4x24w t5 bulbs to suppliment 150w phoenix halide

150w phoenix 14k Metal Halide with T5 supplement combo
I"ll be using a 24" fishneedit MH/T5HO combo over a 24x18x18 tank. I already scored a great deal on 2 brand new 150w 14k phoenix bulbs so now I'm trying to find out what t5ho bulb will best compliment the phoenix color. So far I'm leaning toward 2 blue + and 2 coral + or 2 blue +, 1 coral+ and 1 true actinic. I do like a blue looking tank but also want as much pop and color as possible and still be able to grow the odd sps coral if I choose. If possible pics would be great.

 

I would use the 2 x BP and 2 x CP. Put the BP in the front and back slots for deepest blue. You could do 2 x BP and 2 x actinic for and even darker look just place the actinic in the front and back slots. You will get more PAR from the BP/CP bulbs.

I use the same T5HO bulbs on my 75. I have the bulb order CP, BP, CP, BP because I like a little lighter color look to the tank.

 

Would you mind to share the pix of your light combo? Per your advised last time, I had my combo ATI bulbs as Blue +, Purple +, Aqua Blue Special, and Blue +. I saw you have a new combo now and just wonder which combo and light has a better growth and color.

Thanks in advance.

 

I use the phoenix 14k hqi 150w with two of these T5:

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem.aspx?idProduct=UF5225&child=UF5225


I absolutely love the color. I use a Lumatek eballast as well fyi.

matt

 

Thanks for the replies and a couple of questions. With the actinic in place of the coral bulbs will my colors be noticeably better? Also, ATI suggests, for a 4x24w setup, to use 2 blue+, 1 coral+ and 1 fiji purple. Is this another possible option I should be considering keeping in mind that the 14k phoenix is the primary light.

 

Your corals might look better but it is hard to say.

I doubt ATI is pushing Korallen bulbs unless one bought out the other. Most likely they said Aquablue Special or Purple Plus not Fiji Purple. The solution ATI has is for a standard 4 bulb stand alone T5HO not with a daylight MH.

That too would be a good solution.

Here is the look.

First is the RAW shot as taken by my camera with the parameters I have set. The second is closer to the look although the corals have more red than shown. The third pic shows a good approximation of the corals colors.

 

your right, its purple plus, not fiji.