T5 combo

[ikolbaba06]

Just a quick question on using a 6500k t5 bulb vs just using coral and purple plus type bulbs? Or even the aqua blue special in combo with blue plus bulbs? I know the spectrum on the far right/red and green is much more broad with the 6500k bulbs like the tropic 6500k gissemen bulb. What are your thoughts? I currently run blue plus x2 and coral plus and purple plus with kessil ap700 x2.

 

[Justfebreezeit]

I just purchased an 8 bulb fixture and plan to run a 6500. I've done a lot of reading on it and am curious to how it will perform growth wise.

I think i'd have a hard time running it on any kind of 4 bulb even if the LEDS are the main light source.

All unexperienced rambling here

 

[ikolbaba06]

Just to add on to my thoughts. I’m not looking to add more par,since my leds push out some nice par, but to broaden spectrum to include what’s in the 6500k bulbs.

 

[A. grandis]

You can have a very nice combo without the 6500K.
Using 10K and 14K bulbs with Blue Plus will be great. I like 10K and Blue Plus as a base for my T5 combos.
I don't recommend Purple Plus bulbs at all. You will be much better using Actinic Plus instead.
The 6500K bulbs will offer spectrum the other bulbs won't and will help keep/produce nice pigments too and good growth.
I have experienced more algae growth with only one 6500K GE bulb in an 8 bulb combo, so take care of the nutrients.

 

[ikolbaba06]

You can have a very nice combo without the 6500K.
Using 10K and 14K bulbs with Blue Plus will be great. I like 10K and Blue Plus as a base for my T5 combos.
I don't recommend Purple Plus bulbs at all. You will be much better using Actinic Plus instead.
The 6500K bulbs will offer spectrum the other bulbs won't and will help keep/produce nice pigments too and good growth.
I have experienced more algae growth with only one 6500K GE bulb in an 8 bulb combo, so take care of the nutrients.

Why the no go on purple plus for you?

 

[A. grandis]

Why the no go on purple plus for you?

Because the slots in your fixture are very precious and each of them deserves a better spectral value in them.
I'm not talking about aesthetics, but real light values for the organisms in your system.
To get the best out of the combo you can avoid purple without a doubt.
But if you really want purple for your visual pleasure you can get a Coral Plus (~10% Purple Plus). That would be enough IMO.
My opinion/experience.