Best Actinic Supplement?

T.louderback · 12/30/2013, 04:42 PM

I'm setting up a 75 shallow reef and I've opted for two 150 watt reefstar halide fixtures. I like a really blue tank but I'm not sure what the best way is to get the extra blue. I want something inexpensive, and non-diy. ( I've failed with diy leds already) Thanks

rtparty · 12/30/2013, 06:49 PM

Blue plus T5s. Super easy and simple

Uncle Luke · 12/30/2013, 07:51 PM

Hard to beat VHO's for actinic.

T.louderback · 12/30/2013, 07:54 PM

could you point me toward a vho fixture that would do the trick?

rtparty · 12/30/2013, 09:38 PM

I don't think there are any VHO fixtures. Only retro kits

A blue reefbrite or build my LED system would work as well.

zachts · 12/30/2013, 09:56 PM

Well if you can't handle a retro fit type VHO or T5 set up I'd suggest the Buildmyleds.com actinic strips. Dimmable and plug and play. Just make sure your canopy has some fans for cooling and moving air around.

zachts · 12/30/2013, 09:58 PM

If you lived close by I'd help with a retro fit, see if you can find a local reefer to help out!

d2mini · 12/30/2013, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rtparty

Blue plus T5s. Super easy and simple

This.
They are PAR monsters and bluer than any "actinic" bulb.
Also look at the Purple+ for a little extra pop.

T.louderback · 02/03/2014, 11:50 PM

t5's sound pretty cost effective compared to the other options. I've tried diy leds before and that was a complete disaster. my only problem now is hanging it with my halides and still have it look clean.

elmatth1 · 02/04/2014, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T.louderback

my only problem now is hanging it with my halides and still have it look clean.

I'm having the same issue!

Plus, I can't understand why a strip of royal blue LEDs goes for hundreds of dollars! That is crazy!

zachts · 02/04/2014, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elmatth1

I'm having the same issue!

Plus, I can't understand why a strip of royal blue LEDs goes for hundreds of dollars! That is crazy!

What's not to understand, it's technology. LEDs are newer and cost more to produce and assemble, especially for our specialty application of reef lighting.

.....and how much would you pay for a comparable t5 or VHO strip after you factor in replacing the bulb every 9 months @ $25+ a pop, even if you only consider it for the next couple years? Keeping electrical savings out of the equation.

12/30/2013, 04:42 PM	#1
T.louderback Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Antioch Posts: 177	Best Actinic Supplement? I'm setting up a 75 shallow reef and I've opted for two 150 watt reefstar halide fixtures. I like a really blue tank but I'm not sure what the best way is to get the extra blue. I want something inexpensive, and non-diy. ( I've failed with diy leds already) Thanks __________________ 62 gallon shallow reef, 55 gal sump, 55 gal fuge Subscribe! http://www.youtube.com/user/oscarlover131

12/30/2013, 06:49 PM	#2
rtparty Raise The Reef! Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Utah Posts: 7,404	Blue plus T5s. Super easy and simple __________________ 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+

12/30/2013, 07:54 PM	#4
T.louderback Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Antioch Posts: 177	could you point me toward a vho fixture that would do the trick? __________________ 62 gallon shallow reef, 55 gal sump, 55 gal fuge Subscribe! http://www.youtube.com/user/oscarlover131

12/30/2013, 09:38 PM	#5
rtparty Raise The Reef! Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Utah Posts: 7,404	I don't think there are any VHO fixtures. Only retro kits A blue reefbrite or build my LED system would work as well. __________________ 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+

02/03/2014, 11:50 PM	#9
T.louderback Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Antioch Posts: 177	t5's sound pretty cost effective compared to the other options. I've tried diy leds before and that was a complete disaster. my only problem now is hanging it with my halides and still have it look clean. __________________ 62 gallon shallow reef, 55 gal sump, 55 gal fuge Subscribe! http://www.youtube.com/user/oscarlover131

12/30/2013, 07:51 PM	#3
Uncle Luke Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: South Florida Posts: 1,011	Hard to beat VHO's for actinic.

12/30/2013, 09:56 PM	#6
zachts Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: St. Louis, MO. Posts: 3,259	Well if you can't handle a retro fit type VHO or T5 set up I'd suggest the Buildmyleds.com actinic strips. Dimmable and plug and play. Just make sure your canopy has some fans for cooling and moving air around.

12/30/2013, 09:58 PM	#7
zachts Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: St. Louis, MO. Posts: 3,259	If you lived close by I'd help with a retro fit, see if you can find a local reefer to help out!