Which t5 bulbs (overdriven) with radium 400w?

[Velcro]

I know there are a ton of threads on this, but I don't see a lot of talk about the bulbs I'm most interested in. For reference, this is for a 36x36x27 cube. I currently have a single 400w radium over the tank in a cozumel sun reflector. This reflector has amazing spread but par toward the bottom and edges is less than I want (130ish at some of my very low placed acropora). That being said, I'm adding 4 overdriven (icecap 660) t5 to the setup to push par up a bit higher.

A lot of people suggest all blue+ with radiums and I think that's way too blue and washes out colors.

A lot of people suggest covering the weak areas of the radium by adding something like actinic and 6500k. I'm not sure I want to commit two bulb spots to actinic due to less par (I'm aware that the par on these bulbs doesn't register well on meters).

I'm currently thinking about doing 2 blue plus and two purple plus on each side of the halide, but somewhat afraid this would be too pink. I feel that the radium really lacks a visual red. Maybe I should just go with two coral+ and two blue + on each side?

Thanks for the input.

 

[drtrash]

Coral plus and blue plus pair well, coral plus is 50% b+, 40% ab, 10% p+, thinking of swappin coral for a purple to make it less white but maybe splitting hairs. Currently running 2-b+, actinic and c+ also kessil ap700

 

[jda]

If you want to use the Actinic, then who care what the meter reads - you are smart enough to know that it is low and can correct for it in your head. Are you seeing effects of low lighting? Slower growth or anything? If not, then just get what you like the look of and do not worry about any kind of PAR reading.

I really still like the UVL Super Actinic in T5 form.

If you are worried about red, then the 6500k might be good, or the UVL Actinic White which has a pinkish/reddish hue and makes these color pop.

BTW - I am using 3x 20K Radiums right now and all that I supplement them with is a pair of 6' VHO UVL Super Actinics.

 

[Velcro]

If you want to use the Actinic, then who care what the meter reads - you are smart enough to know that it is low and can correct for it in your head. Are you seeing effects of low lighting? Slower growth or anything? If not, then just get what you like the look of and do not worry about any kind of PAR reading.

I really still like the UVL Super Actinic in T5 form.

If you are worried about red, then the 6500k might be good, or the UVL Actinic White which has a pinkish/reddish hue and makes these color pop.

BTW - I am using 3x 20K Radiums right now and all that I supplement them with is a pair of 6' VHO UVL Super Actinics.

My alk demand has stayed the same as when I get had led so I think growth is the same. Colors in some corals have completely recovered from being pale.