Actinic t5 questions...

[leviburns89]

So I have a 2 bulb t5ho.

The best eye appeal comes with the use of actinic alongside a 10000k.

But since actinic doesn't play a role I photosynthesis, this would bring the actual watt/gallon ration down to 1w/gallon.

They are 54w bulbs, I have a 55g tank.

Is there a bulb that looks as good as the actinic? This would bring my wattage up to 2w/gallon, right on track to low-moderate lighting..

I'm curious because I want to have an LPS/softy tank, but I'm afraid the usable light just won't cut the mustard.

Thanks everyone

 

[cloak]

So two 54 watt T5 bulbs over a 55 gallon tank? In the long run forget the actinic, go for the sun. It might not look the way you want, but the corals will do better.

Check this out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OSS_PoUX6o&feature=youtu.be

HTH.

 

[Xxero]

The ATI 'Blue Plus' bulbs are a blue/actinic combo with high PAR numbers.

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/t5-ati-blue-plus.html

The ATI 'Aquablue Special' is a full spectrum bulb at approx. 15000k.

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/t5-ati-aquablue-special.html

I personally like the 'Blue Plus' bulbs, but I have no experience with the 'Aquablue's. :bigeyes:

 

[cloak]

Aesthetics aside, what are you LOOKING for? All things being equal, if you were to put two 24 watt 20K bulbs over a ten gallon tank and two 10K bulbs over the same tank I'd bet you'll get better growth out of the sun. Those Iwaski 65K bulbs are no joke... (MH) GL.

 

[leviburns89]

That vid really helped me out.

That being said, I've decided on running a 54w 10000k, and a 54w blue plus from ati.

This should give me the growing power I need, with the aesthetic properties of an actinic thru the blue plus.

I figure anything else I desire via visuals or growth can be fine tuned with led fixtures I plan on adding within the next two months.

Thanks again everyone, you have all been a great help