What's the best t5 bulb combination??

[gold_gla55]

I have a 4 bulb t5 fixture on the legs (might be switching to the hanging kit) above my 57 gallon rimless. My question is what is the best bulb combination to use to get the best possible coloration in all of my coral. I used to have ai sol super blues, but wasn't seeing much growth. I do miss the coloration and look of the leds. Is there any bulb combination that I could use to achieve this? Maybe possibly with a stunner strip as well.

 

[ReeferBob]

I use (all ATI):

blue+
purple+
aquablue special or coral+ (I switch them out sometimes)
blue+

But based on preference.

 

[Dowtish]

Agreed. It is completely based on what kind of overall color you like your tank. That's the beauty of T5's. The color combo can be changed to your liking.

I prefer a more 20K or Blue look personally. This does not inhibit growth whatsoever if you have the right bulbs.

ATI is the way to go. Geissmen also has good T5 bulbs along with Korallen.

I would go with what is suggested above.
blue+
purple+
coral+
blue+

 

[-Logzor]

I disagree, both of those combos will have too much white if you have both a purple+ and a coral+. The purple+ is a very white bulb already and additional white is not needed with only a 4 bulb fixture.

For the best coloration use this combo:

blue+
super actinic
purple+
blue+

 

[spacetime]

I would agree 1 white for a 4 bulb.

I run 2 Blue+ for Blue cycle then 1 Coral+ and 1 Geiseman Pure Actinic for white cycle. I like it, but I have an Aquatic life which staggers the Blues and days so its C+ B+ PA B+.

I had a Purple+ but thought it was too red for my tastes. Either way pick up 5 bulbs and experiment. But you may want to grab 6 and try 3 Blue+ and a white bulb which I also like.

 

[jgraz]

B+
b+
c+
b+

 

[navila06]

2 blues a purple and a white, after reading this Im thinking about ditching the white and adding another blue. so do the purple put off enought white light for the corals?

 

[jgraz]

I skipped the purple and went with the coral+. Its a great light that has more then enough of the purple+ in it. I put it with 3 B+ bulbs and the look is awesome. Growth is great too.

 

[navila06]

i didnt really think of combinations i just got the aquatic life 48" 4 bulb fixture and put the bulbs in how they were described in the instructions, im going to buy some to play around with the different combinations

 

[Rick]

Korralen Zucht makes the best bulbs out then ATI then aqua science then giessman
3blue 1fiji purple looks best imo for a 4 bulb set up, a new generation tends to white it out too much and a white bulb isnt necessary with good t5s

 

[gold_gla55]

These replies are awesome!! I am definitely looking for crisp color and clarity in my tank. What is the super actinic? Im liking the use of 2 blues and the purple though. I have the starfire glass and I personally feel it should be a lot nicer then what I am seeing at this point. My buddy has a tank that can be purchased at petco and the glass clarity looks nicer then mine lol. I'm honestly thinking about bumping it up to a 6 bulb that way I don't have to fight with myself on which bulbs to install.