best 2 bulbs for T5 + LED hybrid

[spkennyva]

I was using 4 T5 bulbs on my 40B then switched to 2 (165W) Chinese LEDs and now I'm thinking about bringing back 2 T5 bulbs to augment the LEDs. The LED are OK, but I think the T5+LED may really help. My question is: if I can only install 2 bulbs, which 2? All Blue+, Blue+ and a Coral+, or others combs?

Thanks

 

[jumplittlechloe]

I have been trying to determine the very same thing. I have three kessil 360we on my tank and added two retrofit T5 with the kessils in the middle. I tried many combinations and to me I liked a full spectrum bulb in the front with a Blue+ in the back. I have a Purple+ in the front right now that brings out some colors in corals and adds what I feel is lacking spectrum wise with the led. The look is a little too red but when I put a Blue+ in it was washed out, Actinic was too dark, and a whiter bulb like AquaBlue was too bright and I lost shimmer. I would like to try the Coral+ as I think this will be best combo (Coral+ in front and Blue+ in back).

 

[rovster]

I'm running a coral + and a blue + along side my radions. Nice full spectrum combo.

 

[March.]

if you run the led very blue you can add a purple + and coral + from ATI to whiten it up a little, also promotes growth

 

[markalot]

I would say either 2 coral+ or coral and purple. Plenty of blue in the LED fixtures but the whites are awful.

 

[spkennyva]

Thanks everyone for the input.

I would say either 2 coral+ or coral and purple. Plenty of blue in the LED fixtures but the whites are awful.

I agree, the whites are awful in these fixtures. I've considered swapping out some of the white diodes, but I'd still be left with very directed light. I think the spread provided by the T5s will really benefit things.