T5 Combo suggestion

[Jgoal55]

After over a year, I finally hooked up my T5s in order to supplement my Kessils

Kessils are (left to right):
A500 - a360xe - a360xe - A500

The tank is 8ft long and 22” deep. Mixed reef but mostly SPS dominant.

I’m supplementing the Kessils with 4x 39w T5’s drive by an ATI Hybrid fixture. I bought this slightly used, and wonder if it’s the right bulb selection (see pic). I’ll need new bulbs soon anyway, so planning ahead.

It’s been a while since I researched T5s. Is @sanjay still the lighting guru he was a decade ago?!?

If so, would appreciate your advice!

Lastly, do you all recommend using the violet channel on the Kessils? And if so, at what percentage?

Thank you in advance.

 

[Crabs McJones]

Looks good to me, and the same bulb combination i've used in the past

 

[Jgoal55]

Great. Thank you.

Does the order of the bulbs matter much? The picture list them as they are installed from top to bottom

 

[Crabs McJones]

Great. Thank you.

Does the order of the bulbs matter much? The picture list them as they are installed from top to bottom

The way you have them situated currently is the way i'd go with them :)

 

[bubbgee]

I don't think it should, but it will only affect how the corals will look like to you

 

[bobnicaragua]

The closer the bulb is to the front of the tank, the more impact it will have to you visually.

I have an aqua blue special (white bulb) first and then run my LEDs blue for better coral pop. If you want max shimmer, run all blue plus and set your Kessils to white.

You can’t go wrong with T5 and Kessils. Just do whatever you prefer visually. Your acros will be happy either way.

 

[Jgoal55]

Thank you!

What about the UV channel on the Kessils? Any feedback there?

 

[bobnicaragua]

Thank you!

What about the UV channel on the Kessils? Any feedback there?

I run all the channels on my ReeFi UNOs, but with the T5 it really doesn’t make much difference. The T5 spectrum has everything you need.

 

[bubbgee]

For 2025, how do we feel about ATI True Actinics vs Blue Plus? I replaced my blue plus with actinic tonight and hoping I didn't make a mistake. Objective is for coloration and growth. It is supplemental light to my Orphek OR4 and Natura lights.

 

[bobnicaragua]

For 2025, how do we feel about ATI True Actinics vs Blue Plus? I replaced my blue plus with actinic tonight and hoping I didn't make a mistake. Objective is for coloration and growth. It is supplemental light to my Orphek OR4 and Natura lights.

Watch it and see if you notice a difference, that’s part of the fun!

 

[bubbgee]

Watch it and see if you notice a difference, that’s part of the fun!

LOL ok
How long do you usually keep it that way before deciding to revert back?

 

[Jgoal55]

I run all the channels on my ReeFi UNOs, but with the T5 it really doesn’t make much difference. The T5 spectrum has everything you need.

Thank you. Do you think that additional violet channel will improve coloration & growth?

 

[DenverSaltyFarm]

For 2025, how do we feel about ATI True Actinics vs Blue Plus? I replaced my blue plus with actinic tonight and hoping I didn't make a mistake. Objective is for coloration and growth. It is supplemental light to my Orphek OR4 and Natura lights.

I’ve always had good luck with this bulb combo by BRS back in the day

 

[Jgoal55]

Here’s another related question: how many hours a day would you run the T5s in a set up like mine?

 

[bobnicaragua]

Your par won’t be super high with 4 T5 and Kessils. I would run the T5 6 to 8 hours.

 

[Science/G]

I run two Blue+ with 2 actinics supplementing my AI Primes. I was able to tune the T5's down and adjust them individually in my hybrid fixture so the blend in perfect. I was looking for some fill and the lower part of the spectrum that is lacking in the Primes. I can't say that I have seen any major color changes or shifts from the heavy uv/violet of the Actinics, but I have seen some improvement. The growth spurt was noticeable but maybe attributed to the fill. Your bulb combo is a proven one for sure. Once tuned in to you preferences you should love it

 

[Jgoal55]

Your par won’t be super high with 4 T5 and Kessils. I would run the T5 6 to 8 hours.

It’s 8 total T5s, but he’s, 4 on each side of the tank which I think is why you said 4.

I’m running 4 hrs currently. I’ll bump to 5, then 6, etc

Your bulb combo is a proven one for sure. Once tuned in to you preferences you should love it

Thank you! So far, things are looking great