choosing a good colour temp with T5HO bulbs

medicreefer · 03/05/2010, 08:22 PM

I'm running a current USA 96w (4 x 24w) T5HO set-up on my 20g tall reef tank. It's been running with the stock lights which are 2 x 10,000k daylights and 2 x 460nm actinics. It's time for me to replace the bulbs and I'm wondering what my options are and what would be best in the opinions of some of you much more expereinced reefers that are running T5HO set-ups.

Current USA doesn't have many options in the 24" 24w bulb category so if I stick with their bulbs I'll probably have to go for the exact same set-up as I have right now with 2 daylights and 2 actinics. The only other options with them is a 6,700k bulb and a 420nm actinic.

In other brands I've been able to find Giesemann bulbs of varying colour temps. One is called aquablue+ and the description states: "60% actinic and 40% combination (15000K). Great as a stand-alone bulb, or in combination with Daylights or Actinic bulbs." I'm not sure if this means it's 60% actinic and 40% 15,000k or if the overall colour temp is 15,000k but that's what I'm assuming. Could I use 4 of these bulbs? How is the Giesemann brand? This would give me a slightly bluer tank than I have now I'm thinking but is that ok? Giesemann also has 450nm and 421nm bulbs available that I can mix in any combination. Any suggestions?

Also available are Aqua-Science, Korallen-Zucht and URI bulbs of varying colour temps (actinic, 20,000k, 17,500k, 14,00k, 10,000k, etc.) There's so much to choose from I can't decide. Looking for Ideas/advice. I'm ok with a slightly bluer look than I currently have but not too much.

rtparty · 03/05/2010, 09:13 PM

ATI Blue Plus
KZ Fiji Purple
ATI Aquablue
ATI Blue Plus

You can switch out for Geisemann bulbs if you would like. Get the Actinic Plus in place of the ATI Blue Plus and the Gmann Aquablue is the same as the ATI Aquablue.

That combo should put you right around 14K. IF that is too blue then switching out the Aquablue for a GE 6500K is the way to go.

edit - just saw you were in Canada. LAst I heard it is hard to get ATI stuff up there.

SO do this combo:

Gmann Actinic Plus (450nm bulb, nice and blue)
KZ Fiji Purple (brings out your reds, pinks and purples)
Gmann Aquablue or GE 6500K (The GE will make the tank whiter but will pick up some greens and yellows)
GMann Actinic Plus

medicreefer · 03/06/2010, 12:46 AM

Thanks for your help. I figured spelling "colour" rather than "color" would have given my location away. Don't ask me why we insist on adding extra letters to words!

Your right about ATI. Can't find their bulbs anywhere. But your suggestions seem great. I might pick up five bulbs and play with different combos to see what kind of looks I can achieve. I noticed that both of your suggested options include a fiji purple so I'm thinking that's an important one. You mentioned considering swapping out the Aquablue for a 6500K lamp. Would it be ok to swap out for a 10,000k lamp if I sisn't want to go all the way down to 6500, or would that not bring out enough of the greens/yellows? So many choices!

rtparty · 03/06/2010, 06:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by medicreefer

Thanks for your help. I figured spelling "colour" rather than "color" would have given my location away. Don't ask me why we insist on adding extra letters to words!

Your right about ATI. Can't find their bulbs anywhere. But your suggestions seem great. I might pick up five bulbs and play with different combos to see what kind of looks I can achieve. I noticed that both of your suggested options include a fiji purple so I'm thinking that's an important one. You mentioned considering swapping out the Aquablue for a 6500K lamp. Would it be ok to swap out for a 10,000k lamp if I sisn't want to go all the way down to 6500, or would that not bring out enough of the greens/yellows? So many choices!

The Aquablue bulbs are 10000k. I don't know why they call them 12000k. They are pretty darn white to me.

The GE 6500K isn't as yellow as you think. It is more of an ivory green closer to 10000k. Buying an extra bulb is a great idea. The GE is only like $12 or something cheap and it is good to have a spare.

yeldarbj · 03/06/2010, 07:34 AM

I'll second the bulb choices made by rtparty. It's a very good combo. I would have suggested the same thing. The Geisemann bulbs are just as good as ATI - in fact I prefer them right now having had a few ATI blues burn out early on me.

