T-5 Bulbs. Wattage and color.

[Dubbies24]

Just got a 48 inch 4 lamp T-5 HO light fixture with 2 ballasts. So 2 lights work with each switch. What 4 lamps should I put in it for the best results for my reef aquarium? I'm looking for wattage, color, etc...... Thank you.

 

[fab1971]

My preference is 1 aquablue special, 1 fiji purple and 2 ati blue plus. You could order extra bulbs and play with your own combination and get your desired color.

 

[Dubbies24]

So, does that mean you don't put any white bulbs in your fixture? I really don't know so I am looking for as much info as possible. Thanks.

 

[Docstomper]

4' fixtures are going to be 54w bulbs. As long as they are T5HO.

 

[fab1971]

ati aquablue special is actually a white bulb (very crisp, like 10-12k). The fiji purple is mostly white/red to give your red/orange corals a little more color. The two ati blue + bulbs will help offset the red and white. On top of that I like to add a small led strip across the hood to give night time feedings and add a little pop for viewing pleasure. All those bulbs are good choices for par imo. You can check a thread on here that goes into more detail about par and light combinations but in the end it's all up to your own preference.

 

[Dubbies24]

So, I have 2 more questions. How far should the bulbs be from the water and what should the lighting cycle be?? When should I have all lights on, blues only, and lunar?? Below is a schedule I am thinking, let me know if I am completely wrong or what you would recommend. Thank you.

10 pm till 6 am - Lunar Lights
6 am till 7 am - Blues only
7 am till 5 pm - Whites and Blues
5 pm till 10 pm - Blues only