29g 30" wide lighting?

[Mandrew]

I was thinking about setting up a 29g tank but I'm facing the problem of wanting to use t5 lighting 100%. t5 commonly only come as 24" bulbs and 36" bulbs. I do not want a 30" Coralife fixture because I'm planning to use ATI bulbs. What is my best option? I really don't want to use leds on this tank.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

I was thinking about setting up a 29g tank but I'm facing the problem of wanting to use t5 lighting 100%. t5 commonly only come as 24" bulbs and 36" bulbs. I do not want a 30" Coralife fixture because I'm planning to use ATI bulbs. What is my best option? I really don't want to use leds on this tank.

get the 24 in ATI and don't worry at all. You'll lose 3in. on either side. visually I'd doubt you'd notice. Par drop would be minimal but acceptable IMO. An Led would just add shimmer and ramp. (boy i'd miss that) but I like the wide T5 light too. On a 29 you only need 2 tubes close to it. Like 8 in. That's a lotta par In a shallow tank.

 

[philfree]

get the 24 in ATI and don't worry at all. You'll lose 3in. on either side. visually I'd doubt you'd notice. Par drop would be minimal but acceptable IMO. An Led would just add shimmer and ramp. (boy i'd miss that) but I like the wide T5 light too. On a 29 you only need 2 tubes close to it. Like 8 in. That's a lotta par In a shallow tank.

+1 i used a 24" ATI over when i had my 29G, the few inches lost on either side was a zero issue. Especially if you scaped your rock on the sides to accommodate for the casting of light. Honestly, even if you dont, you wont be disappointed. :)

 

[Mandrew]

Cool! I was planning on a 4 bulb fixture because I'd like to try out some sps someday

 

[Mandrew]

Now for the ultimate question... which 4 ATI bulbs do I chose? I like a blue tank but not terribly blue. I was thinking maybe 3 blue+ and 1 purple+ what are your suggestions?

 

[Water Dog]

3 Blue +
1 Coral +

 

[Mandrew]

Do you use that combo? Do you have pics if so?

 

[Water Dog]

I do not currently run that combo as I'm currently running an LED only system. I prefer a whiter look. In my next upgrade, going back to T5, I will be running a 6 bulb fixture with 3 Blue+, 2 Coral+ and 1 Purple+.

 

[Mandrew]

I like the more blue look for sure. But I also don't want it to be like actinic blue only lol

 

[Mandrew]

One last chance before I order!!! Best 4 bulb t5 ATI combo?

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

B+ c+ b+ p+. I'd get an extra c+ and b+ if I could to be able to play with the colors.

 

[Mandrew]

For growth or color? Bulk reef supply suggests 2 blue plus and 2 aquablue special

 

[Water Dog]

If you like a bluish look, then you'll have absolutely nothing to do with the Aquablue Special. :D

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

For growth or color? Bulk reef supply suggests 2 blue plus and 2 aquablue special

Won't matter. Therese no proven correlation imo. The same coral grows under 10k 14k and 20k. It's the amount of par alk and flow and what trying to grow.
Look at other tanks.

You'll already be in the 3 to 500 par plus range at the top with a four tube depending on the height so.....

And that sounds like a totally blue color. Jus sayin.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

If you like a bluish look, then you'll have absolutely nothing to do with the Aquablue Special. :D

It's a green white yea?

 

[Mandrew]

If you like a bluish look, then you'll have absolutely nothing to do with the Aquablue Special. :D

It's such a hard decision lol everyone has a different bulb selection they prefer...

 

[Mandrew]

I think I might go with two coral plus and two blue plus. That will give me some white but not too terribly much and not too much blue

 

[Water Dog]

Aquablue Special is just really white, so much so that I feel everything looks washed out with them. Coral+ on the other hand maintains a crispness... if that makes any sense.

 

[Mandrew]

Makes total sense lol. I just placed my order. Went with 2 coral plus and 2 blue plus.

 

[Water Dog]

Nice! Did you get the ATI fixture too?