where do you buy ur T5 bulbs??

WienerDog · 08/04/2011, 08:45 AM

I am in the market for my 48" T5's. 2-Actinic 2-daylight 10/12K

rtparty · 08/04/2011, 09:47 AM

Reefgeek and there are MUCH better combos then 2 actinic and 2 daylight. That is a combo that comes with cheap fixtures like Current USA, AquaticLife, Coralife and others.

I highly recommend you look into better combos that will produce much more PAR and much better color.

SkullV · 08/04/2011, 10:22 AM

SOS Light Bulbs is where I order all my bulbs

kripas · 08/04/2011, 11:48 AM

Reefgeek free bulb handling, other site will charge you for bulb handling fee

flyguy1821 · 08/04/2011, 12:17 PM

Reefgeek for the last 4 orders. They match anyone, packaging was great, selection is also great. Plus they give you fun-dip and jolly ranchers in the box! how can you top that!

SkullV · 08/04/2011, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kripas

Reefgeek free bulb handling, other site will charge you for bulb handling fee

Not SOS.

Mindflux · 08/04/2011, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rtparty

Reefgeek and there are MUCH better combos then 2 actinic and 2 daylight. That is a combo that comes with cheap fixtures like Current USA, AquaticLife, Coralife and others.

I highly recommend you look into better combos that will produce much more PAR and much better color.

Can you give any suggestions?

SkullV · 08/04/2011, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mindflux

Can you give any suggestions?

In a 4 bulb? All ATI:

Blue+
Aquablue Special
Purple +
Blue+

Mindflux · 08/04/2011, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkullV

In a 4 bulb? All ATI:

Blue+
Aquablue Special
Purple +
Blue+

Alright... hrm. I'm assuming that's front to back? Which ones do you run as 'daytime' versus supplemental? Right now mine is set up as:

Front
10k
Actinic
10k
Actinic

So having a blue+ and a purple+ for 'daylight' seems.. weird?

SkullV · 08/04/2011, 02:18 PM

On your fixture you would run:

Purple+
Blue+
Aquablue Special
Blue+

OR

Aquablue Special
Blue+
Purple+
Blue+

Depending on how you like the color of the purple plus/daylight in the front or middle

Personally I would switch the wiring on your end caps so it could be

Blue+
Aquablue Special (DAY)
Purple+ (DAY)
Blue+

I have a 6 bulb all ATI:

Blue+ (2:00pm-10:00pm)
Blue+ (12:00pm-12:00am)
Aquablue Special (2:00pm-10:00pm)
Purple+ (2:00pm-10:00pm)
Blue+ (12:00pm-12:00am)
Blue+(2:00pm-10:00pm)

rtparty · 08/04/2011, 02:46 PM

You always want your purple front of center so it strikes the viewing side if the corals.

For example

Blue plus
Purple plus
aquablue
Blue plus

I don't recommend ever running an aquablue or purple in front. It will totally change the appearance of the tank. By placing the blue upfront you get a little bit more blue look overall and the purple spectrum isn't wasted on the front of the tank.

I personally recommend 2 ati blue plus, 1 ati purple plus and 1 kz new generation for 4 bulbs. I don't like the ati aquablue. It is too white and washes colors out.

Just my opinion.

SkullV · 08/04/2011, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rtparty

You always want your purple front of center so it strikes the viewing side if the corals.

For example

Blue plus
Purple plus
aquablue
Blue plus

I don't recommend ever running an aquablue or purple in front. It will totally change the appearance of the tank. By placing the blue upfront you get a little bit more blue look overall and the purple spectrum isn't wasted on the front of the tank.

I personally recommend 2 ati blue plus, 1 ati purple plus and 1 kz new generation for 4 bulbs. I don't like the ati aquablue. It is too white and washes colors out.

Just my opinion.

I like the Aquablue Special. Not a fan of the KZ bulbs. I'll definitly try switching around the purple+ and the aquablue though.

Mindflux · 08/04/2011, 02:50 PM

Ok, so if I'm running say:

Front
ATI Blue+
ATI Purple+
KZ NG
ATI Blue+

When my supplemental come on for morning it'll run the ATI Purple+ and ATI Blue+ (2nd and 4th position) for an hour then kick on the Blue+ (1st position) and KZ NG (3rd position) and this is fine? Then at night the Blue+ and KZ NG (1st/3rd) go off then the Purple+ and Blue+ go off a bit later (around 11)

SkullV · 08/04/2011, 02:52 PM

Switch the end cap wiring around. Not hard at all. The Purple+ looks more like a daylight bulb so you won't want it on as a supplemental. I still say go with the ATI daylight bulb over the KZ.

