Bulbs

[scabbedwings616]

I just got a new metal halide and t-5 combo. I changed out the ballast as I knew it was cheap but want to change out the bulbs also. I have seahorse and a few Sps corals and a few leather corals. I am wondering what everyone uses and what to use. I also want to upgrade the t-5 ballasts and unsure what to get.

 

[cameronh]

[HASHTAG]#reefsquad[/HASHTAG], @kschweer, might have an answer for you. Good luck!

 

[Bpb]

Does your fixture use single ended mogul, or double ended hqi bulbs? How many t5ho bulbs? And what kind of color do you prefer? Blue heavy or do you like a brighter white look?

 

[scabbedwings616]

Double ended

 

[scabbedwings616]

Four t-5 24 watts and I crisp white with a hint of blue. Right now I have a quad with 2 coral plus and 2 blue plus.

 

[waybad41willys]

Check out the E5 bulbs I am use 10 60" on my s650 the are direct fit for t5 fixture very little heat and might use 1/10 the power even better have an 8 year usable lifespan

 

[scabbedwings616]

What is Coral growth like with these new lights?

 

[waybad41willys]

I have just started using them coloration is great and polyp extension also If all statement about them are true should be greatest thing since sliced bread
I was looking into them and was speaking with Eric from digital aquatic he said he had done a lot of testing and really likes them also. Time will tell

 

[Bpb]

I would maybe try either the Phoenix 14k, Hamilton 14k, or Ushio 14k bulbs (that's in order from bluest to whitest, despite their identical kelvin rating), and for the t5ho I would use 2 blue+ and 2 true actinic. When all bulbs are firing it will be truly beautiful bright white but with lots of fluorescence. The blue+ and actinic combo alone makes a fantastic dawn dusk look