AI sol and t5 supplementation

I have been looking for a way to add a fuller spectrum; specifically in the red spectrum. One solution I have come up with (the cheapest) is to employ a 2 bulb t5ho 60" using ati purple plus bulband one ati true actinic and run all my AI sol blues (5 total) long ways and then mount the bulbs on each side of my leds.

My leds are mounted about 15-16 inches above the water line. Will those bulbs give me any usable par in the tank at that height?

I'm worried it will be too red. I've heard of dimmable t5s (i have an apex to control it.)

Any suggestion on what retro kits to look at?

I'm not definitely doing this, just a thought.

 

That is a great way to add spectrum. I don't know of a dimable T-5 retro kit though. Whether or not 15"-16" above the tank gives any PAR depends on the reflectors. I had some supplemental 4 bulb T-5 lights, at about that height and they where only adding about 40 or 50 PAR max. However, they had a single, not individual reflectors. Also, PAR has nothing to do with visual perception of light though. I just wanted it for visual spectrum though, so, that didn't really matter. There are lots of bulb options too though, that will add red, to varying degrees. You could always use a "less red" bulb if needed I guess.

 

What is the baddest t5 retro style reflector?

 

I've been hearing good things about the LET t5 lately. I haven't used them though.

 

Shouldn't dimming just be a matter of the ballast used?

 

Is there a vho equivalent to the purple plus t5 bulb?

 

Just curious Grim, are you considering other options than the LED lighting supplementation you were considering a few days back? Are you trying to decide between the two?

 

Trying to decide between the 2. I'm worried the additional leds won't mix properly with my AIs and the cost of that option is HIGH!

I can add 4 60" t5 with ATI bulbs and individual reflectors for only $365 (LET system). This option it's much cheaper and may provide the broad spectrum I an looking for.

The "true actinics" are peaked in 420nm the uv spectrum I wanted. And the purple plus bulbs should bring the colors out in reds and pinks like I want.

 

If I decide to go this route I think I would get 2 60" vho true actinic and either 2 t5ho 60" ati purple plus or 2 fiji purple.

 

Yes, if there is a decent dimable retro ballast available.