Bulbs for Peredhil. Me Too thread.

I know there are a zillion threads on this subject. So this is my 'me too' thread to get advise on which bulbs for my 55. Want to have my own threaded conversation on this for reference.


I have this light
SunDial T5HO | Current What's Next


48" SunDial T5HO 4x54watt 2-10k/2-460nm actinics




It's time to replace my bulbs. Well, it's almost the 9 month mark, but I noticed one of my 460's is dim for the first 30 minutes each morning, so I'm thinking time to replace them all.




Zillion threads on this - which makes it harder, not easier for me... info overload.


Current 54 watt bulbs:
2x460nm
2x10k

I hate that color; too white, too yellow. But didn't want to waste the bulbs, so I used stock bulbs for first 9 months.

Looking for something like

2x420
2x14k

Can you tell me, in your opinion obviously, which bulbs to get? I see so many different names and types that are still 420 or 14k.

Also looking for a good bulb source to order from. Which one of our sponsors comes recommended for bulbs?

Thanks all.
Peredhil

 

You could try Aquablue+ by either ATI or Giesemann and Blue+ by the same... Or true actinic, I would stick with both mentioned companies with ATI being the top pick...

Not sure which sponsors carries them....

 

DF&S

I use UVLs. LOVE the Super Actinics. I got the Aqua Suns as well, but they are to pink for me.

 

+1 for 2 ATI Blue+ and 2 ATI aquablue if you really want to go for the most PAR and still have nice color, or even 3 Blue+ if you like it reallllly blue.
I personally would avoid the 420 actinics in a 4 bulb fixture they don't put out very much PAR, I believe the UVL is one of the better true actinics out there though if you really want to keep one in there.

 

I am using 4 x Aquablue by geisemman and 2 x Actinic in my set up

aquablue are 14K lamps, so my tank has a crisper cleaner look than when I was using 10k lamps

I have not seen any ATI lamps here yet, but will be trying them when they show up! (they will)

Steve

 

2 uvl superactinics
2 geismann aquablue plus
LOL thats what i run thats all i can add.
I love it.

 

Did you buy yet???

 

I used to run 4x 65w PCs on a 55 - 2x UVL superactinic and 2x UVL actinic white.
Although the tank was actually a little more on the purple spectrum than blue, I noticed amazing coral growth and coloration for the short time I was using them vs. the original Current 420/460 and 6700/10000 bulbs.
Now I use the UVL superactinic VHOs on the big tank and gotta say they are great.

 

Spectrums between PC and T5 lamps will not necassarily be the same by any means... Even in same branding, there will be alittle difference.

 

I haven't bought them, no. Will place the order on the 11th (new CC cycle).

Tangster is awesome and has helped out here (shout out to Tangster!).

This is what I plan on ordering:

2 of the UVL super actinics with 2 of the UVL actinic whites


I will be happy if the tank isn't so yellow/white any more!