I'd also recommend buying an extra bulb or two just so you have some spare and can try some different combos.

medicreefer · 03/06/2010, 01:53 PM

Thanks again. Based on your recommendations I think that's the combo i'm going to try out.

A few more quick questions though... I can only find the Gmann Aquablue+, is that the same as the Gmann Aquablue that you mentioned? You refered to it looking close to 10000k but being listed as 12000k. The one I found (aquablue+) is listed as "60% actinic and 40% combination (15000K)". It doesn't sound like the same bulb that you're talking about. Also, with the bulb combo you are suggesting is there anything I should be aware of that I can't keep in my 20g tall under 96w of total light? Any colours that won't show well? Right now I only have softies but i'm finally looking to take the plunge into some LPS and hardier SPS.

And finally, as for the GE 6500k, any Canadians know where I can find these bulbs in the Toronto area or mail order?

rtparty · 03/06/2010, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by medicreefer

Thanks again. Based on your recommendations I think that's the combo i'm going to try out.

A few more quick questions though... I can only find the Gmann Aquablue+, is that the same as the Gmann Aquablue that you mentioned? You refered to it looking close to 10000k but being listed as 12000k. The one I found (aquablue+) is listed as "60% actinic and 40% combination (15000K)". It doesn't sound like the same bulb that you're talking about. Also, with the bulb combo you are suggesting is there anything I should be aware of that I can't keep in my 20g tall under 96w of total light? Any colours that won't show well? Right now I only have softies but i'm finally looking to take the plunge into some LPS and hardier SPS.

And finally, as for the GE 6500k, any Canadians know where I can find these bulbs in the Toronto area or mail order?

That is the Gmann Aquablue. I have no idea why they rate it at 15000k. It really isn't but that is the one you want.

The Actinic Plus will pop just about every color in the tank. They have a lot of actinic in them to help things out. The KZ Fiji Purple will pop all of your reds and pinks. The Aquablue will pick up some greens and yellows and brighten up the whole look. The GE will pick up yellows and greens better than the Aquablue.

You can get the Gmann midday instead of the GE if you like. They are nearly identical.

You should be able to keep just about whatever you want. You will want to acclimate the corals to the new light. It will be considerably higher PAR over the stock lamps.

medicreefer · 03/06/2010, 06:21 PM

Any ideas on how to acclimate to the new light? My fixture is a Current USA Nova Extreme with mounting legs so adjusting the height will be a bit difficult. Could I maybe just switch out one bulb per day for a new one? Also, how do people feel about the acrylic splash cover that comes with these units. Should I just remove it to get more PAR or will taking it off just result in a bunch of splash getting onto the bulbs and reflector?

rtparty · 03/06/2010, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by medicreefer

Any ideas on how to acclimate to the new light? My fixture is a Current USA Nova Extreme with mounting legs so adjusting the height will be a bit difficult. Could I maybe just switch out one bulb per day for a new one? Also, how do people feel about the acrylic splash cover that comes with these units. Should I just remove it to get more PAR or will taking it off just result in a bunch of splash getting onto the bulbs and reflector?

Just a new bulb every couple days and cut the time down by a couple hours a day.

Is there a fan on that model? If there is then leave the shield on. I would still recommend leaving the shield on so you don't ruin the reflectors with splashing.

medicreefer · 03/08/2010, 07:26 PM

One more question, although a bit off-topic...

I'm planning on keeping a Jawfish so I need a screen... This is what I'm looking at doing: http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/inde...owtopic=212941 . Any ideas on how much of a negative effect it will have on my PAR values? Would it be less or more than a glass top?

Thanks again

rtparty · 03/08/2010, 08:18 PM

The clear mesh blocks very little if any light at all. I have one on my tank now and see no difference when I remove it and put it back on.

A glass top will drop PAR about 20% or so and will hurt your tank overall. It doesn't allow as much gas exchange as an open top.

super dad · 03/08/2010, 08:51 PM

i see your in toronto, i was just at oakville reef gallery to pick up some t5 they have great deals with great bubls
i got a fiji purple, aqua science duo and 2 korallen super blue. looks great nice blue with just t-5 and a nice crisp white-blue with the 14k mh

medicreefer · 03/08/2010, 09:38 PM

Thanks for all the feedback rtparty. You've been a great help.

