T 5 bulbs - bulbs/timing/ looking for suggestions.

jcohen

Member
In the process of changing my 8 T-5 54 watt bulbs, and not sure which bulbs to get. Right now:

the timer comes on at 5pm for the first 4, which are which are a mix of 2 actinic and 2 aqua blue.
then, at 6pm, the second 4 turn on which are 2 actinic and 2 aqua blue.

then they both run until about 1 am.

Need to replace the bulbs and not sure if I should do the same mix and timing. Everything seem to be doing great in tank, but looking to improve.

josh
 
You must really like a white/yellow tank? How do you feel about a very blue tank with corals that pop?

I have a suggestion but need to know which fixture you are running to give you the correct bulb arrangement from front to back.
 
Wow. That's alot of Aquablue. need more regular blues or coral plus and less aquablue to make tank pop more and easier on the eye.
 
Get a KZ fiji purple in the mix,a coral plus bulb,a super actinic a couple aquablues the 75/25 bulb is also very nice. You have Many many options.
 
Josh,

It will help the T5 experts to know what kind look you want (14k, 10K, 17K or 20K) and corals that you are keeping or will keep down the road.

For example: I like the 14k look with a POP..
 
Ok so front to back:

ATI Blue Plus
KZ Fiji Purple
ATI Actinic 03
ATI Blue Plus
*ATI Coral Plus
*ATI Blue Plus
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Actinic 03

For the * Coral Plus, replace with a KZ 14,000k NewGen coral bulb if there is a little too much pink for your liking.

OR

For the * Blue Plus, replace with a GE 6500k daylight bulb if the look is too blue for you, will give you a warmer look with good color.

I wouldn't substitute both thou, as they will both quickly overpower all the blue and make the tank look crisp and washed out.

Also you can substitute one of the ATI actinics for a UVL actinic if you like, they are slightly different and will compliment each other nicely for supplement color.
 
Ok so front to back:

ATI Blue Plus
KZ Fiji Purple
ATI Actinic 03
ATI Blue Plus
*ATI Coral Plus
*ATI Blue Plus
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Actinic 03

For the * Coral Plus, replace with a KZ 14,000k NewGen coral bulb if there is a little too much pink for your liking.

OR

For the * Blue Plus, replace with a GE 6500k daylight bulb if the look is too blue for you, will give you a warmer look with good color.

I wouldn't substitute both thou, as they will both quickly overpower all the blue and make the tank look crisp and washed out.

Also you can substitute one of the ATI actinics for a UVL actinic if you like, they are slightly different and will compliment each other nicely for supplement color.

Not to threadjack, but what would you do for a 4 x 54W setup out of those?
 
Not to threadjack, but what would you do for a 4 x 54W setup out of those?

Three Blue Plus and

Fiji purple if you have lots of red/orange coral (very blue with some pink)

Coral Plus for good all around neutral blue color (nice rich blue)

GE 6500k daylight if you like a warmer blue tank with vibrant greens and yellows. (rich blue / white)
 
Three Blue Plus and

Fiji purple if you have lots of red/orange coral (very blue with some pink)

Coral Plus for good all around neutral blue color (nice rich blue)

GE 6500k daylight if you like a warmer blue tank with vibrant greens and yellows. (rich blue / white)

Thanks FishBeard!
 
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