T5 What kind of bulbs?

Discussion in 'T5 Aquarium Lighting' started by KY_Tanked, Aug 23, 2009.

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  1. KY_Tanked

    KY_Tanked Fire Worm

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    I have started to buy all of my part for mt T5 8 bulb retro kit with Aquactinics reflectors and 2 IC 660 Ballasts.
    My questions now is what bulbs to buy? Brand/Color/Type?
    I like a more blue tank, but I think I want to have a couple Rose Anemones and then sps, lps corals after they settle.
    Any suggestions?

    Thanks,

    John;D
     
    KY_Tanked, Aug 23, 2009
    KY_Tanked, Aug 23, 2009
    #1

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  2. LoJack

    LoJack Sea Dragon

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    A nice mix of 20k, and 14k would be ideal.

    The 20K will help with that blue look, 14's are a bit more purple. And if you'll have them on seperate timers, then an actinic or two is nice for that dusk effect.
     
    LoJack, Aug 23, 2009
    LoJack, Aug 23, 2009
    #2
  3. KY_Tanked

    KY_Tanked Fire Worm

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    I will have on individual timers for dawn/dusk.
     
    KY_Tanked, Aug 23, 2009
    KY_Tanked, Aug 23, 2009
    #3
  4. Dr.Fragenstein

    Dr.Fragenstein Panda Puffer

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    14,000k is not purple its less blue than 20,000k. A TRUE actinic say 420 nm is violet/purple while 460nm is more blue.

    I would recommend a couple ATI or Giesemann Blue/Actinic+, for your blues... probably 3 of those then a 6000k and finish 'er up with 2 Aquablue+.
     
    Dr.Fragenstein, Aug 24, 2009
    Dr.Fragenstein, Aug 24, 2009
    #4
  5. KY_Tanked

    KY_Tanked Fire Worm

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    Just the info. I needed! thanks!
     
    KY_Tanked, Aug 25, 2009
    KY_Tanked, Aug 25, 2009
    #5
  6. GuitarMan89

    GuitarMan89 Giant Squid

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    As for color, it's really a matter of personal opinion. I have used UV, Geissieman, ATI and Aqua Science bulbs all with very good results. With an 8 bulb setup you have a lot of choices. If you like a more blue look, I have found that ratio of about 1 daylight to 2 blue/actinic bulbs works well, for example, I have a 6 bulb fixture and run

    UV Super Actinic
    Geissmann 11,000K
    Aqua science Blue
    Aqua Science Blue
    UV Actinic White
    UV Super Actinic

    This gives a nice blue/white color, my guess would be approximately 15,000K in appearance. You can see a picture of my tank with this bulb setup in my signature.
     
    GuitarMan89, Aug 25, 2009
    GuitarMan89, Aug 25, 2009
    #6