T5s Q&A

Thanks for all the input. It looks like I'll be going with a 1:1 ratio. I could purchase an extra actinic bulb and try it anyway. If what you guys say is true (and logically , it is) I'll just have an extra bulb for when replacement time comes around. It'll be kinda like a discount at that point.

I just like to build things.

 

Thanks man, I will try those out this time.

 

Been busy, but yes the 1:1 Aquablue to the Blue+ or actinic+(depending on either ATI or Giesemann respectively) you will have a great starting point and in my eyes/experience a color many people like. Not overly blue but not whitish yellow either. You can then obviosly take that starting point and either shift up or down the spectrum according to your tastes.

 

Does it give the corals' colors a vibrant pop?

 

What colors are you looking to bring out? As for the 1:1, I would say they look nice but they do not "pop" like more blue would do or an actinic lamp. What I have seen the most is that blue lamps bring out ORANGES really well, like those found in acans and favias, and also greens esp the more neon ones, again like in favias, or merulinas or things like that. But the bluer you get the less red you will be bringing out in corals. To counter this people have tried lower k lamps, even as low as 3000k by GE but in a 4 lamp fixture that will be overwhelming, ATIs Pro color could help but if that is the case you might as well get a GE and save money.

I would say in a 4 lamp you have to either pick looks or power... You get higher PAR lamps and forget the true actinics if you want power, but if you want looks and toss in a Super Actinic by UVL or similar lamp you will lose some PAR outout...

Good luck

 

Thanks Dr. Fragenstein. I might decide to leave room for 2 more lights in my hood. You did a great job answering that question, but I think I was focusing on the wrong thing. I think I might be more concerned with color retention. I am aware there are other things that factor into this.

I don't expect my corals to look anything like the ones over at oracorals, but they wouldn't look bland either, right?

 

No prob. If you look many of those state what lamps are being used, BUT keep in mind water quality esp nutrient levels and alk levels will also factor into coloration!!

 

I have 7 ATI bulbs to play with and 6 spots in my canopy . . .

1 x 80W Korallen-Zucht T5 Fiji Purple Special Red/Blue
3 x ATI BLUE PLUS 80W
1 x ATI 80W True Actinic
2 x ATI AQUA BLUE SPECIAL 80W

Any thoughts or opinions on what would look best? I have mostly LPS and softies for now, but would love to give some SPS other than monti caps a try.

~Will.

 

Honestly illwill, if it was my setup I would skip the TRUE actinic and just run the remaining lamps... I'm personally not a huge fan of the TRUE actinics, while they do help fluoresce certain corals I would prefer more PAR output over the aesthetic aspect...

Were you also looking for a lamp order recommendation or simply what lamps to use?

 

those are the lamps I have in hand, I'm a total newb when it comes to T5's so I was also looking for a lamp order. I can put the true actinic in the closet and save as a backup or something, thanks for the advice!

for a lighting cycle with my new RK2, I was going to do something like

1. On at 11am, Off at 9pm
2. On at 12pm, Off at 8pm
3. On at 1pm, Off at 7pm
4. On at 1pm, Off at 7pm
5. On at 12pm, Off at 8pm
6. On at 11am, Off at 9pm

Does that sound ok? If so what bulbs should go where?

thanks!

~Will.