t5 lighting options...

i have a 40 breeder but i dont know what i should do for lighting. it will have lps, and sps corals but no clams. I would like it to be just t-5 lights. would a 4 bulb retro work for sps corals? any oppions on light i should get?
thanks

 

Yes, it could work. 6 bulb would be better. If you do 4 bulb, I'd stay away from Actinic and use a Blue+ bulbs. Much more PAR, close color.

 

Hmm, explain more about these \"Blue+\" bulbs. I\'m not familiar.

 

arnt blue + bulb 3x more par than average actinic bulb with the same color? that what i heard

 

A 4x39w unit would work great for your desires. Buy 2 ATI Blue Plus, 1 ATI Aquablue Special and 1 UVL Actinic White or KZ Fiji Purple. This combo will make all your corals show off very well and give you all the PAR needed. Install the Blue Plus on the front and back positions.

A retro would work if you desire. Check out www.hellolights.com and www.reefgeek.com for retros. Buy your bulbs from ReefGeek.

 

just wondering because i hear it all the time but why should i buy from reefgeek? i though they were kinda pricey

 

they have a good selection and decent shipping prices.. but its up to you where you spend your money.

 

what would i not be able to keep with a 4 bulb t5 fixture and those bulbs?

 

I have a 90gal with a Nova 48" fixture with a 4 bulb config and it lights up fine. You can check out my thread & see the tank lighting. Bulbs are VERY important & not one bulb mfg is the same to the next.