What's the best T5 bulb combo?

Leslie88 · May 13, 2014

I am switching my 180 from LEDs back to t5's. I'm getting 2 36" ATI 6 bulb
Units. I'm looking for advice on what you guys using them find to be the best
Bulb combo? Pics of your tank would be awesome if it's easy enough for you.

Thanks!

revhtree · May 13, 2014

Bump!

DomC · May 13, 2014

For my 6-bulb fixture I use 4-Blue Plus, 1-Purple Plus and 1-Coral Plus.

ronnie · May 25, 2014

DomC said:
For my 6-bulb fixture I use 4-Blue Plus, 1-Purple Plus and 1-Coral Plus.

This is a good one. If you want a little more actinic look, you can swap the purple or coral plus with an actinic.

I am currently running two blue plus and two actinics on my ATI LED fixture. The LEDs give plenty of par so I can get away with it. Colors are phenomenal.

Pete polyp · May 25, 2014

I would personally take the actinic over the purple plus also. My last bulb change I used 1 purple plus and I would rather just have added another coral plus or pure actinic.

My combo
3 blue plus
1 pure actinic
1 purple plus
1 coral plus

MikeyB · May 25, 2014

Im running a t5 and mh on my tank. I have 4 t5 bulbs and i went with 2 blue plus, 1 coral plus and 1 purple plus. Love the way it looks

Reefing Madness · May 25, 2014

https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/eq...um-filtration/159180-t5-bulb-combination.html
https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/eq...reef-lighting-t5-lighting-options-corals.html
https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/reef-aquarium-discussion/140006-t-5-bulbs-better-replace.html

DGee · May 28, 2014

I run an 8 bulb dimmable ATI sunpower and my bulb combo is

Front to back

Blue +
Coral+
Super Actinic
Purple +
Blue +
Super Actinic
Coral +
Blue+

I found this give it the most natural look while still getting colors to pop like crazy and really show off the pastel colors.

DGee · May 28, 2014

I should of also added too much Blue + will make your tank look slightly washed out. Personally I'd only use ATI, KZ or Giesemann bulbs.

greaser9999 · May 28, 2014

I run 4 blue+, 1 coral+ & 1 purple+

ronvdp · May 28, 2014

Tagged

jeremy · May 28, 2014

What kind of corals do you have in tank?

Mike J. · May 28, 2014

I ordered bulbs for my 8 bulb light today and I went with 4 blue plus, 3 aquablue special, 1 purple plus.

jeremy · May 28, 2014

Mike J. said:
I ordered bulbs for my 8 bulb light today and I went with 4 blue plus, 3 aquablue special, 1 purple plus.

Wow. Thats gonna be bright.

nova65ss · May 28, 2014

Mike J. said:
I ordered bulbs for my 8 bulb light today and I went with 4 blue plus, 3 aquablue special, 1 purple plus.

That's a lot of abs have you run that combo before?

I always hear mixed reviews on those bulbs and probably wont ever use any based on the things I've read.

Dan_k · May 28, 2014

Sorry to hijack what would you recommend for an 8 tube light fixture T5s

Mike J. · May 28, 2014

nova65ss said:
That's a lot of abs have you run that combo before?

I always hear mixed reviews on those bulbs and probably wont ever use any based on the things I've read.

No, I haven't run that combination before. What have you read about them that's bad? They're supposed to be a good bulb. It was so hard to make up my mind. They are a 12,000K bulb and also a bulb that can be run alone. I have another light to fill so I might be changing them around. I don't like a real blue tank. At 176.00 per light fixture!

I asked the same question, Dan k, in another light thread here and never got an answer. It is somewhat due to your own preference.

Here are a couple neat videos about the ATI light bulbs. Making the T5 Changeup in Reef Aquarium Lighting

nova65ss · May 28, 2014

Yea always personal preference can't hurt to try it and see what you think.

Here is a thread I could find on r2r there are others on other forums but dont want to post them I am sure they are easy to find with a search.

https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/showthread.php?t=66859

blufin · May 28, 2014

I would like to know your opinions on T5 as a supplement to 20K Radiums. I'm not completely happy with the color of the sps as they look washed out. I'm currently running 2 Blue+ and 2 AB Special. It seems a little "white" to me. I'm new to T5's and could use your opinions. I used to run the Radiums with PC actinic lighting and was very happy with the growth and colors I got out of it.
What's the best T5 combo to supplement the 20K radiums?

Pete polyp · May 28, 2014

blufin said:
I would like to know your opinions on T5 as a supplement to 20K Radiums. I'm not completely happy with the color of the sps as they look washed out. I'm currently running 2 Blue+ and 2 AB Special. It seems a little "white" to me. I'm new to T5's and could use your opinions. I used to run the Radiums with PC actinic lighting and was very happy with the growth and colors I got out of it.
What's the best T5 combo to supplement the 20K radiums?

I would think the abs is washing everything out. If you're looking for more actinic pop the pure actinic would be a good choice. 2 blue plus and 2 pure actinic would look pretty good IMO