Advice on T5 Bulb Combination needed.

[catfisher]

This is the combo that I'm looking at:

ATI Blue Plus
ATI Purple Plus
ATI Lagoon Blue
Giesemann Actinic Plus

I'm currently running:

ATI Blue Plus
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Pure Actinic
UVL Actinic White

I would like to have more blue with higher PAR. Any advice or comments are greatly appreciated, Thanks!

 

[jdraider75]

3 blue plus and 1 coral plus. That will get more blue and par.

 

[YoungREEFA]

yup ^^^ most people will agree

 

[catfisher]

Will I get the same amount of '"pop" from my coral? The Actinic Plus had great reviews and has very high PAR.

 

[YoungREEFA]

Coral plus has a good variety of spectrum that will indeed give you pop with the 3 blue plus'. You could try the two blue plus, actinic plus, and a coral plus and see how it works. Just when you order, get 3 blue plus 1 actinic and 1 coral plus

 

[catfisher]

Is there a reason why you wouldn't suggest the purple plus with the blue plus and coral plus?? I have a frogspawn that has purplish tips and would like to bring that out more. Just curious. Thanks!

 

[maynardjames]

i have not seen the lagoon blue yet. how does it look & does it have good par?
i love the blue plus never had much luck with any Actinic of any brand. just dosnt seem like they put off enough light

 

[catfisher]

http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/t5-fluorescent/bulbs/54w/54w-lagoon-blue-t5-ho-fluorescent.html

Here is the link. Sorry, it is made by Giesemann, not ATI. Seems to have really good PAR and spectrum. It is supposed to have a turquoise color.

 

[YoungREEFA]

The coral plus allready gives off enough red spectrum there is no need for the purple plus in a 4 bulb. You can do it, you might like, it may be a bit on the purple side. Also the purple plus is considered a "whiter bulb" so using that AND a coral plus will make the tank less blue.

 

[Tron_954]

I just ordered 2 Blue+ Coral+ Purple+

Cannot wait to see it.

 

[Hatonhed]

I just ordered 2 Blue+ Coral+ Purple+

Cannot wait to see it.

That's the same combo I run. I am completely new to this but I like the look of the combo!

 

[catfisher]

That's the same combo I run. I am completely new to this but I like the look of the combo!

Could you post a pic so I can see the color?

 

[Hatonhed]

It's hard to tell from the pictures because every camera does a little bit different but here's some pictures with my iPhone.

Don't mind the diatoms, just getting the tank going!

 

[Tron_954]

IPhone adds 4 extra blue+ bulbs lol...

 

[Hatonhed]

Lol I think so, but this IS pretty blue in person. I think it adds just the right look. It's blue but it's not overpowering.

 

[Tron_954]

Well it's ok of its blue, it's harder to tell without coral. If you see the colors in the coral... That was is what counts.

 

[Hatonhed]

I did a bunch of research before I bought these bulbs and it seemed like it was going to be a good combination for coral color. I'm just hoping it works out that way. If all goes well I should know within about a month or so.

 

[Tron_954]

It was also highly recommended by several on nano reef as it blends coral Coloration, tank viewing color, and growth. I was going to do 3 Blue+ and purple+.

 

[IowaJeeping]

3 blue plus and 1 coral would be what most say

 

[catfisher]

Thanks, that's what I've decided to go with.