Time to Change Light bulbs, looking for input

Discussion in 'T5 Aquarium Lighting' started by Irrumater, Jan 28, 2010.

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  1. Irrumater

    Irrumater Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

    Joined:
    Jan 17, 2010
    Messages:
    85
    So I've been running my 48" Odysea 4 bulb t5 fixture for about 8 months with the stock bulbs, and while not bad based on time and they fact they dont seem as bright its time to change.
    So Far it been 2 actinic and 2 10K daylight.

    From the research Ive done , UV brand looks to be a good brand and the best I have access to local in 48", I really want to avoid hpaying to have bulbs shipped if possible, so I plan to use those. But not sure in what combination.
    After reading all the info on each pretty sure I want
    1x Super actinic
    1x 75/25

    but not sure about the daylights. I have read that the actinic white gives nice color but the aquasun is a bit better for coral growth( which has been a struggle so far)
    I'm thinking maybe 1 of each in the white side.....but could that be too much actinic?

    Final proposed makeup is ( back to front)
    1xeach
    Super actinic
    75/25
    Actinic White
    Aqua Sun

    As for coral livestock, I few a couple of small Zoa colonys which never seen to grow at all( actually have lost a few), a nice Hammer that has gone from 3 heads to 7 in the last 6 months, a single head torch that wants to split but hasnt quite yet, a single head sun coral , a few acan heads, a 2 head candy canet and a couple of misc mushrooms.

    Im looking to add a couple of pieces soon, would like to get an anemone for my clowns , maybe a squamosa clam , and 1 other nice piece to centerpiece in the tank, maybe a favia or plate. not sure yet.

    Any input on the lights would be great.
    thanks
     
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  3. divott

    divott Giant Squid

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    is the aquasun a 6000 or 6500 k bulb? if it is , you might get a bit of yellowish look. i run one, but ive got 5 other bulbs to offset the yellow.
     
  4. hydrojeff

    hydrojeff Montipora Capricornis

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    orange city,FL
    i run UVs as well and i run 2 454s, 2 super actinics, 1 12000k and 1 14000k.
     
  5. Irrumater

    Irrumater Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    The Aquasun is a 10K and actnic White is a 12k
     
  6. divott

    divott Giant Squid

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    that should look good and work well
     
  7. Screwtape

    Screwtape Tonozukai Fairy Wrasse

    Joined:
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    2,289
    The aquasun and actinic white both are pinkish bulbs. I think you'll probably want more blue in it. UVL are fine bulbs but I don't think any T5 lineup is right without at least one ATI Blue+ bulb in it.
    I honestly am not a huge fan of the 420nm actinic bulbs like the super actinic. You don't get a lot of PAR out of them and the colors you get out of them are pretty close to the ATI Blue+. JMO though.

    I would look at something like this personally (front to back):

    Super Actinic
    Actinic White
    Blue +
    Actinic White(or maybe 75/25 if you want a little more blue)
     
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  9. frkid247

    frkid247 Sea Dragon

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    Location:
    Wichita Kansas
    i just put a 14k bulb in my halide and im good! haha how simple!