Help me find the perfect t5 bulbs!

Discussion in 'T5 Aquarium Lighting' started by Ford101, Mar 5, 2012.

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  1. Ford101

    Ford101 Fire Shrimp

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    I have a 20gal high with a T5HO 4x24w fixture. Currently i have 2 actinics that i love the look of and 2 10k bulbs. I personally do not care for the 10K look, i think it washes out a lot of color. In the tank i have a green birdsnest sps, green frogspawn lps, and red goniopora lps. I have a few questions though, will the bluer lights reduce coral health or growth especially the light loving sps? And I was wondering if people could post pics of "bluer" looking lights along with the bulb type/brand. I do not like super blue or extremely purple however. I plan on keeping the two actinics so i am mainly looking for replacements for the 2 10k's. Currently, when all four bulbs are on the 10k almost completely makes the actinics washed out :(

    - Thank you for any help, Andrew.
     
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  3. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Native Floridian

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    If you're set on keeping the Actinics, you can try 12000 or 14000k with them. If you check out my tank thread, you'll see 12000k and 460nm Actinic as well as all ATI Coral Plus (15000k). Personally, I prefer the CPs. Not too bright, but not too blue. :)
     
  4. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

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    If you are set on the actinics, and that is just fine they are great for color, get two ATI Coral Plus. The tank will have a slightly purple look but not real obvious. Click on my reef tank link in my sig and look at the last couple of pages to see 4 CP in use.
     
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  5. Ford101

    Ford101 Fire Shrimp

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    the ati cp looks really nice, would two actinics, ati cp, and ati blue +, look okay?
     
  6. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

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    That would look quite dark
     
  7. DBOSHIBBY

    DBOSHIBBY Sleeper Shark

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    How about
    Blue+
    Fiji purple
    Actinic
    Aquablue special.

    That's mostly what I run in my 6 bulb fixture and I love the color.
     
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  9. Ford101

    Ford101 Fire Shrimp

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    would two actinics and two ati cp still have a blue look? i might go with that
     
  10. Ford101

    Ford101 Fire Shrimp

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    your tank looks awesome by the way!
     
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  11. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

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    Thank you
     
  12. ingtar_shinowa

    ingtar_shinowa Giant Squid

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    Coral Plus bulbs look hot! too bad im shipping out my t5 tomorrow ;-)