And thanks super dad. I've never been to Oakville Reef Gallery. I live in Brampton and do most of my shopping at Big Als Mississauga and Big Als Woodbridge (the one in Brampton is terrible). I've also been to a small ma-and-pa aquarium store in Georgetown that seems pretty good. Nice to see a fellow Ontarian. What would you recommend as the best store for reefers in the GTA for price/value on equipment, etc? Also, what would you recommend as the store with the best selection of livestock?

super dad · 03/09/2010, 07:36 PM

i live about 2 hours north of t.o. so I dont go very often, but Oakville reef gallery (org) has the best prices on lights and great deals on equipment and very nice corals. the BA in Oakville is good as well. you should also check out reef raft just down the road from BA miss it has some great corals as well.
You can also check out Aquariumpros.ca for a lot of local reefers with stuff for sale, lots of local venders post sales on the site as well

03/05/2010, 08:22 PM	#1
medicreefer Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Toronto, Ontario Posts: 115	choosing a good colour temp with T5HO bulbs I'm running a current USA 96w (4 x 24w) T5HO set-up on my 20g tall reef tank. It's been running with the stock lights which are 2 x 10,000k daylights and 2 x 460nm actinics. It's time for me to replace the bulbs and I'm wondering what my options are and what would be best in the opinions of some of you much more expereinced reefers that are running T5HO set-ups. Current USA doesn't have many options in the 24" 24w bulb category so if I stick with their bulbs I'll probably have to go for the exact same set-up as I have right now with 2 daylights and 2 actinics. The only other options with them is a 6,700k bulb and a 420nm actinic. In other brands I've been able to find Giesemann bulbs of varying colour temps. One is called aquablue+ and the description states: "60% actinic and 40% combination (15000K). Great as a stand-alone bulb, or in combination with Daylights or Actinic bulbs." I'm not sure if this means it's 60% actinic and 40% 15,000k or if the overall colour temp is 15,000k but that's what I'm assuming. Could I use 4 of these bulbs? How is the Giesemann brand? This would give me a slightly bluer tank than I have now I'm thinking but is that ok? Giesemann also has 450nm and 421nm bulbs available that I can mix in any combination. Any suggestions? Also available are Aqua-Science, Korallen-Zucht and URI bulbs of varying colour temps (actinic, 20,000k, 17,500k, 14,00k, 10,000k, etc.) There's so much to choose from I can't decide. Looking for Ideas/advice. I'm ok with a slightly bluer look than I currently have but not too much. __________________ Corey Current Tank Info: 55 gallon mixed reef

03/05/2010, 09:13 PM	#2
rtparty Raise The Reef! Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Utah Posts: 7,404	ATI Blue Plus KZ Fiji Purple ATI Aquablue ATI Blue Plus You can switch out for Geisemann bulbs if you would like. Get the Actinic Plus in place of the ATI Blue Plus and the Gmann Aquablue is the same as the ATI Aquablue. That combo should put you right around 14K. IF that is too blue then switching out the Aquablue for a GE 6500K is the way to go. edit - just saw you were in Canada. LAst I heard it is hard to get ATI stuff up there. SO do this combo: Gmann Actinic Plus (450nm bulb, nice and blue) KZ Fiji Purple (brings out your reds, pinks and purples) Gmann Aquablue or GE 6500K (The GE will make the tank whiter but will pick up some greens and yellows) GMann Actinic Plus __________________ 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+

03/06/2010, 12:46 AM	#3
medicreefer Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Toronto, Ontario Posts: 115	Thanks for your help. I figured spelling "colour" rather than "color" would have given my location away. Don't ask me why we insist on adding extra letters to words! Your right about ATI. Can't find their bulbs anywhere. But your suggestions seem great. I might pick up five bulbs and play with different combos to see what kind of looks I can achieve. I noticed that both of your suggested options include a fiji purple so I'm thinking that's an important one. You mentioned considering swapping out the Aquablue for a 6500K lamp. Would it be ok to swap out for a 10,000k lamp if I sisn't want to go all the way down to 6500, or would that not bring out enough of the greens/yellows? So many choices! __________________ Corey Current Tank Info: 55 gallon mixed reef

