T5 Bulb Replacement suggestion for AquaticLife T5 Fixture supplementting my Kessil A360X lights

[joe-ejs]

Hello,

As noted in the subject, I have a 90gl setup using (2) Kessil A360X lights along with an AquaticLife T5 - 4 bulb - 80W configuration. I currently use (3) ATI Blue Plus Bulbs and (1) ATI Purple Plus bulb. I have increased the UV/Purple light output in my Kessils.

I noticed the ATI Actinic 03 Bulbs are more at the 420NM Spectrum and seem to have a higher intensity output that the ATI Blue Plus Bulb.

The ATI Blue Plus bulbs seem to peak in the 440-450bm spectrum. The intensity seems to be a little lower also compared to the Actinic 03.

I researched all this data on the BRS site when comparing bulbs.

So my question is, which bulb is a better option to supplement my Kessil A360X bulbs?

I was curious what others are using with this setup, specific to the T5 bulbs.
Thanks!

 

[RedReefer]

When I was running a similar T5/LED set. I used 2 blue+, 1 actinic, 1 purple. If I wanted more whites I switched the purple to a Coral +. The Actinic color is really hard to see by eye. It does help the colors pop. Hope this helps.

 

[nereefpat]

If you feel like you are missing some actinic and some fluorescence, you can try an Actinic bulb.

I don't like ATI's actinic bulb. It is really dim, like you have to squint to tell that the bulb is on. As far as "intensity", I think you've got it backwards. The B+ bulb is the reason everyone uses, and for good reason.

The Coral + bulb is also a great bulb. It is whiter, but not exactly a daylight bulb.

The Purple + pairs well with the B+. The purple balances out the 'green' tint of the B+ bulbs.

If I were running a hybrid (I'm T5 only), I would do 3 B+ and 1 C+, then tinker with the Kessils for spectrum.

 

[joe-ejs]

So initial feedback seems to say sticker with my current config of using 3 of the Blue Plus bulbs and 1 Purple Plus. I dont want to add any white as the Kessil's have that covered, if I want it.

Also, is 18 months or so still the EOL for these bulbs, or has that thought process changed?

 

[nereefpat]

How many hours a day on the T5?

 

[joe-ejs]

How many hours a day on the T5?

I run the T5's 8hrs/day from 12pm-8pm. Kessil's are on for 12hrs..with a ramp up/down..running 6hrs at peak intensity at the moment.

 

[nereefpat]

18 months should be a decent 'rule of thumb.'

Also, I usually mention, buy an extra actinic if you want. 25 bucks. Not a huge deal if you don't like it.