Help me choose my new T5 Bulbs

I am so confused on what bulbs to choose for my 4 bulb fixture. I want a blue look especially when the first sets of lights come on but not to blue that it washes out the colors of the corals. And when all 4 lights are running I want it white with a tint of blue. My lfs has Geismann and Uvl bulbs available. I spoke with the owner and he said I should go with 2 uvl 75.25 and 2 uvl 454's. I appreciate your input.

 

I don't love the combo your LFS guy suggested - the 75/25 bulbs are pink, and the 454s are blue. So this would give your tank kind of a purple-ish look rather than white with a tint of blue.

For a 4-bulb fixture I'd recommend the following combos, front to back:

Blue Plus/UVL 454
UVL actinic white (a 12000K pinkish-white bulb, brighter than 75/25)
Blue Plus/UVL 454
Blue Plus/UVL 454

This combo will give you a blue-ish tank, but still bright and with the UVL actinic white bulb helping to bring out your reds. If you like an even brighter, yellower look, substitute the UVL actinic white with a Geisemann aquablue - this is around an 11000K white bulb - not as pink as the UVL.

HTH

 

2 x 454 for the actinic bulbs, with 2 x ATI aquablue special or another 10-14k bulb for daylights.

 

With the bulbs being so blue would this affect coral growth?

 

Get 2 of the 454, 1 75/25, and 1 11000K Geisemann

 

It will some but they will have better color.

 

Ok, now im torn I want a blue look but I want a bulb that will have produce the best light and combo for coral growth. I read that Giesemann and ati bulbs are alot better than uvl's.

 

Here is a combo I like that I used that i think may give you what you are looking for;
All are Giesemann Power Chrome
Front Fixture (turns on first);
Aquablue +
Actinic +
Back Fixture (turns on 45 min. after front fixture)
Aquablue +
Pure Actinic

 

The best for coral growth and best for color are mutually exclusive. Blue bulbs give the best color, and lower K bulbs (like 6-8k) give the best growth.

 

Well, I couldn't wait till Friday to buy my bulbs because I am like a big kid and wanted them right now. I talked to my lfs owner about everyones combo and about what will give me a blue look. I ended up going with all giesemann bulbs, here is my combo front to back:
Actinic+
Aquablue+
aquablue +
actinic +

All I have to say is holy bleeping cow when the actinics+ come on together my tank is blueeeee. The colors are popping like crazy, but do u think I should maybe switch out the other aquablue + with the actinic + for the first set of lights?