New T-5 lamps Opinions on best combo for what I got

Discussion in 'T5 Aquarium Lighting' started by Coral_Greef, May 8, 2012.

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  1. Coral_Greef

    Coral_Greef Astrea Snail

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    Hello all,

    So recently I ordered some new ATI T-5's to replace the stock bulbs that came with my light fixture. Because of the free shipping when you go over X dollars it made sense to buy 6 instead of 4 bc basically then I got one for free. Anyways, Im looking for opinions for what may be the best 4 lights to use (currently have 2 bubble tip anenomes, multiple SPS, LPS as well as mushrooms). It's a 65 gallon tank tall. I now have the following options at my disposal;

    1 ATI Purple Plus
    1 ATI Aquablue Special
    1 ATI Coral Plus
    1 ATI True Actinic
    2 ATI Blue Plus

    I would love some of your expert suggestions on which 4 would go well together and in what order front to back (bc im not really sure regarding that point). I'm looking for a darker, slightly deeper look to the ank as I'm sure you can tell from the lights I ordered.


    Thanks everyone!
     
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  3. NanaReefer

    NanaReefer Fu Manchu Lion Fish

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    Special
    Coral Plus
    2x Blue plus
     
  4. Coral_Greef

    Coral_Greef Astrea Snail

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    My line of thinking would be to put a Blue Plus in 1 and 4 positions and the other two in the middle. Do you think that would be best?
     
  5. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

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    I suggest using the Actinic in place of the Coral Plus if you use the ABS.

    I would use the Actinic in place of the ABS.

    The proposed configuration is good.
     
  6. Coral_Greef

    Coral_Greef Astrea Snail

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    This might be a silly question, but I put the Actinic in to see how it looked in comparison. It barellly even seems like its on. Do actinic bulbs operate that way? I can see current in the tube, but its quite faint and I see a decent difference.
     
  7. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

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    Actinics do not show much light but are great for color.
     
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  9. sneaton

    sneaton Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    that purple will bring out alot of color....in fish and coral
     
  10. sneaton

    sneaton Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    2 b+,p,coral......b+,p,coral,b+ front to back.....i think you will love this
     
  11. sneaton

    sneaton Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    also try a b+,p+ for actinic...its my fav
     
  12. sneaton

    sneaton Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    actinics have very little par so youll lose light output