Actinic Supplementation

[reeflover7826]

So I want some actinic supplementation, I miss the pop that I would get from running VHO Super Actincs with halides, but now that I'm running T5's I miss that pop. So I would like to add a couple of actinics. My question is, I'm trying to mimic VHO Super Actinics would I get the same pop from running a G-mann Pure Actinic or ATI True Actinic or should I just go ahead and add VHO's because nothing comes close? Any body with experiance plaese help.

 

[evsalty]

If I am not mistaken URI/ULV makes their super actinic in T5 HO as well as the vho's. I do not run t5's so i do not know anything about the colors of those other bulbs but there are a few people on this board that I am sure will give you some tips and ideas on various bulbs and combos that might work for you.

 

[jc-reef]

IMO, add a strip or 2 of Blue LED's...there is nothing that can pop the florescence of a coral then the Blue LED's.

I used to run 6 T5's (4 bulb and a 2 bulb fixture) and have since pulled out the 2 bulb fixture and added 3 strips of LED's (2 BLUE & 1 50/50 [Blue/White]) and am very happy with the colors of corals and growth.

I use the ReefBrite strips that have brackets which allows you to attach to existing set up very easily and angle whatever direction you wish.

Here is an older pic where you can see the RB strips on both sides of my T5 fixture.

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[reeflover7826]

If I am not mistaken URI/ULV makes their super actinic in T5 HO as well as the vho's. I do not run t5's so i do not know anything about the colors of those other bulbs but there are a few people on this board that I am sure will give you some tips and ideas on various bulbs and combos that might work for you.

The problem that I run into with that is I have a 5' retro fixture and UVL doesnt make their T5's in my size. Thanks for input.

 

[reeferlover]

I too use the reefbrites and the pop is like no other it will blow away your old VHOs guaranteed I love mine and they attached to my 48" tek they have multiple different lengths check them out

 

[reeflover7826]

Leds are so expensive! plus I already have a 660 balast all I would have to buy is end caps, reflectors and bulbs. Also I dont think that leds come in 420.

 

[reeflover7826]

Bump

 

[jc-reef]

Leds are so expensive! plus I already have a 660 balast all I would have to buy is end caps, reflectors and bulbs. Also I dont think that leds come in 420.

Guess you made your decision.

They are a bit pricey, but like reeferlover said and what I see every night, there is NO comparison....not even close. Plus you will save on electricity and not having to replace the bulbs every 9mo.