T5 bulb recommendations

[exnisstech]

I'm moving most of my LPS to another tank and switching my reefer 170 24"x20"x20" to SPS. I have a radion xr15 pro g4 and am planning on adding a aquatic life 4 bulb t5 24" hybrid fixture do increase the lighting. Rather than experimenting and wasting money I'm looking for recommendations on what combo of bulbs would be best that some of you have experience and success with.

 

[Lbrdsoxfan]

Are you asking about brands or which color of bulb to use. In the end your going to use at least two of the 460 mm bulbs imho and the rest will be your taste.

I have a 4 bulb setup and in using one 50/50 bulb, 2 x 460nm and a actinic 420 mm.

 

[jda]

Here is what I would do, but I also don't use T5s with Radions. I would do GE 6500k in at least one, actinic in the others and then move the Radion for the look that you like - easier to move the radion (slowly) than to swap too many bulbs. The actinic and 6500k provide spectrum that you don't get in other types of bulbs or lights, outside of MH.

Of course, your standard B+ and C+ recommendations are pretty popular.

 

[exnisstech]

I'm new to fluorescent lighting. Heck had to Google b+ and c+ du. I'm thinking since the radion will be in the center of the fixture maybe a c+ and b+ on each side of the fixture? I can use the radion to make the coral colors pop to my liking during viewing time. This is the fixture I'm looking at.

 

[MIke Wood]

i have experimented with a lot of different t5 options. i ran all ATI Blue+ for a year and loved the look until i wanted a different look. the blue + seem to just wash everything out. So i tried exchanging 2 Blue+ with two giesemann super purples. it looked way to white to me. so i kept the super purples and added 2 ati true actinics. this was an out look for me. it was nearly the same look as the blue+/super purple combo but dimmer and less white looking but the red in the super purple seemed to really take over the look. so i currently just switched to 2 blue+ 1 super purple and 1 actinic with my redsea RL90 in the middle. i really like this look. its blue with a noticeable purple. corals will generally not have the pop under t5s as they do under leds but i think the blanketed light look.

 

[exnisstech]

Thanks Mike. I have a hunch I'll end up experimenting a little myself. I'm hoping the B+ C+ combo will be good for growth and I can use the radion to get the color I like during viewing hours but time will tell.

 

[MIke Wood]

Thanks Mike. I have a hunch I'll end up experimenting a little myself. I'm hoping the B+ C+ combo will be good for growth and I can use the radion to get the color I like during viewing hours but time will tell.

No problem man. I did like the look of the coral plus. But it is a white look for sure. I got really good growth from the blue+ alone honestly. I think they are good supplemental bulbs to leds. Maybe your LFS or hobbyist might have some old bulbs they can let you experiment with.

 

[sfin52]

I'm moving most of my LPS to another tank and switching my reefer 170 24"x20"x20" to SPS. I have a radion xr15 pro g4 and am planning on adding a aquatic life 4 bulb t5 24" hybrid fixture do increase the lighting. Rather than experimenting and wasting money I'm looking for recommendations on what combo of bulbs would be best that some of you have experience and success with.

I run 2 coral plus 1 blue plus and 1 purple plus love the spectrum. Brings out the color of fish and coral.

 

[Reefdiculous22]

Hey all. I just bought the aqua life hybrid fixture for my tank. I bought 2 actinic bulbs and 2 gen 2 coral life bulbs. Will that work or do I need different bulbs? Thanks ahead for any replies. Cheers!

 

[jda]

See how you like them. If they are supplements, then nearly anything is fine. At least give them a shot and see if you are happy with the color.

 

[sfin52]

Hey all. I just bought the aqua life hybrid fixture for my tank. I bought 2 actinic bulbs and 2 gen 2 coral life bulbs. Will that work or do I need different bulbs? Thanks ahead for any replies. Cheers!

Its up to how you like the look. I use ati 2 coral plus 1 blue plus 1 purple plus. I love the look has a whiter look and provides pop.

 

[Biglew11]

I'm currently using 2ATI Blue Plus, 1 ATI Aquablue Special, 1 ATI actinic with kessil. A360X.

hears ati's recomendations based on desired color output.
https://www.atinorthamerica.com/blog/combos-4-bulb-fixtures/

 

[Reefdiculous22]

See how you like them. If they are supplements, then nearly anything is fine. At least give them a shot and see if you are happy with the color.

They are the only lights I will have at the moment. I’m still waiting for the tank. Hopefully it will ship tomorrow. I plan on getting led in the future. I was just wondering if that light would be efficient enough to get thru the first 6 mo or so.

 

[Reefdiculous22]

Its up to how you like the look. I use ati 2 coral plus 1 blue plus 1 purple plus. I love the look has a whiter look and provides pop.

I do like the white look. I also would like a little shimmer as well.

 

[Reefdiculous22]

I'm currently using 2ATI Blue Plus, 1 ATI Aquablue Special, 1 ATI actinic with kessil. A360X.

hears ati's recomendations based on desired color output.
https://www.atinorthamerica.com/blog/combos-4-bulb-fixtures/

Thanks for the link!

 

[sfin52]

I do like the white look. I also would like a little shimmer as well.

T5 won't add shimmer you need led or a halide for that