Mindflux · 08/04/2011, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkullV

Switch the end cap wiring around. Not hard at all. The Purple+ looks more like a daylight bulb so you won't want it on as a supplemental. I still say go with the ATI daylight bulb over the KZ.

Ok so you propose:

Blue
Purple
Aquablue
Blue

But only if I switch the endcap wiring so the outside ones are supplemental an the inside ones are daylight. I don't know that I really want to fiddle with the wiring in the fixture.

billdogg · 08/04/2011, 03:01 PM

I get my bulbs at www.hellolights.com they have good prices and ship quickly

SkullV · 08/04/2011, 03:02 PM

The wiring should just be wire nuts to the internal ballasts. 10min job max with no cutting or splicing at all. If you don't want to mess with the wiring I would do:

Blue
Blue
Aquablue
Blue

But that will be a heavy 20k look. I just REALLY don't like the idea of a Purple+ as your supplemental. It would ruin that ultra blue look you want in the morning and night.

rtparty · 08/04/2011, 04:59 PM

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE a Blue Plus and Purple Plus for my dusk/dawn look! I tried 2 Blue Plus and couldn't stand it because I lost a lot of my reds and pinks in those hours.

It is ALL personal preference. There really is not a right or wrong way to do it. If it were me I would have the Purple Plus and Blue Plus turn on together and then the other Blue Plus and KZ New gen for "daylight".

Mindflux · 08/04/2011, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rtparty

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE a Blue Plus and Purple Plus for my dusk/dawn look! I tried 2 Blue Plus and couldn't stand it because I lost a lot of my reds and pinks in those hours.

It is ALL personal preference. There really is not a right or wrong way to do it. If it were me I would have the Purple Plus and Blue Plus turn on together and then the other Blue Plus and KZ New gen for "daylight".

I like your thinking. No ballast rewire. Though I don't like the KZ NG pricing. Boooooo-urns.

rtparty · 08/04/2011, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mindflux

I like your thinking. No ballast rewire. Though I don't like the KZ NG pricing. Boooooo-urns.

I don't think KZ bulbs are worth the extra $ either except that bulb. The Aquablue washes colors out like crazy. I gladly spend $10 extra to have my tank and colors look better for a year.

Until ATI can produce a new bulb, I will stick by the KZ New Generation. I have been on Oliver for well over a year now to make a bulb that competes with the New Generation.

SkullV · 08/05/2011, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rtparty

You always want your purple front of center so it strikes the viewing side if the corals.

Great advice, just switched my Purple + and Aquablue Special and things look way better!

Front to back:

Blue+
Blue+
Purple+
Aquablue Special
Blue+
Blue+

mr9iron · 08/05/2011, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkullV

Great advice, just switched my Purple + and Aquablue Special and things look way better!

Front to back:

Blue+
Blue+
Purple+
Aquablue Special
Blue+
Blue+

Can you post some pics of your tank. I have a 6 bulb fixture and want to change out my bulbs for more blue/purple look.

SkullV · 08/05/2011, 09:47 PM

I'll break out the DSLR tomorrow when the daylights turn on.

mr9iron · 08/05/2011, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkullV

I'll break out the DSLR tomorrow when the daylights turn on.

Sounds good, thanks!

SkullV · 08/07/2011, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr9iron

Sounds good, thanks!

Here you go. Photo taken with Cannon EOS Digital Rebel XT. No Processing at all just uploaded to photobucket.

Bulb Combo is all ATI (front to back):

Blue+
Blue+
Purple+
Aquablue Special
Blue+
Blue+

08/04/2011, 08:45 AM	#1
WienerDog Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Atlantic City, NJ Posts: 980	where do you buy ur T5 bulbs?? I am in the market for my 48" T5's. 2-Actinic 2-daylight 10/12K __________________ "Winners do what they have to and losers do what they want" Phill 4:13 Current Tank Info: 5.5g Spec V Pico Reef

08/04/2011, 09:47 AM	#2
rtparty Raise The Reef! Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Utah Posts: 7,404	Reefgeek and there are MUCH better combos then 2 actinic and 2 daylight. That is a combo that comes with cheap fixtures like Current USA, AquaticLife, Coralife and others. I highly recommend you look into better combos that will produce much more PAR and much better color. __________________ Ryan Click on my user name and check out my homepage! Current Tank Info: 50g Cadlights/Giesemann Spectra (250w Radium, 2 ATI Blue Plus, 2 ATI Actinic)/2 x Vortech MP10wQD/Skimz SN123/Eheim Compact 3000+

08/04/2011, 10:22 AM	#3
SkullV They Got My Number Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Gilbert, AZ Posts: 6,898	SOS Light Bulbs is where I order all my bulbs __________________ -Ted- Be cautious of those willing to share their "knowledge" but not their results.

