Best growth combo (T5)

[350gt]

Well my 30" fixture only has 4 T5s, whats your opinion on bulbs for best growth?

The bulbs will more than likely be ATi but debating on a GE6500 in the mix for growth...


Anyone have some knowledge and first hand experience they can pass on?

[350gt]

Getting mixed reviews on the GE bulb causing algae problems.......

[Squiers007]

Yea, I have used the GE before in my 4 bulb setup and it is almost too yellow. Right now I am running 2 blueplus, 1 aquablue, and 1 of ATI's new coral plus. It is not super blue, probably close to 15K or so. Before that I just used 2 blueplus and 2 aquablue and my SPS growth has been pretty good, although my coloration kinda stinks... not sure if this is related to the lights or not...

[Big_Pun]

i run a six bulb with 4x blue plus, 1x ge 65k, 1x fiji purple, no algae problems from bulb and ive used a kz 65k bulb before which is also a good bulb

IMO i would do 1 fiji purple, aqua blue(or coral plus), 2x blue plus or swap one blue plus for a coral plus

http://home.comcast.net/~stevelarsen00/site/?/page/Lamps_and_lamp_combinations/&PHPSESSID=e946b9494825aaf34a5ab55a72a0d2a9

[Big_Pun]

Yea, I have used the GE before in my 4 bulb setup and it is almost too yellow. Right now I am running 2 blueplus, 1 aquablue, and 1 of ATI's new coral plus. It is not super blue, probably close to 15K or so. Before that I just used 2 blueplus and 2 aquablue and my SPS growth has been pretty good, although my coloration kinda stinks... not sure if this is related to the lights or not...


dont mean to hijack but what kinda color does that coral plus put out been thinking of going with one

[Squiers007]

dont mean to hijack but what kinda color does that coral plus put out been thinking of going with one

It is not quit as purple as the Fiji, but does seem to put off a slightly purple tint. So it's kinda like there aquablue with a slight purple tint to it... if that makes any sense.

[350gt]

I ordered 2 blue plus, 1 ge65k (to test), 1 aquablue, and 1 true actinic which I just went back to see if I can swap for a coral plus.

ordered a extra to mess with the color combo a bit....

[350gt]

I will probably sill try and add some leds some where in the mix.....

[Squiers007]

Sounds like a good plan. I am considering adding in a strip of LED's as well...

[SinisterLou]

When I ran T5's I used 2 454-460nm blue actinics, a blue plus(14000 or 15000k) and a 6500K for color, but you said for growth combo so I probably would have went with a 10000k. From what I understand 420 nm and 6500k don't produce par intensity like the other bulbs

[350gt]

Sounds like a good plan. I am considering adding in a strip of LED's as well...


I have some ;)

[350gt]

When I ran T5's I used 2 454-460nm blue actinics, a blue plus(14000 or 15000k) and a 6500K for color, but you said for growth combo so I probably would have went with a 10000k. From what I understand 420 nm and 6500k don't produce par intensity like the other bulbs


I heard the GE gives insane amount of par... Which is the only reason I bought it... If I don't like it, the aqua blue or coral plus will take its place...

My plan was to run the GE, 2 blue plus, and the actinic to help the GE with its hue...... But I picked up that extra bulb just in case..

[polarbear]

I have an 8 bulb T5 fixture on my standard 90 gallon tank. I recently bought all new bulbs for it. I'm adding 5 ATI blue plus, 2 ATI coral plus and 1 KZ Fiji purple. I also have a T12 super actinic running an hour before the lights come on and an hour after the lights go off. I have 2 blue LED stunner strips running 24 hours a day to help with the blue tint to the tank as well as moon lighting. I can't say for sure if I like the full color as of now since I am adding the new lights in one at a time. Plus I have to wait until my new ballast comes in since one of mine went out. It's going to have more of a light blueish tint to the tank which is what I want. The reason I went with my bulb combo is because of the following:

*ATI 54W Blue Plus T5 HO Fluorescent bulb combines the properties of a blue bulb (approximately 460nm) with an actinic bulb (approximately 420nm) producing an intense blue light with high PAR numbers and a light spectrum that encourages both bluing in SPS corals and fluorescence in capable corals. Also helps balance out a washed-out/yellow hued tank. Recommend Use: as a supplement to metal halides or in combination with Aquablue Special, Purple Plus or other full spectrum T5 bulbs. Can also be used for dawn/dusk applications. (Similar to KZ Super Blue.)

*ATI 54W Coral Plus T5 High-Output Fluorescent bulb combines the properties of a Blue Plus (~50%), Aquablue Special (~40%) and Purple Plus (~10%) producing a bulb with a cool, crisp white color with hints of red and blue. The higher blue component compared to an Aquablue Special produces better fluorescence in capable corals and the red component is excellent for color rendition. Approximate color temperature: 15000K+. Recommended Use: as a stand-alone bulb or in combination with Blue Plus, Purple Plus, True Actinic or other supplemental T5 bulbs.

*Korallen Zucht 54W Fiji Purple T5 High-Output Fluorescent bulb combines the properties of a full spectrum bulb with strong red and blue components. Good for bringing out the pinks, purples and reds in an aquarium. Recommended Use: in combination with at least 3 or more other T5 bulbs. Not recommended as a stand-alone bulb.

Good luck with your choices.