T5 help

I was under the impression that only the T12 had the individual reflectors, not the T5s, but I could be wrong. I like UVL bulbs, the Aquasun is nice and has really good PAR. The super actinic and an ATI Blue+ is also a great combo to use.

 

These UVLs have it labeled on them that they have internal reflectors.

 

That sounds good to me.

For 6 bulbs I would go with at least 4 454's, possibly even 5 depending how blue you like it. 2 blue to 1 whitish/daylight bulb is what I have right now and I might try going bluer just to see how it looks.
Replacing your current bulbs with new bulbs with internal reflectors slowly over time is a good idea too IMO although 5-6 months isn't really necessary IMO but if you like doing it that way then go for it.

To make things more complicated UVL makes a decent 420nm actinic bulb as well so you could try throwing one of those into the mix as well.

It's all a personal choice but it sounds to me like you're on the right track.

 

I think it was just in the last year or so that UVL put out the T5's with internal reflectors.

 

Well, the reasoning behind every 5-6 months was that T5s have a lifespan of around 18 months; when I start the cycle of 2 per 6 months, and have kept it going for 18 months, I'd have bulbs being rotated out as they reached their spectrum shift + lowered output. The light over time would keep a more consistent level and spectrum that way. It's kind of why I was trying to shoot for 3/3 for bulb colors. I'd do one, and then 2 weeks later do another, for the actual adaptation period.

 

Actually the 18 months is for daylight bulbs, blue are good for about 12 months. Go 3 454, 1 aquasun and 2 actinic white. All bulbs have solid PAR. The 454 is about 2/3 the actinic white.

 

"Yikes, those actinic white bulbs are REALLY pink!"

-Me after putting in 1 454, 1 ac white, and keeping 2 ac and 2 10ks.

Seriously, those things are kinda overpowering lol.

 

these are some par valures i got off par (tfivetesting) if you want to compare

UVL
Aqua sun 345
Actinic White 293
Super Actinic 210
75/25 "Aquablue" 254 vs 300 for an Aquasun in a later test.

 

I ended up running out and grabbing an ATI aquablue special to replace one of those damned pink bulbs.

I'm surprised they don't mention the pinkness anywhere. I thought "Oh, this'll be awesome, it's a 10k bulb", but it's not remotely close to any other 10K I've seen. The others are all nearly white; the Actinic White bulbs are so far pink I had to use 3 x 454 and 1 actinic to balance the pink hue.

 

Don't buy a Fiji then, it is almost purple.