08/04/2011, 02:46 PM	#11
rtparty Raise The Reef! Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Utah Posts: 7,404	You always want your purple front of center so it strikes the viewing side if the corals. For example Blue plus Purple plus aquablue Blue plus I don't recommend ever running an aquablue or purple in front. It will totally change the appearance of the tank. By placing the blue upfront you get a little bit more blue look overall and the purple spectrum isn't wasted on the front of the tank. I personally recommend 2 ati blue plus, 1 ati purple plus and 1 kz new generation for 4 bulbs. I don't like the ati aquablue. It is too white and washes colors out. Just my opinion. __________________ Ryan Click on my user name and check out my homepage! Current Tank Info: 50g Cadlights/Giesemann Spectra (250w Radium, 2 ATI Blue Plus, 2 ATI Actinic)/2 x Vortech MP10wQD/Skimz SN123/Eheim Compact 3000+

08/04/2011, 11:48 AM	#4
kripas Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Hayward, Ca Posts: 238	Reefgeek free bulb handling, other site will charge you for bulb handling fee

08/04/2011, 12:17 PM	#5
flyguy1821 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 85	Reefgeek for the last 4 orders. They match anyone, packaging was great, selection is also great. Plus they give you fun-dip and jolly ranchers in the box! how can you top that!

08/04/2011, 02:50 PM	#13
Mindflux Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 399	Ok, so if I'm running say: Front ATI Blue+ ATI Purple+ KZ NG ATI Blue+ When my supplemental come on for morning it'll run the ATI Purple+ and ATI Blue+ (2nd and 4th position) for an hour then kick on the Blue+ (1st position) and KZ NG (3rd position) and this is fine? Then at night the Blue+ and KZ NG (1st/3rd) go off then the Purple+ and Blue+ go off a bit later (around 11)

08/04/2011, 02:52 PM	#14
SkullV They Got My Number Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Gilbert, AZ Posts: 6,898	Switch the end cap wiring around. Not hard at all. The Purple+ looks more like a daylight bulb so you won't want it on as a supplemental. I still say go with the ATI daylight bulb over the KZ. __________________ -Ted- Be cautious of those willing to share their "knowledge" but not their results.

08/04/2011, 03:01 PM	#16
billdogg Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Grove City, Ohio Posts: 10,806	I get my bulbs at www.hellolights.com they have good prices and ship quickly __________________ I'll try to be nice if you try to be smarter! I can't help that I grow older, but you can't make me grow up! Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef with 40b sump, RO 150 skimmer, AI Sol Blue x 2, and a 60g Frag Tank with 100g rubbermaid sump. 2 x Kessil A360w lights, BM curve 5 skimmer

08/04/2011, 03:02 PM	#17
SkullV They Got My Number Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Gilbert, AZ Posts: 6,898	The wiring should just be wire nuts to the internal ballasts. 10min job max with no cutting or splicing at all. If you don't want to mess with the wiring I would do: Blue Blue Aquablue Blue But that will be a heavy 20k look. I just REALLY don't like the idea of a Purple+ as your supplemental. It would ruin that ultra blue look you want in the morning and night. __________________ -Ted- Be cautious of those willing to share their "knowledge" but not their results.

08/04/2011, 04:59 PM	#18
rtparty Raise The Reef! Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Utah Posts: 7,404	I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE a Blue Plus and Purple Plus for my dusk/dawn look! I tried 2 Blue Plus and couldn't stand it because I lost a lot of my reds and pinks in those hours. It is ALL personal preference. There really is not a right or wrong way to do it. If it were me I would have the Purple Plus and Blue Plus turn on together and then the other Blue Plus and KZ New gen for "daylight". __________________ Ryan Click on my user name and check out my homepage! Current Tank Info: 50g Cadlights/Giesemann Spectra (250w Radium, 2 ATI Blue Plus, 2 ATI Actinic)/2 x Vortech MP10wQD/Skimz SN123/Eheim Compact 3000+

08/05/2011, 09:47 PM	#23
SkullV They Got My Number Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Gilbert, AZ Posts: 6,898	I'll break out the DSLR tomorrow when the daylights turn on. __________________ -Ted- Be cautious of those willing to share their "knowledge" but not their results.

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