lookin for shimmer w/ T5s

[keith sprague]

im going for T5s but need that shimmer.gotta 40 breeder and gonna use a 6 bulb fixture .how do i achieve the shimmer effect?

[Keiki Moana]

Might have to supplement with good LEDS...
FWIW..I have an aquatic life 36" 4 x 39 set up with T5s and moonlight LEDS...I get the shimmer only when the blue LEDS are on...

[freeswimmingfis]

Might have to supplement with good LEDS...
FWIW..I have an aquatic life 36" 4 x 39 set up with T5s and moonlight LEDS...I get the shimmer only when the blue LEDS are on...

Do you get any shimmer with the LEDs and T5s on at the same time?

[eggiel]

I do

[sslak]

You need a single point light source to get a shimmer effect. The water refracts the light around the tank.

Flourescent tubes will never create a shimmer because the light is already diffused.

[EasyEd77]

I have a 6 fixture t5 retrofit kit in my canopy. If I were to add two Stunner LED Blue Strips down the middle of the canopy would it add shimmer?

[ravedood]

get some Current Powerbrite LED strips. They come in blue and white. I have VHO + PC and I am able to get the shimmer effect with the Powerbrites.

[Dustin1300]

Get some current at the top of the water column and the light will 'shimmer' also as the water on the surface is disturbed....

[chaseg89]

Point one of your powerheads until its stirring up the surface of your water and it will give you a shimmer like effect.

[Spazdad]

I dont see any shimmer with t-5 , only my halides..

[iamwrasseman]

it wont happen as you need a single light source as sslak has already stated . with long bulbs they "fill in " the shimmer that is created from the top water ripple which refracts light but the bulbs are long and fill in the darker refracted areas so you cant see the light changes .
a little tough to explain but you will have no shimmer with t5s

[Anemonebuff]

If you already have enough blue light the 8000K or 50/50 stunner will show the shimmer more due to the white LEDs. I get shimmer with my 453nm stunner, but it is not as pronounced as white LEDs would create.