What is the best T5 bulb combination for an 8 bulb system?

BigBallinReefer · 08/14/2008, 12:47 AM

its that time again, so i am replacing my 8 bulb fixture and was hoping for YOUR advice. can any1 tell me a good bulb combination 4 a tank with sps and some softies.

Dyngoe · 08/14/2008, 09:36 AM

Well, that's a pretty subjective question. But, if I was to give my oppinion I would:

F->B
Blue+
Super Actinic or Fiji Purple
Blue+
AuquaSun
Blue+
Super Actinic or Fiji Purple
Blue+
GE 6500

Just a starting point as an idea. This will give good par with a mainly 14K look. I like having PAR monsters in the back where most of the SPS is located and more Blue in the front to make the tank look more blue.

BigBallinReefer · 08/14/2008, 12:59 PM

oh thanx. were is a good place to buy these bulbs.?

Dyngoe · 08/14/2008, 02:07 PM

ReefGeek.com has the best selection and great prices. If you want local, I think Ocean Treasures in SF is a good place. Don't know if anyone else carries the ATI bulbs.

BigBallinReefer · 08/14/2008, 06:58 PM

hey dyngoe how should i place these bulbs in my fixture.? since i have 8 of them. should i put the aquasuns in the middle and mix the blue + and purples around or wat.

Dyngoe · 08/14/2008, 10:03 PM

Well, it's all trial and error. I suggested a good starting point with more blue towards the front. I did this because by putting blue towards the front you "fake" a more blue look. I also like a white light in the back, but you may not. Different colors will make different corals "pop" better than others. So, you'll have to try out different combos to get the water color you want and the coral color you want.

BigBallinReefer · 08/14/2008, 11:07 PM

thanx for the help

Mikey Donuts · 08/14/2008, 11:29 PM

I run F to B:
UVL Super Actinic
ATI Blue plus
UVL Super Actinic
ATI Aquablue special
UVL Super Actinic
ATI Blue plus
UVL Super Actinic
ATI Aquablue special

Actinics on for 12 hours and the other bulbs on for 6 hours. When all of the bulbs are on, the look is a nice crisp 12-14k. White with a little blue tint. I don't like the 6500k bulbs. I ran one in a mostly blue setup and when that bulb was on the tank was YELLOW.

Dyngoe · 08/14/2008, 11:42 PM

That's a H3LL of a lot fo Actinic. Not much PAR/Lumens in those bulbs. Why so much Actinic with all the blue+?

BigBallinReefer · 08/15/2008, 12:42 AM

that is a lot of actinics. do u have any sps corals? i heard that u need at least 2 aquasun bulbs to keep sps is that true?

DetectiveTofu · 08/15/2008, 12:47 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mikey Donuts
I run F to B:
UVL Super Actinic
ATI Blue plus
UVL Super Actinic
ATI Aquablue special
UVL Super Actinic
ATI Blue plus
UVL Super Actinic
ATI Aquablue special

Actinics on for 12 hours and the other bulbs on for 6 hours. When all of the bulbs are on, the look is a nice crisp 12-14k. White with a little blue tint. I don't like the 6500k bulbs. I ran one in a mostly blue setup and when that bulb was on the tank was YELLOW.

14K? With all of that blue?

Dyngoe · 08/15/2008, 09:51 AM

Hey BBR,

He may be right about the GE 6500. Perhaps you could choose one AquaSun and one AquaBlue instead. The only reason I suggest a 6500 is that you can buy 10K bulbs at most LFS, but you can not find the 6500 anywhere. So....if you like the 6500 (which has TONS of lumens and PAR) then good, otherwise you can pick up a 10K here.

Just an idea.

BTW, I'm putting in a ReefGeek order today myself. I'm getting 6x54W T5s with SLRs and two 2x24W retros.

ianiwane · 08/15/2008, 11:01 AM

Nah Matt, I run a 6500 with a similar setup to what you mentioned. Its not too yellow.

I run
2 ati blue +
1 fiji purple
1 uv super actinic
1 ge 6500
1 ati aquablue special

Key here is to always order extra bulbs. People are going to like different combos. I probably have 10-20 extra bulbs, that I ordered just to try different combos in my light.

Dyngoe · 08/15/2008, 11:54 AM

Hey Ian,

What's the deal with the fiji purple? I'm ordering some T5s to supplement my MH lights and I wonder what a Fiji would do. People seem to rave about it's color.

My plan is:
F->B
54w Blue+
54w Blue+
54w Super Act
54w Fiji Purple
2x150W 10K Ushio MH on L3 Mini
54w Super Act
54w Blue+

Thoughts?

