T5 help!

[Davesgt]

I have a 4 bulb t5 setup on a 10 gallon nano and have 2 12000k and 2 actinic bulb that are in it as of now. This tank has a few nice lps and a few sps that are doing great and have awesome color to them. My question is how can i get a little more of a 20k look to my tank with t5's? I was thinking about replacing 12000k with another actinic but did not want to effect my light output so much that my nice lps and sps would not thrive anymore. As far as bulb options there is not alot out there due to the size, they are 18w t5's with a fixture total of 72w which is doing amazing. Any suggestions with out changing the whole fixture.

 

[Hyprviperx]

i have 1 actinic one 10k and 2 ATI blue plus, i get good color and growth. You might try the ATI blue plus. a little pricey but you get what you pay for?

 

[Davesgt]

price of bulbs are not any issue but ati does not make a 18w bulb or id be all over it

 

[Davesgt]

i love ati and i hope an 18w is in their future but for now i was just trying to find other options or if another actinic would drop my par reading down tremendous

 

[Dowtish]

Who makes the fixture?

 

[Davesgt]

its an aquaticlife 4 bulb t5 18w with controllable timing and led moonlights

 

[Davesgt]

so would it be ok if i just added another actinic?

 

[Robert@MD]

Over a 10 gallon tank, you would probably be fine with swapping out a 12K for another 420/460 nm actinic. I would have to agree with above as the ATI BLUE PLUS would be your best option if it was available as it will give you more PAR but still look "blue".

 

[Davesgt]

i agree also i love ati bulbs, i use a all ati combo on my larger tank and love them but like you said par values are better with ati than other companies.

 

[Hyprviperx]

hmm, tough task finding small t5s, have you thought of using maybe a high output led strip to fill in the PAR/ color gaps.

 

[Davesgt]

havent thought about that. i guess i could do some looking

 

[Hyprviperx]

might end up being the longest lasting bulb ya got. i have a 4 bank 36" and have been thinking of adding a front and back strip to the tank for all the extra par/ wavelengths, and that for me is much better for me than buying a whole new 300-400$ light system.

 

[jgraz]

Everyone keeps recommending ATI bulbs. They don't make 18" bulbs. Very few companies make them. And of the few the only one that seems useable is the aquatic life bulbs.

I have the same problem. 10gal tank, 18" fixture. For what it's worth I'll be switching to the Aquatic life bulbs in the following combo.
Blue
Purple
10k
Blue

I've been reading good things about the bulbs

 

[Aqua fire/medic]

I believe UVL makes 18" bulbs in several spectrums...... I've used them and they seemed to be ok.... I beige premium aquatics carries them.

 

[Dragonreef202]

I have changed out my bulbs for coralife with uvl and have been happy with them. I may try ati on any other bulbs that may need changing or when i'm able to by another one