How to bring out coral colors with T5 HO bulbs

The 10ks aren't really great for color, but good for growth. Generally, the higher the kelvin rating the better colors you get, although at either extreme you will see certain colors get washed out. You don't need UVL bulbs necessarily, just get higher rated kelvin daylight bulbs. I've used Geissman 11K, UVL White Actinic and UVL 10K, the Geissman have good par and are white, while the White actinic doesn't have as good par and almost has a pinkish color to it, but IMO it brings out colors better b/c its rated at 12K.

 

Also, instead of actinic bulbs, try using "blue" bulbs such as ATI blue+

 

I will consider all of the suggestions, thanks! I also found this article that was interesting as well.

http://www.liveaquaria.com/PIC/article.cfm?aid=114

 

Eh, they are decent, at least some of their bulbs.

They certainly don't have the best color or PAR, so that hardly qualifies them as the best.

ATI or Geisseman are much better bulbs if you want to compare.

 

Also keep in mind the coral are probably still adjusting to the new tank so the colors could come out the longer they are in your tank.
That said, I always support getting good bulbs ATI/UVL/Giesemann.

 

My new corals do seem to be adjusting better to my light and the one is getting a little bluer shade now. However I'm going to need to change bulbs early next year so I'll price out bulbs based on your suggestions and see what that does to my tank.

THANKS!