Mikey Donuts · 08/17/2008, 06:28 PM

Sorry, I forgot about this thread after I replied. I realize the actinics don't have a lot of PAR, but I like how they look and I'm having good success with running my higher PAR bulbs for just four hours a day. I do have a lot of SPS about 40 colonies/frags. The furthest SPS from the bulbs is about 24". The furthest LPS is 30". Lots of people are surprised with the success I have given my bulb selection and the amount of time I run them.
Here's a link to a recent thread: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...readid=1435038
The pics are bluer than the tank is in person. With all the bulbs running it is DEFINITELY about a 14k look.

ianiwane · 08/17/2008, 10:46 PM

Matt I think even with all those t5s its going to be hard to combat the 10kk MH bulb. Try it though, I think your combo looks good. However it might end up too white still for your taste. The fiji purple is just that a purple bulb. It does help with the "actinic pop" IME.

LCN · 08/17/2008, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dyngoe
Well, it's all trial and error. I suggested a good starting point with more blue towards the front. I did this because by putting blue towards the front you "fake" a more blue look. I also like a white light in the back, but you may not. Different colors will make different corals "pop" better than others. So, you'll have to try out different combos to get the water color you want and the coral color you want.

Having a blue bulb such as the ATI blue plus in the front is perfect. Running a 1:1 combo of ATI blue plus and Aquablue will give you a nice crispy blue color. You can even swap out a Blueplus for a KZ fiji purple.

BigBallinReefer · 08/17/2008, 11:04 PM

i actually like the color. i might go with something like that. thanx mikey

Mikey Donuts · 08/17/2008, 11:28 PM

No problem! I would suggest getting a couple extra blueplus bulbs too. If you think the four actinics are too much for you, a 1:1 combo of blueplus to actinics gives a nice look to the tank as well. So you could go with something like 2x super actinics, 4x blue plus and 2x aquablue specials. So your dusk/dawn would be 2x actinics and 2x blueplus.

I've also never tried the fiji purples but everyone seems to like them so I may try a bulb in the future. Be sure to post your results when you get the bulbs!
Good luck!

BigBallinReefer · 08/18/2008, 01:30 AM

how about that fiji purple?

BigBallinReefer · 08/18/2008, 01:31 AM

nevermind.hahaha will try the fiji as extras.

orientalexpress · 08/18/2008, 10:36 AM

reefgeek no longer carry fuji purple

montanabay · 08/18/2008, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dyngoe
Hey BBR,

He may be right about the GE 6500. Perhaps you could choose one AquaSun and one AquaBlue instead. The only reason I suggest a 6500 is that you can buy 10K bulbs at most LFS, but you can not find the 6500 anywhere. So....if you like the 6500 (which has TONS of lumens and PAR) then good, otherwise you can pick up a 10K here.

Just an idea.

BTW, I'm putting in a ReefGeek order today myself. I'm getting 6x54W T5s with SLRs and two 2x24W retros.

Dyngoe,

Did you decide on 8 bulb T5 over the MH combo?

Cheers,

Josh

08/14/2008, 12:47 AM	#1
BigBallinReefer Moved On Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: San Jose Posts: 184	What is the best T5 bulb combination for an 8 bulb system? its that time again, so i am replacing my 8 bulb fixture and was hoping for YOUR advice. can any1 tell me a good bulb combination 4 a tank with sps and some softies.

08/14/2008, 11:29 PM	#8
Mikey Donuts Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Suffolk, UK Posts: 933	I run F to B: UVL Super Actinic ATI Blue plus UVL Super Actinic ATI Aquablue special UVL Super Actinic ATI Blue plus UVL Super Actinic ATI Aquablue special Actinics on for 12 hours and the other bulbs on for 6 hours. When all of the bulbs are on, the look is a nice crisp 12-14k. White with a little blue tint. I don't like the 6500k bulbs. I ran one in a mostly blue setup and when that bulb was on the tank was YELLOW. __________________ - Mike Current Tank Info: 150g mixed reef, 90g Seahorse

08/17/2008, 06:28 PM	#15
Mikey Donuts Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Suffolk, UK Posts: 933	Sorry, I forgot about this thread after I replied. I realize the actinics don't have a lot of PAR, but I like how they look and I'm having good success with running my higher PAR bulbs for just four hours a day. I do have a lot of SPS about 40 colonies/frags. The furthest SPS from the bulbs is about 24". The furthest LPS is 30". Lots of people are surprised with the success I have given my bulb selection and the amount of time I run them. Here's a link to a recent thread: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...readid=1435038 The pics are bluer than the tank is in person. With all the bulbs running it is DEFINITELY about a 14k look. __________________ - Mike Current Tank Info: 150g mixed reef, 90g Seahorse

08/17/2008, 11:28 PM	#19
Mikey Donuts Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Suffolk, UK Posts: 933	No problem! I would suggest getting a couple extra blueplus bulbs too. If you think the four actinics are too much for you, a 1:1 combo of blueplus to actinics gives a nice look to the tank as well. So you could go with something like 2x super actinics, 4x blue plus and 2x aquablue specials. So your dusk/dawn would be 2x actinics and 2x blueplus. I've also never tried the fiji purples but everyone seems to like them so I may try a bulb in the future. Be sure to post your results when you get the bulbs! Good luck! __________________ - Mike Current Tank Info: 150g mixed reef, 90g Seahorse

