Supplements to current MH's

[alten78]

Looking for suggestions on what to supplement my 2 x 250W MH. Ive been running DE Phoenix bulbs for a while as they are my preferred color after trying several bulbs over the years. I've decided to finally add a canopy to the tank which in turn allows me to finally add some supplementation to the current pendants. Just looking for that little bit of extra 'pop'.

If I go T5, which bulb combination(s)? Blue Plus, True Actinics, Purple Plus?

Thought about LEDs as well, looked into BML super actinic or purple wave...im not very well versed in what strip LEDs will fit what Im looking for here.

 

[golferbud101691]

My friend went through this debate as well. He ended up going with a retrofit 4xT5. Plenty of light for your sps and grows it like crazy! Add some cooling to the canopy because stuff will get hot as you know with the mh's. As for bulbs, he played with them to get the right "look" he wanted. Im sure you will have to do the same. His was 2 purple plus and 2 blue plus. Actinics were too blue for his taste. He wired his up so the blues came on and hour early and stayed on late. The purples came on 30min before the mh's and the mh's ran for 7 hours. Getting your corals acclimated to all that light may take some time though. Hate to tell you, but I would get a couple extra bulbs and experiment.

 

[alten78]

That's what I kinda figured about the different bulb choices, im leaning towards a retrofit 2xT5, but still pondering!

 

[golferbud101691]

That's what I kinda figured about the different bulb choices, im leaning towards a retrofit 2xT5, but still pondering!

If you only do 2x, you wont be able to run opposing bulbs. One bulb on the front or back of the halides wont cover the 18in depth of the tank. Get the 4, you wont regret it.

 

[tmc1313]

Look into the reefbrite led strips. I run, 2x250 watt radiums supplemented with the blue reefbrite led strips on either side.

 

[downbeach]

You might try one ATI Actinic and one ATI Blue Plus.

 

[DavidinGA]

1 b+
1 c+

 

[radobahn]

2xT5 80w ATI blue plus and purple plus with two radium 250's over my 180.
I've played with different T5 color combinations for awhile, blue up front purple in the rear, etc. I'll eventually change it around but I like it for now..

 

[alten78]

Thanks for the input guys! Now to get this canopy built...

 

[Spartanman22]

Look into the reefbrite led strips. I run, 2x250 watt radiums supplemented with the blue reefbrite led strips on either side.

This was by far the most appealing light setup I've ever tried, and I've had it all! Color was perfect and growth was outstanding.

 

[d2mini]

I run three 250 Radiums, 4 T5, and just recently added a BML Super Actinic led strip.
I would definitely recommend the BML over the reefbrite. Almost twice the number of diodes in blue, royal blue and uv.

I've got some pics and more bulb info here...
http://www.everydayreef.com/blog/2015/8/12/metal-halide-t5-led-oh-my

 

[alten78]

I run three 250 Radiums, 4 T5, and just recently added a BML Super Actinic led strip.
I would definitely recommend the BML over the reefbrite. Almost twice the number of diodes in blue, royal blue and uv.

I've got some pics and more bulb info here...
http://www.everydayreef.com/blog/2015/8/12/metal-halide-t5-led-oh-my

BML over Reefbrite, but BML over two 2xT5's? Not much room over a 75g

 

[d2mini]

BML over Reefbrite, but BML over two 2xT5's? Not much room over a 75g

I would lean towards t5 since the mh is a fairly contrasty light source. The t5 will help fill in some shadows.