Replacement T5 Blubs

I have a couple of the two-tube 48" Hagen GLO T5 HO fixtures on my 55 gallon tank. Its coming time to replace the bulbs, its been almost a year on them, and was wondering what my choices are. I've got nothing against the Hagen bulbs, but are there any others what will work in my fixtures?

 

ATI is probably the best brand of T5HO. they are also mid range price. if you are looking to get optimal par for corals here is a list compiled by Grimreefer over at RC. he may be the most helpful person when it comes to T5's.

par (tfivetesting)

 

I always liked the look of:

ATI blue +
KZ fiji purple
ATI aqua blue
ATI blue +

In that order front to back. If your ordering bulbs, might be a good idea to pick up an extra couple so you have backups and can play around with the combos to find what you like best. there is a huge T5 thread here on 3reef stickied at the top of the lighting forum.

~Will.

 

Stay away from Current tubes. I tried 4 and only one lit consistently. I was blaming my fixture and was on the phone with Sunlight Supply and when it was discovered that there was a slight length difference in their pins and they were only making intermittent contact. I replaced them with Aquatic Life (what the LFS had) and have never had another problem.

 

+1 on illwill. (if you want less blue substitute in one more aqua blue.)

ATI Aquablue Special and ATI Blue + is a popular combo.