Best T5 Bulb Color Scheme

[The Saltwater Kid]

I am thinking of switching from an 150w HQI to T5’s. I would LOVE to go with an LED fixture but just don't think I'll be able to afford it right now (but definitely in the future). My reasons are that I currently have a 20†Sunpod HQI fixture and am upgrading to a 40g breeder tank and I just don’t think the Sunpod will be able to cover the spread of a 36†tank. Secondly I’ve heard that T5’s are more efficient plus they allow you more flexibility in bulb color choice. So my question is…if I went with a 36†fixture that had 4 x 39w bulbs what color bulb choice is the best? I prefer a more blue tank so I was thinking of 2 ATI Blue Plus, 1 KZ Fiji Purple and 1 GE Starcoat…what do you think of that bulb choice, would it give me the blue look I like?

 

[jaytizzle]

Swap the GE Starcoat for a UVL Super Actinic and you have what we refer to on my local club as the Kirk Kombo. Best T5 bulb combo that I have ever seen in person and a LOT of people on our local club run that combo.

 

[soccerbag]

I would agree with Jay above. That's a great combo and would look great! Especially if you like a more blue look. The GE Starcoat would not be good IMO.

 

[m and m]

I think you should wait for a six bulb. I had a old 50g breeder same as 40 just taller and woulda hated 4 due to I don't think it would be a good spread. A used tec shouldn't be bad, or save for the reef koi led fixture 270 I think. Or is saving completely out of the question?

 

[The Saltwater Kid]

My wife and I have our 1st child due in November...I think I can safely say that saving for the reef tank will be put on the back burner for quite a while :).

 

[SunnyX]

I have tried this combo and while it looks great you lose fellows,pinks, and greens overtime. If I were to light a 3' tank I would go with a 24" fixture instead of a 36". I need to find the links but there have been tests that have shown that the 25" fixtures put out more light and more efficient.

As for bulbs, I would go with this combo-

FRONT
ATI blue +
Kz Fiji purple
ATI blue +
ATI aquablue special

To he on the safe side you may want to purchase an extra blue+ encase the tank it too white for you in the above combo.

Swap the GE Starcoat for a UVL Super Actinic and you have what we refer to on my local club as the Kirk Kombo. Best T5 bulb combo that I have ever seen in person and a LOT of people on our local club run that combo.

 

[agent462]

Shorter bulbs are less efficient and put out less par. In fact, 24" bulbs are terrible IMO.

I agree with jaytizzle and Craig. That's a good combo.