Looking for feedback for T5 bulb choice for GF's tank

GroktheCube · 04/07/2013, 10:50 PM

I'm helping my GF set up a 65, and I got a cheapo Chinese T5 HO fixture for her (4x 39W). Pretty sure the bulbs it came with are absolute garbage, so I'd like to replace them with something a bit better.

I don't think she'll really be trying to grow very many corals with high light demands. Probably primarily Zoas, some softies, and a few LPS. Plenty of motile inverts and a couple small peaceful fish.

My priority is lighting that helps bring out color, contrast, and fluorescence while being easy on the eyes (Not TOO blue. Probably ~12k-14kish).

I was thinking of this combination:
1x ATI Purple Plus
2x ATI Aquablue Special
1x ? Maybe ATI Blue+, maybe an Actinic bulb?

Would that sort of combination give some good contrast and pop without being too blue?

Michigan Mike · 04/07/2013, 11:39 PM

2 coral plus
2 blue plus

What I'd do but I like blue, actually I'd do more blue...

1 coral plus or aquablue special if you want
1 purple plus
2 blue plus

Use an aquablue special if your worried about too much blue. Otherwise people like the coral plus.
This will look good.

GroktheCube · 04/08/2013, 11:13 PM

Thanks very much, I appreciate the advice!

04/07/2013, 10:50 PM	#1
GroktheCube Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 2,063	Looking for feedback for T5 bulb choice for GF's tank I'm helping my GF set up a 65, and I got a cheapo Chinese T5 HO fixture for her (4x 39W). Pretty sure the bulbs it came with are absolute garbage, so I'd like to replace them with something a bit better. I don't think she'll really be trying to grow very many corals with high light demands. Probably primarily Zoas, some softies, and a few LPS. Plenty of motile inverts and a couple small peaceful fish. My priority is lighting that helps bring out color, contrast, and fluorescence while being easy on the eyes (Not TOO blue. Probably ~12k-14kish). I was thinking of this combination: 1x ATI Purple Plus 2x ATI Aquablue Special 1x ? Maybe ATI Blue+, maybe an Actinic bulb? Would that sort of combination give some good contrast and pop without being too blue?

04/07/2013, 11:39 PM	#2
Michigan Mike Freedom costs a buckofive Join Date: May 2012 Location: Michigan Posts: 3,002	2 coral plus 2 blue plus What I'd do but I like blue, actually I'd do more blue... 1 coral plus or aquablue special if you want 1 purple plus 2 blue plus Use an aquablue special if your worried about too much blue. Otherwise people like the coral plus. This will look good. Last edited by Michigan Mike; 04/08/2013 at 12:13 AM.

04/08/2013, 11:13 PM	#3
GroktheCube Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 2,063	Thanks very much, I appreciate the advice!