Metal halide T-5 supplementation

[Volcano1]

Working on a 420 upgrade, 96x36x28,current set-up has 4 -400 watt Reeflux 12k, in LAIII reflectors. Was considering attaching some T-5"s to the existing lightrack.Mainly for more dusk dawn photo period.Didn't know if the 12k needed supplementation or not. Currently running 14k phoenix de on current set-up and like the color.Was planning on only adding 1 60" 80 to front and back of lightrack, centered on tank.
Was looking at these options
http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5...ch__1x80W_Tek_2_T5_High-Output_Retrofit_Kit_w!_Bulbs_by_Sunlight_Supply
http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5...ch__1x80W_Tek_2_T5_High-Output_Retrofit_Kit_w!_Bulbs_by_Sunlight_Supply
With these bulbs.
[http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5...W_Actinic_Plus_T5_HO_Fluorescent_by_Giesemann
Any input from Reeflux owners running addition T-5 or T-5 users having comments, please give your .02 worth.

Didn't knowI need the extra blue or even needed to use this for more dawn dusk.
Could just sequence the MH left to right to get the effect.


TIA everyone,

Todd

 

[Volcano1]

link for light kits.
1.Tek 2
http://www.reefgeek.com/reefgeek/7211/retrofit_ho.jpg
2. Ice cap
http://www.reefgeek.com/reefgeek/7211/retrofit_ho.jpg

Does Any body know if the Tek set-up has individual reflectors?

 

[ati70cutlass]

i was under the impression as long as you are running a 14k plus bulb you didnt need actinics becuase you already have the 400s specturm in the bulb that is used. i have had a 14ks for almost two years and never used actinic supplement, so far my coral havent died.

 

[Volcano1]

I'm running 14 k now, new light rack for upgrade came with the 12 k bulbs.

 

[redfishsc]

With a 12K bulb, you probably will want to supplement, but it will be more for personal preference than for growth. May also improve overall color.



With a singe tube in front and a single tube in back, I would run a UVL Super Actinic in one, and an ATI Blue+ in the other.
Would really give you a GREAT color range and color pop. I own both bulbs and recommend them highly.

Wouldn't matter which was in front or in back, would be your personal preference.

 

[Volcano1]

Ok,
Got some suggestions on bulb color.
Does anyone have a suggestion on fixture/ ballast choice.
I mentioned the icecap and tek combo's above.
Anyone have good or bad to say about either?
Seemed like they are more recommended brands.

 

[thejuggernaut]

well i cant comment on the difference on the reflectors, but as far as the ballast i would really look into the icecap ballast. they over drive the bulbs from 54 watt to a little over 80 watts. They package the ballast on reef geek with either the tek or icecap reflector and they are the same price. I personally dont think you could go wrong with either choice!