T5 question.

[fiji4118]

So I am extremely unhappy with my Prime LED. Currently it is over a tank that is about 6 gallons approximately 18x12x12. I'm thinking about swapping it out for a 24" 4 bulb T5. I ran a 6 bulb over my 150 with excellent results. I would like thoughts on this. I could go to a two bulb but between 2 and 4 bulbs it's fairly inexpensive for the fixture depending on which way I go. Do we think that is too much light and if not which ATI bulbs should I put in? Blue + for sure. I'd have to check but I think I had blue specials, Fiji purp (not ati, can't remember the brand) actinic and maybe coral+. I'd ask GrimReaper but I don't think he's around anymore.

Thanks!

 

[Doctorgori]

Yeah I remember Grimreaper; he was a T5 guru back when ReefCentral Was active and had normal posters ,,,, anyway I don’t mind white tanks so IMO maybe Combine Blue + with a Blue special or coral Plus ..

 

[jda]

Make sure that you can get bulbs that you might like in 18". Not all of them come in less than 24" lengths.

 

[fiji4118]

I thought I would have to go with a 24in. I don't think that ATI makes any 18s?

 

[Victor_C3]

Are you sure your tank is a 6 gallon tank? One cubic foot of water (12" x 12"x 12") is 7.5 gallons. On paper, your tank should work out to be 11.25 gallons. But that has nothing to do with your question or situation...

Anyways, here is a great video from BRS of a side by side comparison between T5 bulbs from ATI, Coraline Zucht, and Gieseman. You’ll see the exact colors of the bulbs in the video and they give a good explanation about how to choose a good bulb combination.



I’m just shooting from the hip on this one, but I’d imagine you’d be alright with a two bulb fixture. If you get a dimmable T5 fixture you’ll have no problem getting the PAR you want.

 

[fiji4118]

Are you sure your tank is a 6 gallon tank? One cubic foot of water (12" x 12"x 12") is 7.5 gallons. On paper, your tank should work out to be 11.25 gallons. But that has nothing to do with your question or situation...

Anyways, here is a great video from BRS of a side by side comparison between T5 bulbs from ATI, Coraline Zucht, and Gieseman. You’ll see the exact colors of the bulbs in the video and they give a good explanation about how to choose a good bulb combination.



I’m just shooting from the hip on this one, but I’d imagine you’d be alright with a two bulb fixture. If you get a dimmable T5 fixture you’ll have no problem getting the PAR you want.

Valid point. I've always ballparked based on water change. So assuming 2 bulb. Which two? Blue Plus and actinic? Blue Plus and coral plus?

 

[Victor_C3]

I’m stuck in the past when people used metal halides and referred to bulbs color as degrees kelvin. I just about never see that scale used anymore and I haven’t moved forward with the times.

Generally speaking, any combination of bulbs between 10,000 K and 20,000 K will get you solid coral growth. 10 years ago, when I had my last tank up and running and metal halide was the standard, the general understanding was that 10,000 K was better for growth while people tended to prefer the blue of 20,000 K, but these bulbs didn’t grow SPS as fast. Many people (including me) opted for 14,000 K as a solid middle ground between growth and color.

The only brand that readily lists their bulbs with kelvin ratings is Koralen-Zucht, so I buy their bulbs. I’d recommend either two “Coral Light II New Generation” bulbs (those are 14,000 K bulbs) or go with one “Coral Light Super Blue” (20,000 K bulbs) and one “Coral Light” (10,000 K bulbs). But again, any combination of these bulbs will give you solid growth. It’s going to come down to your color preference.

I don’t know what Geisseman or ATI bulbs are in those similar spectral ranges as those brands don’t list the Kelvin temperature ratings of their bulbs. The video I posted above does get into that.

 

[X-37B]

I run 8T5's and run 50/50 B+, C+.
I like that color combo.
Adjust the bulbs to your desired liking as all work well imo.

 

[fiji4118]

I’m stuck in the past when people used metal halides and referred to bulbs color as degrees kelvin. I just about never see that scale used anymore and I haven’t moved forward with the times.

Generally speaking, any combination of bulbs between 10,000 K and 20,000 K will get you solid coral growth. 10 years ago, when I had my last tank up and running and metal halide was the standard, the general understanding was that 10,000 K was better for growth while people tended to prefer the blue of 20,000 K, but these bulbs didn’t grow SPS as fast. Many people (including me) opted for 14,000 K as a solid middle ground between growth and color.

The only brand that readily lists their bulbs with kelvin ratings is Koralen-Zucht, so I buy their bulbs. I’d recommend either two “Coral Light II New Generation” bulbs (those are 14,000 K bulbs) or go with one “Coral Light Super Blue” (20,000 K bulbs) and one “Coral Light” (10,000 K bulbs). But again, any combination of these bulbs will give you solid growth. It’s going to come down to your color preference.

I don’t know what Geisseman or ATI bulbs are in those similar spectral ranges as those brands don’t list the Kelvin temperature ratings of their bulbs. The video I posted above does get into that.

Thanks for the response. I really didn't think about the 14k Phoenix halides I use to run on my frags and the growth there. I didn't know about the KZ new gen bulbs. I'll look at those!

 

[fiji4118]

Looks like the video wants two blue Plus, one coral plus and one ati actinic. So would a four bulb 24" be to much over my size tank. And a hood to limit the dispersion? Thinking maybe a vivosun? In with bulbs for under $200.

 

[A. grandis]

So I am extremely unhappy with my Prime LED. Currently it is over a tank that is about 6 gallons approximately 18x12x12. I'm thinking about swapping it out for a 24" 4 bulb T5. I ran a 6 bulb over my 150 with excellent results. I would like thoughts on this. I could go to a two bulb but between 2 and 4 bulbs it's fairly inexpensive for the fixture depending on which way I go. Do we think that is too much light and if not which ATI bulbs should I put in? Blue + for sure. I'd have to check but I think I had blue specials, Fiji purp (not ati, can't remember the brand) actinic and maybe coral+. I'd ask GrimReaper but I don't think he's around anymore.

Thanks!

Grim was amazing!! I miss him very much.
Get the 4 bulb. Normally we should get a fixture to fill up the area over the system. If you could fit a 6 bulb that would be the best. You don't need to think about it. Just do it. About the combo... totally personal.