New t5s

Hi people.. I had a light unit with 2 x 24w t5ho lamps, came with one white and one actinic. I didn't think this was good enough coverage for my 2ft cube so I bought another light unit the same as my original and now have better
light coverage. Came with the same lamps but now my tank seems really white, I like the bluer look, so... Is 2 white to 2 blue the right ratio or should is 3 blue 1 white better? There isn't a massive range of lamps here in aus, we don't get the brands you guys always talk about. So what combo
should I go for to attain that blueish look but still good for
growing soft coral and zoas mainly?

 

Hi Fezz

2 actinic to 2 white is a good ratio IMO
but if 14K or 15K tubes are available to you, swapping out the 2 x 10k for 2 x 14 or 15k Tubes would give you a more blue look
do you have access to Aquamedic T5 lamps there? we have them in China so maybe you do Aquamedic do a 15k Reef white, tube and I have used that lamp and it is a nicer colour than the 10K tubes IMO

Steve

 

If you can't get a higher K bulb, you could try a 3:1 ratio of blue to white. You will probably get less growth, but better color. A four bulb fixture is a little tricky, I had to use higher K bulbs to get the look I wanted. I now have a 6 bulb fixture and run a 3:2 ratio which I find to be very nice.