Question on ATI Bulbs

netpez · Feb 18, 2013

Hey guys, I would love some input on lighting in my tank. I currently have a Red Sea Max 250, and maybe it is just me, but the default T5 bulbs that came with the RSM which includes 3 10k's and 3 blue actinic always looked real harsh to me. I talked to a couple people including a reputable LFS around me (Marine Scene in Herndon, va) and the guy recommended going ATI. After some discussion, he recommended (ATI) 3 coral plus, 2 blue plus and 1 purple plus.

My tank again is a Red Sea Max 250 (66 gallon) which I have torch corals, frogspawn, sun coral, aussie elegance, montipora, acrapora, richordia, blasto's, gonipora, and a couple other odds and ends. When I put the bulbs he recommeded, all I have to say is WOW, WOW, WOW!!!!

Colors popped like never before. The light has a light purple-bluish to it, and I gotta say I am really psyched about the color pop now. The only thing I want to make sure of, is that are more corals getting all of the necessary light for growth. I want to make sure I have the combo of this color pop and the the necessary light requirements.

Thoughts?

mayday610 · Feb 18, 2013

You should be fine with this combo.

ReeferBob · Feb 19, 2013

I think you should IMMEDIATETLY turn off at least 2 of the bulbs and/or raise your light. This is assuming that you just put in the new bulbs and turned on the fixture. Your Corals need to acclimate to this new way more powerful light source. You will bleach out the corals in very short order and risk injuring them possibly killing them. Watch them very closely for a few weeks.

netpez · Feb 19, 2013

Thanks bob.... Do you also believe that this is a sufficient light source for growth, not just for looks?

ReeferBob · Feb 19, 2013

You should be able to grow just about anything with that amount of good (ATI) bulbs. I am not sure how good the reflectors are in the RSM light though. That can make a big difference. You could always get a PAR meter and see how it does in various spots in the tank.