sure sps will be good without a daylight.

Try 4 blue Plus, 1 Purple Plus and 1 Coral Plus. See if that will make you happy. If not, just keep as is for now and change later if needed. Relax and enjoy.
Grandis.

 

[Ocelaris]

How do you know Jason Fox runs Blue Plus bulbs?
I'm not doubting what you are saying, and you are not the only one, but I never heard him saying exactly that. I'm just curious.
Thanks!
Grandis.

He did a video on reef builder last week and explained his lighting, should be the first video.

https://reefbuilders.com/tag/jason-fox/


I just switched back to a single purple plus and coral plus from a coral plus and aqua blue special, and really like it now. I used to hate purple plus, but time has moved me in the blue direction and purple plus rounds that out well for me.

 

[A. grandis]

He did a video on reef builder last week and explained his lighting, should be the first video.

https://reefbuilders.com/tag/jason-fox/


I just switched back to a single purple plus and coral plus from a coral plus and aqua blue special, and really like it now. I used to hate purple plus, but time has moved me in the blue direction and purple plus rounds that out well for me.

Thanks! I saw that video and he never said anything about Blue Plus bulbs at all. Not that I remember.. I think he said Actinic blue, not Blue Plus.
Grandis.

 

[Ocelaris]

Thanks! I saw that video and he never said anything about Blue Plus bulbs at all. Not that I remember.. I think he said Actinic blue, not Blue Plus.
Grandis.

You're right, I misheard that and assumed he was using blue plus, but he also has metal halides and leds on some. I think the thrust was mostly blue with very little full spectrum. For most of us actinic with led strips may be a little far, so I jumped to the conclusion in my mind blue plus and conveyed that. My mistake.

I still like blue plus and one or two filler bulbs, but may try an actinic bulb at some point to replace a blue plus.

 

[A. grandis]

You're right, I misheard that and assumed he was using blue plus, but he also has metal halides and leds on some. I think the thrust was mostly blue with very little full spectrum. For most of us actinic with led strips may be a little far, so I jumped to the conclusion in my mind blue plus and conveyed that. My mistake.

I still like blue plus and one or two filler bulbs, but may try an actinic bulb at some point to replace a blue plus.

I recently tried True Actinic and liked a lot!! Something to consider for the health of your corals...
I see Blue Plus as the best T5 available and use them more than any other bulb!
Cheers.
Grandis.

 

[Docdiggy]

I used to have
4b+
1p+
1c+
The c+ would overwhelm the other colors. I notice the purple really brings out certain colors. I'll ride it out for awhile and look for changes.

 

[steevareno]

I love the blue plus purple plus combination too but can't find any data on par value of the purple plus anywhere. I think the actinic Jason is referring to is the geisemann actinic blue t5 which is the equivalent of the ati blue plus.

 

[skiergd011013]

I know blue plus is blue, and the aquablue special is white. How are the c plus and p plus? I like the very blue look. For a four bulb combo, id run 3x blue plus, but do you recommend the 4th be a c plus or p plus?

 

[reefndude]

If you like very blue I would go with p+
Or just all b+

 

[Ocelaris]

I know blue plus is blue, and the aquablue special is white. How are the c plus and p plus? I like the very blue look. For a four bulb combo, id run 3x blue plus, but do you recommend the 4th be a c plus or p plus?

Coral plus is half blue plus, then the rest basically an aquablue special with some purple plus at the end. The ati site has graphs and a better explanation. It's basically just a bluer aquablue special.

 

[Docdiggy]

I tested out 1 p+ and 5b+. Too blue for me. Lots of corals lost their nice colors except for anything green.

 

[mcarroll]

For most of us actinic with led strips may be a little far

Maybe interesting for anyone who likes that true actinic look:

True Actinic is practically spot-on to a 420nm LED. I was really surprised how close they were when I looked.

From ATI's T5 Bulbs page for the True Actinic; peak output is at 421nm
(imagine this stretched out like the graph below it):

From one of Dana's AA articles:
420nm 'Blue' LED - Peak Output: 418nm
The peak output of these LEDs (418nm) is remarkably close to the advertised peak. Note that about 6% of the output will not be detected by a PAR meter with a cutoff of 400nm and below. See Figures 7 - 9, and Table 5.


Figure 7. Spectral output of the 420nm LED.