T5 bulb recommendations

XNavyDiver · Nov 24, 2017

I bought the Aquatic Life Hybrid T5 fixture in 36" length to accent my 2 Radions. I'm looking for recommendations for bulbs. I've never used t5, so I'm excited to pair them with my LED's.

Zaven D · Nov 24, 2017

+1 Following, I was just about to post the same question haha.

dragon99 · Nov 24, 2017

When in doubt, blue+ won't fail you.

I'd probably go with a blue+ and coral+ mix and then use the Royal blue, Violet channels on the radion.

rtparty · Nov 24, 2017

2 Blue Plus, 1 Actinic and 1 Coral Plus.

May want to substitute the blue plus for the Giesemann Actinic blue even. I've got one on the way to see if it really is a slightly darker blue than the blue plus

dragon99 · Nov 24, 2017

rtparty said:
2 Blue Plus, 1 Actinic and 1 Coral Plus.

May want to substitute the blue plus for the Giesemann Actinic blue even. I've got one on the way to see if it really is a slightly darker blue than the blue plus

Certainly has a bit higher blue peak (ati is red line)

XNavyDiver · Nov 24, 2017

I went with 4 blue + ATI's. I guess I'll see how they look. I have zero experience with t5.

DSC reef · Nov 24, 2017

XNavyDiver said:
I went with 4 blue + ATI's. I guess I'll see how they look. I have zero experience with t5.

That's what I run with my halides, I love them. Nice bright blue.

TheEngineer · Feb 21, 2018

XNavyDiver said:
I went with 4 blue + ATI's. I guess I'll see how they look. I have zero experience with t5.

How did this turn out?

XNavyDiver · Feb 21, 2018

TheEngineer said:
How did this turn out?

TheEngineer · Feb 21, 2018

Nice! Are you happy with it? Have you seen improved growth, coloration, etc?

XNavyDiver · Feb 21, 2018

TheEngineer said:
Nice! Are you happy with it? Have you seen improved growth, coloration, etc?

You know, it's hard to tell as of right now. It's only been a few weeks and I see it everyday, so day to day it's hard to see the change. I take pics of the corals on an almost weekly basis to see any changes over time. The sps are all very happy with the additional lights as far as I can tell. There hasn't been a dramatic increase in the demand for alk/cal as of yet. My guess is that a month or two from now once everything has gotten used to the t5 that things will be more apparent to growth.

TheEngineer · Feb 21, 2018

Can't wait to see the progress pictures!

bif24701 · Feb 21, 2018

ATI Blue Plus is the best bulb they make for growth and color. You could also go with the ATI True Actinic but you will have to balance the look with other lighting. The Blue Plus is already balanced and matches well with about every kind of light.

Get the ATI Blue Plus!