4-Bulb T5 Combo

Discussion in 'T5 Aquarium Lighting' started by Bruce, Jan 5, 2009.

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  1. Bruce

    Bruce Giant Squid

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    Hey everyone!

    Long time no see eh?

    Well, its that time of the year again, bulb hunting!

    Anyways, I always have issues buying new bulbs...

    So I was thinking going with 2 actinics of some sort... maybe ATI Blue + and then either a 11,000k and 14,000k (aquablue plus) or just 2x 12,000k aquablue special

    Not really sure if there is a good combo of actinics (rather than just getting two ATI blue +)
     
    Bruce, Jan 5, 2009
    Bruce, Jan 5, 2009
    #1

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  2. Bruce

    Bruce Giant Squid

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    Ok, what do you guys think of this combo (Front to back)

    1. 54W Fiji Purple T5 HO Fluorescent (Korallen Zucht)
    2. 54W 75/25 14000K AquaBlue T5 HO Fluorescent (UVL)
    3. 54W 12000K Aquablue Special T5 HO Fluorescent (ATI)
    4. 54W Blue Plus T5 HO Fluorescent (ATI)

    I went with above 10,000k because its basically a 3-1 actinic... so I didn't want it too white.

    Hmm I suppose I would just be replacing the 10,000k I have now with a 12,000k.... hmm
     
    Bruce, Jan 5, 2009
    Bruce, Jan 5, 2009
    #2
  3. Dr.Fragenstein

    Dr.Fragenstein Panda Puffer

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    I honestly would skip the Fiji purple but thats me, I don't really care for "violet" bulbs. I haven't seen anyone do 3 actinic to 1 white, it would be interesting to see.
    If you want that blue look your gong to get it!

    Happy reefing!
     
    Dr.Fragenstein, Jan 5, 2009
    Dr.Fragenstein, Jan 5, 2009
    #3
  4. IBMGeek

    IBMGeek Montipora Digitata

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    How about

    Blue +
    UVL Super Actinic
    GE 6500K daylight
    Blue+

    That's going to be my next bulb buy.
     
    IBMGeek, Jan 5, 2009
    IBMGeek, Jan 5, 2009
    #4
  5. Bruce

    Bruce Giant Squid

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    I have actually tried something very much like this. the 6500k is way to yellow for my taste, especially because of the lack of much higher PAR than the 10,000k + bulbs. <--- That means that the PAR value isn't that much better compared to other bluer bulbs.

    Also, when I said 3-1 I meant 3 white/blue bulbs to true actinic. (I have been reading about people moving away from "true" actinics for T5.... not sure why.
     
    Bruce, Jan 5, 2009
    Bruce, Jan 5, 2009
    #5
  6. IBMGeek

    IBMGeek Montipora Digitata

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    I have

    Blue+
    true Actinic
    6000k
    Blue+

    The blue+ bulbs blend in with the 6000k(yellowish) and the tanks overall color is whitish leaning towards blue, but everyone has there likes and dislikes.
     
    IBMGeek, Jan 5, 2009
    IBMGeek, Jan 5, 2009
    #6

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  7. Bruce

    Bruce Giant Squid

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    I wish I had infinite moneys and just buy like 20 bulbs and try em all out :(
     
    Bruce, Jan 5, 2009
    Bruce, Jan 5, 2009
    #7
  8. Bruce

    Bruce Giant Squid

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    So do you guys think this setup would be very blue? I am actually a fan of the Fiji Purple because of the reds oranges and violets in my tank.

    Maybe getting two 12000k, a Blue+ and a Purple instead of a 14,000k.
     
    Bruce, Jan 6, 2009
    Bruce, Jan 6, 2009
    #8