Struggling with a bulb combo in my ATI 6x80

[Fphipps]

I feel like the T5 is so much brighter than the LEDs. I have a Kessil on my 47 column. The colors just do not compare. I have 4 blue plus, one actinic and one coral plus. Can anyone make a recommendation so I don't have to drop $800 on kessils?? The color of the tank is pale. Not like the blue I get from the LEDs. Maybe I shouldn't expect it to be?

[IowaJeeping]

what bulbs you have now? I would kill to have a 6x80 ATI light. My 6x54 is blue using 3 blue +, 2 coral + and 1 purple

[Fphipps]

4 blue plus, one actinic and one coral plus right now

[xmas_one]

If you like "LED blue", throw some reef brites on it.

[redwhiteandblue]

In my opinion, You will never get the led blue from t5, things will always be brighter and "pale". I tried every combo with the same fixture as you. I could never get used to the blue plus bulb. T5 just always seemed flat to me. But it did grow some sps!

[jdraider75]

I agree with earlier post. Add a 60 inch blue Reefbrite strip to front of fixture. It's hard to notice with daylights on but with just actinic on an reef Brite it add a good pop. I run just the Reefbrite 30 minutes before and after t5 lights for the blue led pop. The brackets screw right in to the sunpower. The combo your running is good but if you don't like it I have a link for other popular combos.
http://www.atinorthamerica.com/faq.php

[Fphipps]

Hmmm I have some LEDs from an old DIY set up I had used for a year or so. Maybe I can rig those up

[IowaJeeping]

There is a Presentation from MACNA 2014 on youtube by Nick Klase, check it out it will help explain LED's and why the colors are there and using your eye to match is a BAD BAD BAD idea. Im at work and would post a link but youtube is block

[wcharon]

I am using 3 Blue +, 1 True Actinic, 1 Coral + and 1 P+ and i love it. I also added the Blue Reefbrite and it makes flourecent colors pop. I use the Reefbrite for Dawn/Dusk but i leave it on thru the whole cycle becuase with the other lights on it still gives a little pop.

Give it a try. You will not regret it. I was in the same decision as you for almost 2 years trying different combos of bulbs. Also the order of the bulbs make a huge difference so you will have to try it by yourself.

[RainbowReefer]

In all honesty I would go with a 5B+ and one purple. With adding the reefbright during the day you won't see a big diffrnce but at night you can have that run by itself for a few hours to get your LED time.

[nickdo]

I suggest remove the white bulb if you like LED's blue.

5B+ 2Actinic 1kz fiji purple is my choice for my 8tubes sunpower.

for 6tubes, 3B 2actinic 1kz fiji purple maybe worth a try.

[scooter31707]

I use 4 blue+, 1 coral+, and 1+ purple+

[wcharon]

Originally Posted by scooter31707

I use 4 blue+, 1 coral+, and 1+ purple+

I was using this combo also until i replaced a B+ for the Actinic. Give it a try.