2 bulb t5 color combination suggestion (2t5+20k led strip)

[AMAYEU]

Hi Everyone,

I am not too familiar with t5 color combinations, and need some suggestions. I see alot of combinations for 4/6/8 bulbs but not too many on 2 bulb with leds.

I am building a t5 / led hybrid for a red sea max 130.
Dimensions roughly = 24"x4" space within the hood. Abput 24" from sandbed to leds.
It will be t5 / led strip / t5
- 1 ROW t5s 24"/24w
- 18" led strip constant current with 9 led's (5 royal blue / 4 cool white) roughly 20k look w/no optics
BWBWBWBWB
- 1 ROW t5s 24"/24w

BTW I have a lot of bulbs to use so fire away on any type of suggestions, ie to name a few ATI Blue Plus, ATI Purple Plus, Geismann AquaBlue Plus, UVL AquaSun...

Forgot to mention this is a mixed reef, sps/lps (chalices)/softies(zoas)

Thanks
-Mike

 

[northbay-reefer]

I would try first 1 blue plus, 1 blue actinic.

 

[Grant W]

Mike did you do the changeover and what combo did you go with? If so lets see it.

 

[zeroinverse]

I would guess your LEDs will cover the blue range and the "yellow" spectral outputs. In that case, I would either emphasize the actinics to get the "UV spectrums" or the RED & GREENS that you can't easily get with LEDs.

So I would say try Purple Plus, or a Aquablue Special or just Actinics.
Your LEDs can be adjusted to balance out the BLUE/WHITE LED look.
=========

I am planning to try "reptile terranium" UV bulbs eventually on my tank when I convert to LEDs since I will be missing the LED spectrum in the UV range that T5's are able to put out.

 

[AMAYEU]

Yup, did the changeover. I like it so much better with the t5s, then just leds.

Ran it like this for less than 2 months.
front: ATI blue plus
middle: Leds 9 led's (5 royal blue / 4 cool white) BWBWBWBWB
back:Giesemann aquablue+

Right now:
front: ATI blue plus
middle: Leds 9 led's (5 royal blue / 4 cool white) BWBWBWBWB
back:ATI blue plus (added a new bulb)

Honestly I picked up 6 new bulbs plus 10 used, so I think these were the t5 brands. I really need to double check. I know I ran it with a blue and and different color, then 2 blues.

 

[Grant W]

Glad you found a combo you like.