T5 Bulb Combinations w/ Pictures

Thank you.

If I wanted to save some cash and not buy ATI's, I found some what comparable colors on Dr.Foster&Smith. What do you think of this combo, would it be similar?

CD-29806 Actinic White 12000°K T-5 HO x 3
CD-71178 AquaticLife 420/460nm T5 HO x3
CD-72414 420nm actinic and red light blend x 2
= 8 bullbs

Merchandise Subtotal = $94.14

 

Might be, don't know what the quality of the bulb is, I suspect the PAR is a little lower (maybe 10%) but that should not be a problem. I am wondering about spectrum shift and PAR fade though. Might need to change every 6 to 9 months instead of every 9 to 12 months.

 

There's a reason why ATIs are more expensive. They're the best bulbs around. You're going to try and save money on bulbs, but there's a big difference between the no namers and ATI/UVL/KZ/Geisemann bulbs. Also, be aware that most of the UVL bulbs will shift spectrum when not used with IceCap ballasts.

 

I have to read this thread later on. Seems like my bulbs are not lasting.

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How long are they lasting and what brands are they?

 

Thread is tooooo long for me to shift through everything.
Im looking for a bulb combo for 4x54.
I want a Blue look to the tank, and the best combo to grow my corals.

 

Someone is lazy.

 

haha I just figures with all the exports in this thread maybe i could get a quicker answer.... Ill start reading now haha

 

what do you guys think about the KZ new gen bulbs? I hear they dont wash out colors like the AquaBlue does. I put one in my moms four bulb fixture and am not pleased, we have a purple+ and two blue +. Should've gotten the KZ new gens

 

2 ATI Blue Plus. 1 ATI Aquablue Special and 1 ATI Purple Plus.