Bulb Suggestions please

Discussion in 'General Reef Topics' started by dustin0479, Mar 30, 2011.

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  1. dustin0479

    dustin0479 Peppermint Shrimp

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    I have a 30" Current USA Sundial T5HO fixture (4x24) over my 55gallon. I would like to swap out standard bulbs for something a bit better.

    What bulbs does everyone suggest? Also what configuration?
     
    dustin0479, Mar 30, 2011
    dustin0479, Mar 30, 2011
    #1

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  2. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

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    I suggest ATI bulbs, 2 Blue Plus, 1 Purple Plus and 1 Aquablue Special.

    Place them front to back
    Blue Plus
    Aquablue Special
    Purple Plus
    Blue Plus

    If you want a darker look switch the Aquablue and Purple.
     
    2in10, Mar 30, 2011
    2in10, Mar 30, 2011
    #2
  3. ReefPlayground

    ReefPlayground 3reef Sponsor

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    I like the standard 50/50 mix. 10k's and Act 03's. Personally like hamiltons, but there are a lot of good bulb companies out there
     
    ReefPlayground, Mar 30, 2011
    ReefPlayground, Mar 30, 2011
    #3
  4. dustin0479

    dustin0479 Peppermint Shrimp

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    No 10k's What does the full tank shot look like running these?
     
    dustin0479, Mar 30, 2011
    dustin0479, Mar 30, 2011
    #4
  5. jonjonwells

    jonjonwells Great Blue Whale

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    Edit: NVM

    UVL or Geismann
     
    jonjonwells, Mar 30, 2011
    jonjonwells, Mar 30, 2011
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  6. alpha_03

    alpha_03 Bubble Tip Anemone

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    I suggest not wasting your time/money with new bulbs and buy a larger (longer) lighting fixture that fits your tank parameters better- then decide upon bulb selection- that fixture is not enough for a 4 foot long tank.

    2in10 that is basically what I run- great over all lighting.
     
    alpha_03, Mar 30, 2011
    alpha_03, Mar 30, 2011
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  7. dustin0479

    dustin0479 Peppermint Shrimp

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    good thing it is only a 36"

    Thanks for the suggestion but I have no plans on keeping any stony and the softies all are doing great, even under the old bulbs.
     
    dustin0479, Mar 30, 2011
    dustin0479, Mar 30, 2011
    #7
  8. alpha_03

    alpha_03 Bubble Tip Anemone

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    you said it was 55 gallons- to my knowledge there are no 36" long 55 gallon tanks out there. hence my suggestion. if it's 36" and 18 wide then its a 50 gallon tank- most likely. if you plan to keep any LPS or softies, then you will still need more light then what you presently have..
     
    Last edited: Mar 30, 2011
    alpha_03, Mar 30, 2011
    alpha_03, Mar 30, 2011
    #8
  9. alpha_03

    alpha_03 Bubble Tip Anemone

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    your softies will polyp up but growth will be very slow.
     
    alpha_03, Mar 30, 2011
    alpha_03, Mar 30, 2011
    #9
  10. dustin0479

    dustin0479 Peppermint Shrimp

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    it is a 36x18x21 so I guess it is technically a 56.
     
    dustin0479, Mar 30, 2011
    dustin0479, Mar 30, 2011
    #10
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