T5 lamps positioning - coral colouration

Quick question for the T5 users

I currently have 6 x T5s which are 2 x 22k , 2 x 14k and 2 x 15k
I like the overall look of the tank with that combo

current format
22k
14k
15k
15k
14k
22k

which places the blue lamps on each sides

I have a couple of SPS which are blue or purple in colour (gradually colouring up nicely)

question
if I changed to
14k
15k
22k
22k
15k
14k

this would but the 2 blue lamps directly over these SPS frags
would that increase the speed of the colouration? or make those colours more intense

or would it deprive the corals of the higher par they are getting directly under the 15k lamps at present

or would it make no difference what so ever?

all advice appreciated

Steve

 

I honestly doubt you would see much difference.

Subtly there might be a tendency for your acros to grow out wider instead of up. They would reach to the highest par.

As for colors, I would think they would get more intense to your eyes with the florescence of the corals glowing brighter with the 22Ks directly over them.

This is all just a guess though.... I wonder if anyone has done side by side comparisons of different light arraignments.

 

Thank you jonjon

Steve

 

Jonjon's idea is pretty close to right. Your tank is also going to look whiter because the the first bulb controls the color we see the most and the last bulb reflects off the glass in back.
I would go front to back

22K
14K
15K
22K
15K
14K

if you like the current color. The tank should only look a tiny bit whiter since you have a white bulb at the back. The 14K and 15K bulbs can be considered interchangeable since they have very similar color.

 

hey I like that idea
it means I still have at least 1 white lamp above them and then 1 blue
so it looks like a best of both worlds option to me

Thank you John

Steve

 

Mixing the lamps is considered the best way to get all of your spectra throughout the tank.

 

I reckon your right
problem with that for me is I like just having Actinic/ blue lamps on for last hour each day, my switching is 2 outer, then next 2 outer and then middle 2

so if I have 1 x 14k and 1 x 22k on middle - then I get 1 actinic and 1 daylight for that hour

Still , Im going to try it, and see how it looks

Steve

 

Can you move the ends around in the fixture. There usually is enough wire inside to switch the positions.

 

thats something I did not consider

brilliant, just hope I dont break it eh!

Steve