03/06/2010, 01:53 PM	#6
medicreefer Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Toronto, Ontario Posts: 115	Thanks again. Based on your recommendations I think that's the combo i'm going to try out. A few more quick questions though... I can only find the Gmann Aquablue+, is that the same as the Gmann Aquablue that you mentioned? You refered to it looking close to 10000k but being listed as 12000k. The one I found (aquablue+) is listed as "60% actinic and 40% combination (15000K)". It doesn't sound like the same bulb that you're talking about. Also, with the bulb combo you are suggesting is there anything I should be aware of that I can't keep in my 20g tall under 96w of total light? Any colours that won't show well? Right now I only have softies but i'm finally looking to take the plunge into some LPS and hardier SPS. And finally, as for the GE 6500k, any Canadians know where I can find these bulbs in the Toronto area or mail order? __________________ Corey Current Tank Info: 55 gallon mixed reef

03/06/2010, 06:21 PM	#8
medicreefer Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Toronto, Ontario Posts: 115	Any ideas on how to acclimate to the new light? My fixture is a Current USA Nova Extreme with mounting legs so adjusting the height will be a bit difficult. Could I maybe just switch out one bulb per day for a new one? Also, how do people feel about the acrylic splash cover that comes with these units. Should I just remove it to get more PAR or will taking it off just result in a bunch of splash getting onto the bulbs and reflector? __________________ Corey Current Tank Info: 55 gallon mixed reef

03/06/2010, 07:34 AM	#5
yeldarbj Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 1,295	I'll second the bulb choices made by rtparty. It's a very good combo. I would have suggested the same thing. The Geisemann bulbs are just as good as ATI - in fact I prefer them right now having had a few ATI blues burn out early on me. I'd also recommend buying an extra bulb or two just so you have some spare and can try some different combos.

03/08/2010, 07:26 PM	#10
medicreefer Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Toronto, Ontario Posts: 115	One more question, although a bit off-topic... I'm planning on keeping a Jawfish so I need a screen... This is what I'm looking at doing: http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/inde...owtopic=212941 . Any ideas on how much of a negative effect it will have on my PAR values? Would it be less or more than a glass top? Thanks again __________________ Corey Current Tank Info: 55 gallon mixed reef

03/08/2010, 08:18 PM	#11
rtparty Raise The Reef! Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Utah Posts: 7,404	The clear mesh blocks very little if any light at all. I have one on my tank now and see no difference when I remove it and put it back on. A glass top will drop PAR about 20% or so and will hurt your tank overall. It doesn't allow as much gas exchange as an open top. __________________ 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+

03/08/2010, 08:51 PM	#12
super dad Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: victoria harbour ontario Posts: 26	i see your in toronto, i was just at oakville reef gallery to pick up some t5 they have great deals with great bubls i got a fiji purple, aqua science duo and 2 korallen super blue. looks great nice blue with just t-5 and a nice crisp white-blue with the 14k mh

03/08/2010, 09:38 PM	#13
medicreefer Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Toronto, Ontario Posts: 115	Thanks for all the feedback rtparty. You've been a great help. And thanks super dad. I've never been to Oakville Reef Gallery. I live in Brampton and do most of my shopping at Big Als Mississauga and Big Als Woodbridge (the one in Brampton is terrible). I've also been to a small ma-and-pa aquarium store in Georgetown that seems pretty good. Nice to see a fellow Ontarian. What would you recommend as the best store for reefers in the GTA for price/value on equipment, etc? Also, what would you recommend as the store with the best selection of livestock? __________________ Corey Current Tank Info: 55 gallon mixed reef

03/09/2010, 07:36 PM	#14
super dad Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: victoria harbour ontario Posts: 26	i live about 2 hours north of t.o. so I dont go very often, but Oakville reef gallery (org) has the best prices on lights and great deals on equipment and very nice corals. the BA in Oakville is good as well. you should also check out reef raft just down the road from BA miss it has some great corals as well. You can also check out Aquariumpros.ca for a lot of local reefers with stuff for sale, lots of local venders post sales on the site as well