Should I Change my Lights?

[Mike from Penna]

I'm currently running Kessil 360s & T5's. I've been thinking of changing to Orpheks or Radions.

My question is, would my coral have more pop if made the above change? Or would the difference be minimal?

One thing I've heard about Orpheks is under whiter lights the corals have more pop than most other lights.
Thanks.

 

[Saltyreef]

It honestly will come down to your spectrum adjustments on whatever fixture you choose. The kessils have a very set spectrum control vs something like the individual color control on the orphek.

You could probably tweak the spectrum of the kessils and swap T5 bulb color easy enough without having to spend a whole month of retirement savings on new lights.

Or simply add a cheap actinic strip to get the pop you want during the current daylight spectrum without sacrificing a reacclamation of your tank.

most times, as you probably know, very small to no changes are best If your corals are happy.

 

[Troylee]

I think what you’re running is great! Radion is hyped up and not that good honestly! If you’re gonna spend that kind of money look at reef breeder meridians!

 

[Naturalreef]

I would agree with Salty, Kessil 360’s are great lights! See if you can swap a t5 bulb to complement the Kessil.

 

[Reginald Reefer III]

I'm currently running Kessil 360s & T5's. I've been thinking of changing to Orpheks or Radions.

My question is, would my coral have more pop if made the above change? Or would the difference be minimal?

One thing I've heard about Orpheks is under whiter lights the corals have more pop than most other lights.
Thanks.

I added a UV/Actinic Lumilite Strip and the corals pop MUCH more now.

EDIT - I run a 6 bulb ATI T5 fixture

 

[Mike from Penna]

Any advice on which T5s I should use. Here's what I currently use:
2- blue plus
1- coral plus
1- true actinic 03

Thanks, Mike

 

[Reginald Reefer III]

That's good combo. You aren't going to get the hyper fluorescence with only T5, even with a true actinic. You need UV and blue/violet close to the UV spectrum for the pop.

 

[Canned55]

You have my dream set up! I just got a used Aquaticlife fixture and I will be using Current USA R24 with it until i have to upgrade since they are pretty much discontinued.

I agree with a previous posts saying that you could swap out the t5 bulbs to get the pop you are looking for.
I plan on swapping mine to:

Giessmann
Actinic blue x 2
Super purple x 1
Aquablue coral x 1

 

[twentyleagues]

Any advice on which T5s I should use. Here's what I currently use:
2- blue plus
1- coral plus
1- true actinic 03

Thanks, Mike

Drop the coral plus and get another actinic.

 

[Reginald Reefer III]

Drop the coral plus and get another actinic.

IMO need 1 daylight spectrum (coral plus) or it will just look like windex 24/7, unless you like that look.

 

[twentyleagues]

IMO need 1 daylight spectrum (coral plus) or it will just look like windex 24/7, unless you like that look.

The actinic purplish color would be over ridden if the Kessils were run whiter but the coral fluorescents would still be there. Adding another blue+ would definitely cause a more windex look. I did not like the coral+ for white something was off on it too warm maybe idk. I think I liked the aquablue special more of a cool white look. This was 16-17 years ago so I could be remembering it wrong as well. I do like a slightly blue but high white appearance favorite reefs were under 14k phoenix bulbs. I ran those along with actinic t5 for the coral pop and you could not see any effect from the actinic other than fluorescence with the mh on.

 

[fishface NJ]

IMO need 1 daylight spectrum (coral plus) or it will just look like windex 24/7, unless you like that look.

I agree. I run the same bulbs as you do
2- blue plus
1- coral plus
1- true actinic 03

I added two Orpheks bars that I have attached to my T5 unit to give me the color pop

 

[Mike from Penna]

I agree. I run the same bulbs as you do
2- blue plus
1- coral plus
1- true actinic 03

I added two Orpheks bars that I have attached to my T5 unit to give me the color pop

Did you add the Orpheks blue plus OR3. How did you add it along side the T5s? My fixture is the aquatic life T5 hybrid light fixture.

 

[fishface NJ]

I drilled two small holes into an area I new that wouldn't interfere inside. One unit in the front and one in the rear

 

[Mike from Penna]

I drilled two small holes into an area I new that wouldn't interfere inside. One unit in the front and one in the rear

Thanks.