T5 guys! (and gals)

Bryce Peterson · Feb 17, 2016

I was lucky enough to pick up a 4' Hamilton HO retrofit. My goal is to eventually switch out my leds completely, but, for now, I'm going to have to run the combination. My question is: what 2 bulbs should I use to supplement my leds?

saltyfilmfolks · Feb 17, 2016

what are you growing, color choice is importante. and score a lux meter. $15 on amazon. itll help with acclimation
ie led 30000lux w led + 2 t5 = 40,000 lux + new spectrum(par) =

w meter 2 t5 @10,000 lux, dim led to 15,000 lux (to acclimate)= 25,000 lux+new par = no sunburn

a 14k + super blue is a classic choice.

Fitz_bizZle · Feb 17, 2016

I like 2 blue+

Bryce Peterson · Feb 17, 2016

Blue+ is my first choice, but I don't have any personal experience. What do you think about the purple?

Bryce Peterson · Feb 17, 2016

I am planning on 2 more kits down the road on my 90. Considering an e5/t5 combo......waiting for the jury to come back for now. I'm not completely against the leds, I just think mine are garbage and t5s are a proven commodity.

saltyfilmfolks · Feb 17, 2016

A 420 is sweet.

saltyfilmfolks · Feb 17, 2016

Still get the meter. You'll love it.

SunnyX · Feb 17, 2016

I wouldn't bother with the Purple+ unless you enjoy a pink hue to your tank. The Ati Blue+ is the ultimate T5 bulb and will meet all of your color and growth needs for a supplemental bulb.

saltyfilmfolks · Feb 17, 2016

The 420 I had ain't pink. Spectrally speaking.

Diesel · Feb 17, 2016

AquaBlue Azure
Crisp Turquoise Blue 16000k-17000K Spectrum
A T5 bulb specifically developed for reef aquariums demanding higher PAR to enhance the growth and colors of corals while producing a rich turquoise blue for optimum aesthetics.

Actinic Blue
Exclusive ACTINIC Blue Light from 400 - 510nm
Actinic Blue emits almost exclusively blue light of wavelengths from 400 - 510nm, with a maximum at 420nm. These wavelengths ensure optimum lighting conditions and enhances the growth of many coral species in the aquarium.

Bryce Peterson · Feb 17, 2016

saltyfilmfolks said:
The 420 I had ain't pink. Spectrally speaking.

Lol. I thought that was some other kind of reference before reading the other post.

Bryce Peterson · Feb 17, 2016

Diesel said:
AquaBlue Azure
Crisp Turquoise Blue 16000k-17000K Spectrum
A T5 bulb specifically developed for reef aquariums demanding higher PAR to enhance the growth and colors of corals while producing a rich turquoise blue for optimum aesthetics.

Actinic Blue
Exclusive ACTINIC Blue Light from 400 - 510nm
Actinic Blue emits almost exclusively blue light of wavelengths from 400 - 510nm, with a maximum at 420nm. These wavelengths ensure optimum lighting conditions and enhances the growth of many coral species in the aquarium.

That aqua blue azure sounds pretty great. Might give that a try.

rossco · Feb 17, 2016

If your corals are actually doing well and you just want to help with color, I would use a Blue + and an actinic.

Diesel · Feb 17, 2016

Bryce Peterson said:
That aqua blue azure sounds pretty great. Might give that a try.

The Blue Azure is a color on it's own, it's a Geisemann Bulb.
The Actinic blue is basicity the ATI Blue+ but just a little more blue, most hobbyist think it's a Actinic bulb but it's not.
IMO Geisemann is just a little richer and deeper in color on their bulbs and they last a bit longer too but I just change them out every 6 months no matter what.

Goldenvue · Feb 17, 2016

I'm also tryen to add some t5 to my radion, adding 2x24 on a 30x30 cube what bulbs do you all recommend?

Fitz_bizZle · Feb 18, 2016

I'm running a hydra26 hd with 4 t5's retrofited.
Front b+b+, back b+ actinic. I plan on using all b+.
I tried p+ it just overpowers the b+ and half the tank looked blue and the other half purple. So if u do like purple I would use 2 p+ and 2 b+.

For anyone curious of my light schedual
T5's are on for 4 hours rite now going to max out at 5 maybe 6 hours in the future.