08/18/2008, 10:36 AM	#22
orientalexpress Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: San francisco Posts: 1,785	reefgeek no longer carry fuji purple __________________ You can say something to popes, kings and presidents, but you can't talk to officials. In the next war they ought to give everyone a whistle Current Tank Info: 72x36x30

08/14/2008, 09:36 AM	#2
Dyngoe Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Danville, CA Posts: 762	Well, that's a pretty subjective question. But, if I was to give my oppinion I would: F->B Blue+ Super Actinic or Fiji Purple Blue+ AuquaSun Blue+ Super Actinic or Fiji Purple Blue+ GE 6500 Just a starting point as an idea. This will give good par with a mainly 14K look. I like having PAR monsters in the back where most of the SPS is located and more Blue in the front to make the tank look more blue.

08/14/2008, 12:59 PM	#3
BigBallinReefer Moved On Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: San Jose Posts: 184	oh thanx. were is a good place to buy these bulbs.?

08/14/2008, 02:07 PM	#4
Dyngoe Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Danville, CA Posts: 762	ReefGeek.com has the best selection and great prices. If you want local, I think Ocean Treasures in SF is a good place. Don't know if anyone else carries the ATI bulbs.

08/14/2008, 06:58 PM	#5
BigBallinReefer Moved On Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: San Jose Posts: 184	hey dyngoe how should i place these bulbs in my fixture.? since i have 8 of them. should i put the aquasuns in the middle and mix the blue + and purples around or wat.

08/14/2008, 10:03 PM	#6
Dyngoe Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Danville, CA Posts: 762	Well, it's all trial and error. I suggested a good starting point with more blue towards the front. I did this because by putting blue towards the front you "fake" a more blue look. I also like a white light in the back, but you may not. Different colors will make different corals "pop" better than others. So, you'll have to try out different combos to get the water color you want and the coral color you want.

08/14/2008, 11:07 PM	#7
BigBallinReefer Moved On Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: San Jose Posts: 184	thanx for the help

08/14/2008, 11:42 PM	#9
Dyngoe Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Danville, CA Posts: 762	That's a H3LL of a lot fo Actinic. Not much PAR/Lumens in those bulbs. Why so much Actinic with all the blue+?

08/15/2008, 12:42 AM	#10
BigBallinReefer Moved On Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: San Jose Posts: 184	that is a lot of actinics. do u have any sps corals? i heard that u need at least 2 aquasun bulbs to keep sps is that true?

08/15/2008, 09:51 AM	#12
Dyngoe Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Danville, CA Posts: 762	Hey BBR, He may be right about the GE 6500. Perhaps you could choose one AquaSun and one AquaBlue instead. The only reason I suggest a 6500 is that you can buy 10K bulbs at most LFS, but you can not find the 6500 anywhere. So....if you like the 6500 (which has TONS of lumens and PAR) then good, otherwise you can pick up a 10K here. Just an idea. BTW, I'm putting in a ReefGeek order today myself. I'm getting 6x54W T5s with SLRs and two 2x24W retros.

08/15/2008, 11:01 AM	#13
ianiwane Registered Member. Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: SF Posts: 1,601	Nah Matt, I run a 6500 with a similar setup to what you mentioned. Its not too yellow. I run 2 ati blue + 1 fiji purple 1 uv super actinic 1 ge 6500 1 ati aquablue special Key here is to always order extra bulbs. People are going to like different combos. I probably have 10-20 extra bulbs, that I ordered just to try different combos in my light.

08/15/2008, 11:54 AM	#14
Dyngoe Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Danville, CA Posts: 762	Hey Ian, What's the deal with the fiji purple? I'm ordering some T5s to supplement my MH lights and I wonder what a Fiji would do. People seem to rave about it's color. My plan is: F->B 54w Blue+ 54w Blue+ 54w Super Act 54w Fiji Purple 2x150W 10K Ushio MH on L3 Mini 54w Super Act 54w Blue+ Thoughts?

08/17/2008, 10:46 PM	#16
ianiwane Registered Member. Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: SF Posts: 1,601	Matt I think even with all those t5s its going to be hard to combat the 10kk MH bulb. Try it though, I think your combo looks good. However it might end up too white still for your taste. The fiji purple is just that a purple bulb. It does help with the "actinic pop" IME.

08/17/2008, 11:04 PM	#18
BigBallinReefer Moved On Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: San Jose Posts: 184	i actually like the color. i might go with something like that. thanx mikey

08/18/2008, 01:30 AM	#20
BigBallinReefer Moved On Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: San Jose Posts: 184	how about that fiji purple?

08/18/2008, 01:31 AM	#21
BigBallinReefer Moved On Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: San Jose Posts: 184	nevermind.hahaha will try the fiji as extras.