T5 Bulb Option Question(s)

bwade209 · 11/08/2009, 01:03 AM

I am looking to pick up a 8 bulb fixture with icecap 660 ballasts and was wondering which type of bulbs I should use. I recently read that it's best to have 2 actinics to every one daylight bulb because blue light penetrates through the water better but all the fixtures I see seem to have a 50/50 bulb setup.

Would it be best to mix up my actinics with 2X420nm and 2X460nm to have a wider spectrum or is that basically "owner preference" for the look of the tank?

Is there a difference between a 14000K bulb and a 10000K other than the 14000K is bluer? Does one or the other produce a better growth rate? Or should I put 2X10000K and 2X14000K mixed? Or does it matter?? I wouldn't need any 6500K bulbs would I?

Can the Icecap 660 ballasts handle VHO T5s? Would VHO outlast the HO bulbs lifespan since the Icecap ballasts overdrive the bulbs(from what I've read)? Sorry, I'm still learning...

My tank is a 72gal bowfront and I mainly have zoas (18 different types) and various LPS. I would eventually like to have some SPS but I am more of a fan of the LPS (still fighting joining "the dark side") HEHE I'm sure once the lights are up and running I'll lose the fight

Thanks in advanced...

CoralChris · 11/08/2009, 02:18 AM

for an 8 bulb fixture assuming u can run 2x sets of 4 bulbs separately (A&B):
i would go:

Starting Front to Back

A: ati blue plus actinic (450-460nm)
B: uvl 75/25 14k
A: ati super actinic (420nm)
B: fiji purple OR ati pro color
A: ati blue plus actinic (450-460nm)
B: ati aquablue 12k OR ge 6500k (growth but yellow)
A: ati super actinic (420nm)
B: uvl 75/25 14k

this should give u good color and a nice broad spectrum for coral. this will be a bluer look which i prefer... switching the 14ks to 10 or 12 would "whiten" it up a touch.

jmski333 · 11/08/2009, 07:31 AM

from what i've read. 6500k bulbs emit a yellowish color into the tank, so i wouldn't get those. what are the dimensions of your bow front? would an 8 bulb fixture fit above it? I think you might be ok with just a 6 bulb fixture.

CoralChris · 11/08/2009, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmski333

from what i've read. 6500k bulbs emit a yellowish color into the tank, so i wouldn't get those. what are the dimensions of your bow front? would an 8 bulb fixture fit above it? I think you might be ok with just a 6 bulb fixture.

the 6500k will not through off the color with 7 other "bluer" bulbs on there...

72 bows are 48x18(tip of bow)x~20

doublejesus · 11/09/2009, 07:20 AM

Are you running 8x36" or 8x48"?

Over an 18" wide tank you can probably get away with only 6 bulbs and save you some $ on an extra ballast. Over my 180 I have 8 bulbs - 4 blue+, 2fiji purple, 1 ge 6500k, 1 aquablue special. looks good, I'll probably swap the 6500k for another AB special though.

11/08/2009, 01:03 AM	#1
bwade209 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 513	T5 Bulb Option Question(s) I am looking to pick up a 8 bulb fixture with icecap 660 ballasts and was wondering which type of bulbs I should use. I recently read that it's best to have 2 actinics to every one daylight bulb because blue light penetrates through the water better but all the fixtures I see seem to have a 50/50 bulb setup. Would it be best to mix up my actinics with 2X420nm and 2X460nm to have a wider spectrum or is that basically "owner preference" for the look of the tank? Is there a difference between a 14000K bulb and a 10000K other than the 14000K is bluer? Does one or the other produce a better growth rate? Or should I put 2X10000K and 2X14000K mixed? Or does it matter?? I wouldn't need any 6500K bulbs would I? Can the Icecap 660 ballasts handle VHO T5s? Would VHO outlast the HO bulbs lifespan since the Icecap ballasts overdrive the bulbs(from what I've read)? Sorry, I'm still learning... My tank is a 72gal bowfront and I mainly have zoas (18 different types) and various LPS. I would eventually like to have some SPS but I am more of a fan of the LPS (still fighting joining "the dark side") HEHE I'm sure once the lights are up and running I'll lose the fight Thanks in advanced...

11/08/2009, 02:18 AM	#2
CoralChris Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Naperville Illinois Posts: 36	for an 8 bulb fixture assuming u can run 2x sets of 4 bulbs separately (A&B): i would go: Starting Front to Back A: ati blue plus actinic (450-460nm) B: uvl 75/25 14k A: ati super actinic (420nm) B: fiji purple OR ati pro color A: ati blue plus actinic (450-460nm) B: ati aquablue 12k OR ge 6500k (growth but yellow) A: ati super actinic (420nm) B: uvl 75/25 14k this should give u good color and a nice broad spectrum for coral. this will be a bluer look which i prefer... switching the 14ks to 10 or 12 would "whiten" it up a touch. __________________ 33 Gallon Long (4'x1'x1') w 3ft 30gal sump/fuge, softy reef. Current Tank Info: 33 Long w 30 gal sump/fuge.

11/08/2009, 07:31 AM	#3
jmski333 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 494	from what i've read. 6500k bulbs emit a yellowish color into the tank, so i wouldn't get those. what are the dimensions of your bow front? would an 8 bulb fixture fit above it? I think you might be ok with just a 6 bulb fixture. __________________ -Jordan- Current Tank Info: 90RR mixed reef

11/09/2009, 07:20 AM	#5
doublejesus bring on the price cuts! Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Fredericton NB Canada Posts: 120	Are you running 8x36" or 8x48"? Over an 18" wide tank you can probably get away with only 6 bulbs and save you some $ on an extra ballast. Over my 180 I have 8 bulbs - 4 blue+, 2fiji purple, 1 ge 6500k, 1 aquablue special. looks good, I'll probably swap the 6500k for another AB special though.