I guess it's that time!!

Well, It's time to change the bulbs out of my T5's and was wondering what bulbs to use.

The current bulbs are current slimpaq's and i've heard bad things about them and frankly my tank doesn't look like it used to..so it's time to change the bulbs for new ones

I've been looking at the uvl's bulbs, I was thinking 2x 14K's (75/25) and 2x super blue actinics...

is buying 14K T5's worth it? Does anyone else use UVL bulbs? Should I still be using the normal 420nm actinics with the 14K?

 

Tangster uses them, I think he could hook you up. What kind of coral do you have? If you are going to be having different corals then change up the temps. It works well. That may come out pretty blue, maybe to blue. I also have noticed that lower k ratings give better growth. My config is this with t5 ho:

actinic 460nm
10k
actinic 420nm
67k
actinic 460nm
18k

 

I'm using UVL, white acinic and super acinic

 

mostly softies and LPS, i was debating on buying MH's but decided not to cause of heat. but rest assured, i'll probably get them when the time presents itself, just not right now!!

that's what i was afraid of, it being too blue...any other ideas?

 

Iraf, the white actinics are 50/50 right? how does it look with both the white actinics and super actinics?

 

Have Tangster get you the UVLs. When I get my bonus check, that's what's going into my Tek. From what I hear the UVLs are da bomb.

 

That's what I hear as well!! I've set my mind on UVL's, just not sure which set up would be ideal!!!

2x 14K's (75/25)
and
2x super blue actinics

OR

2x Actinic whites (50/50)
and
2x super blue actinics

 

the white acintics dont look like 50/50 their bright and white as can be, I just checked and their labeled as a 12k bulb, trust me it looks good it's not to blue, but not yellowish like the normal old bulbs

 

sweet! thanks guys...I just pm'ed tangster about the bulbs, I should put up before and after pics!! ohhh this will be interesting!!