Best t5 combo?

[reeflover]

I am going to my lfs to purchase some ati t5 bulbs for my new 48" (6 bulb) fixture. I was wondering what everyone thinks is a good combination. I know it's depends on the person but I have never had t5 bulbs and with all the color choices from ati, it is a little over whelming. It is a mixed reef mostly sps with a few lps and chalices on the sand. I am looking for a full spectrum bulb combo that is near a 14-20k appearance during the day and then some sort of blue bulbs I bring out the fluorescent colors in the corals.

The lights are set up to be on 2 separate timers, front 3 bulbs are on one and back 3 on the second.

If anyone has any suggestions and has pictures of what their tank look like with it, that would be awesome!!

Thanks again!
Connor

 

[wuuzzzuuppp]

I asked the same question to someone at bulk reef supply and this is what he told me. Hope it helps!! What color spectrum do you typically like? Myself I like to be in the 14-18k range so it's typically a little bluer but not too blue. For me I would do 4 ATi coral plus and 2 ATi blue plus. This will give you a nice blue spectrum and helps the anemone's colors pop. Bulbs are one of the hardest thing to configure as everyone does have their own taste. You can use that as a base and change up the bulbs to your liking :)

 

[reeflover]

Thank you! I talk to lee at SWE and he told me 4 blue plus, 1 coral plus and 1 other that I am forgetting!

 

[Diamond1]

Here's a link to a good thread with lots of info on t5 bulbs that may help.
https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/eq...tive-radiation-rating-what-bulbs-use-etc.html

 

[MBG75]

What t5 fixture are you using? Usually each ballast fires 2 bulbs. Not sure how your going to run 3 and 3.

6 bulbs with SPS, I'd run
2 coral+
3 blue+
1 purple+

 

[Rob&Gab]

Thank you! I talk to lee at SWE and he told me 4 blue plus, 1 coral plus and 1 other that I am forgetting!

for a 6 bulb set up


Blue+
coral+
Blue+
Blue+
Purple+
Blue+

 

[Rob&Gab]

But i switched up the bulb combo, let me tell you the growth and color im getting issssss CRAZZZZZY. but running a 8Bulb. ill get you the specs tomorrow. to lazy to go down stairs lol.

 

[jeremy]

for a 6 bulb set up


Blue+
coral+
Blue+
Blue+
Purple+
Blue+

excellent combo good growth and color.

 

[Aqua fire/medic]

for a 6 bulb set up


Blue+
coral+
Blue+
Blue+
Purple+
Blue+

This is what I run..... But gonna add an actinic in place of purple.