ATI True Actinics

PinkPunisher · 12/29/2014, 09:29 AM

So I recently switched from LED to T5 when I upgrade my 40B to a 75 gallon. I'm currently running two Blue Plus and two Coral Plus, while I like the colour it leaves on my tank I'm really not satisfied with the fluorescence of my corals. When I had the LEDs running my flame bubble tip anemone looked like it was on fire but now its just a sort orangey/red. It looks like it has the potential to be amazing looking still but it just isn't getting the right light to truly show. I'm sure part of it has to do with switching to T5s but will adding two True Actinics help me get the colours I want to see in my corals? I'm not concerned in what they offer in terms of Par/Pur frankly. I can't seem to find many people using them, heck the ATI site doesn't even suggest them in a single colour combination? Are they only really used with MH or something?

sabo · 12/29/2014, 09:39 AM

From what I have read, people say the giesemann pure actinic is closest to the old vho actinics.

ghostman · 12/29/2014, 09:43 AM

When I switched from LED back to T5, I missed the unrealistic "pop" of the blue and violet LEDs. If you replaced a Coral+ with an ATI or Geismann actinic bulb, you might recapture some of the color you're looking for. My option was to add Reefbrite strips that bolt directly onto the ATI Sunpowers, not the PowerModule though-you'd have to drill a few holes. The reefbrites add just enough glow without overpowering the lighting. More $$$, but I like the look and kept my current bulb arrangement. Sadly, I don't think you'll get that "glow" with T5 bulbs alone.

PinkPunisher · 12/29/2014, 10:05 AM

Sorry I should have specified I'd upgrade from a 4 bulb to a 6, not that I would be replacing any bulbs with actinics. Ideally I would love to find a used 6 bulb ATI Sunpower but will likely settle with a 6 bulb Tek.

I've been heavily debating whether to cave and just buy a more expensive led bar like the buildmyled actinic bar but don't want to fork out that much yet. I guess if I'm not happy adding two actinics then I will have to get the led lol

ghostman · 12/29/2014, 01:18 PM

Ok. Understood. I've got 8 bulb Sunpowers with 5 Blue+, 1 Coral+, 1 Purple+, and and 1 actinic. I like the look, but added the LED strips for effect. I think a 6 bulb config gives you so many more options, it's the way to go.

12/29/2014, 09:29 AM	#1
PinkPunisher Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: GTA, Ontario Posts: 107	ATI True Actinics So I recently switched from LED to T5 when I upgrade my 40B to a 75 gallon. I'm currently running two Blue Plus and two Coral Plus, while I like the colour it leaves on my tank I'm really not satisfied with the fluorescence of my corals. When I had the LEDs running my flame bubble tip anemone looked like it was on fire but now its just a sort orangey/red. It looks like it has the potential to be amazing looking still but it just isn't getting the right light to truly show. I'm sure part of it has to do with switching to T5s but will adding two True Actinics help me get the colours I want to see in my corals? I'm not concerned in what they offer in terms of Par/Pur frankly. I can't seem to find many people using them, heck the ATI site doesn't even suggest them in a single colour combination? Are they only really used with MH or something?

12/29/2014, 09:43 AM	#3
ghostman Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Spring Hill, Florida Posts: 1,629	When I switched from LED back to T5, I missed the unrealistic "pop" of the blue and violet LEDs. If you replaced a Coral+ with an ATI or Geismann actinic bulb, you might recapture some of the color you're looking for. My option was to add Reefbrite strips that bolt directly onto the ATI Sunpowers, not the PowerModule though-you'd have to drill a few holes. The reefbrites add just enough glow without overpowering the lighting. More $$$, but I like the look and kept my current bulb arrangement. Sadly, I don't think you'll get that "glow" with T5 bulbs alone. __________________ When you die, you don't know you're dead. It's only difficult for the people around you. It's the same when you're stupid. Current Tank Info: 40IM Fusion, 40lbs of rock, and 20lbs of sand. Just a few fish and corals....for now.

12/29/2014, 01:18 PM	#5
ghostman Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Spring Hill, Florida Posts: 1,629	Ok. Understood. I've got 8 bulb Sunpowers with 5 Blue+, 1 Coral+, 1 Purple+, and and 1 actinic. I like the look, but added the LED strips for effect. I think a 6 bulb config gives you so many more options, it's the way to go. __________________ When you die, you don't know you're dead. It's only difficult for the people around you. It's the same when you're stupid. Current Tank Info: 40IM Fusion, 40lbs of rock, and 20lbs of sand. Just a few fish and corals....for now.

12/29/2014, 09:39 AM	#2
sabo Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Posts: 121	From what I have read, people say the giesemann pure actinic is closest to the old vho actinics.

12/29/2014, 10:05 AM	#4
PinkPunisher Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: GTA, Ontario Posts: 107	Sorry I should have specified I'd upgrade from a 4 bulb to a 6, not that I would be replacing any bulbs with actinics. Ideally I would love to find a used 6 bulb ATI Sunpower but will likely settle with a 6 bulb Tek. I've been heavily debating whether to cave and just buy a more expensive led bar like the buildmyled actinic bar but don't want to fork out that much yet. I guess if I'm not happy adding two actinics then I will have to get the led lol