Michigan Mike
Freedom costs a buckofive
"Cheers"..
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T5 Bulb color help!
- Thread starter Midwestmade
- Start date
"Cheers"..
ReeferBatman
New member
10k bulbs are not needed unless you intend to keep very high light [chloryphyll containing] corals - not all that common - but there are those out there (favia comes to mind). Even then you could provide that part of the spectrum with other bulb choices too (some purple bulbs + GE 6500 provides a very close match to the 10k spectrum offered - but a bit less red in the mix.)
What tank look are you going for?
With 8 bulbs, I'd go
Blue +
Coral +
Blue +
[Full spectrum bulb of your choice - ABSpecial/10k/6500k]
Blue +
Coral +
Actinic
Blue + <- Front of tank.
Just me though
My cheap catalina T5 fixture, not-cooled, bent reflector, provided 150-250 par, did just fine on my mixed reef tank....only browning I had was due to those darn AEFW
Several months later....
But Mike's the expert...I suppose this tank was only 24 inches, not 30....I think its is still doable with the right bulbs and decent fixture, but SPS would have to be high up. What is the tank width?
Several months later....
But Mike's the expert...I suppose this tank was only 24 inches, not 30....I think its is still doable with the right bulbs and decent fixture, but SPS would have to be high up. What is the tank width?
oh man, nice edit!
You're probably right, MH is safer bet, just thinking it is still doable with T5....but likely more challenging.
Michigan Mike
Freedom costs a buckofive
10k bulbs are not needed unless you intend to keep very high light [chloryphyll containing] corals - not all that common - but there are those out there (favia comes to mind). Even then you could provide that part of the spectrum with other bulb choices too (some purple bulbs + GE 6500 provides a very close match to the 10k spectrum offered - but a bit less red in the mix.)
What tank look are you going for?
With 8 bulbs, I'd go
Blue +
Coral +
Blue +
[Full spectrum bulb of your choice - ABSpecial/10k/6500k]
Blue +
Coral +
Actinic
Blue + <- Front of tank.
Just me though
Its not a normal 8 bulb fixture guys. Lol
Its a 4x4 (2 sets of 4x39w side by side) a 72" long fixture.
:wavehand:
Michigan Mike
Freedom costs a buckofive
Ya, no biggie. I usually type first then think. I'm no expert, just opinionated.
In the end all I heard was cheers, so I took a shot of 7 crown.
Now I gotta go because my woman wants to go for a walk because its finally sunny here.
I guess I'm not the only one who has some respect for Catalina fixtures. I know Grim didn't acknowledge them much but I've seen 6 bulb fixtures over 24" high tanks and they grow LPS/softies at that depth with good bulbs. IMO they are creeping on TEK, much better than Current Nova Pro (even without fans but i like Current's locking endcaps) because you can cool them better without currents loud fans blasting.
I wouldn't be surprised if they get some more sales because of Sunlight Supply's decision to stop making aquarium lighting. Mostly because the black Solar's have more venting & the reflectors are better than most of its competitors in that price range. Its still no TEK though.
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Midwestmade
New member
Current T5 fixture is
AquaticLife T5 HO and LED Lunar Light Fixture
(2) 36" 39W Actinic
(4) 36" 39W 10,000°K
(2) 36" 39W Purple
AquaticLife T5 HO and LED Lunar Light Fixture
(2) 36" 39W Actinic
(4) 36" 39W 10,000°K
(2) 36" 39W Purple
Midwestmade
New member
225 gallon tank is 72"x24"x30"
Michigan Mike
Freedom costs a buckofive
You need the 250w halides, let us know what fixture & ballast the halide/VHO combo fixture uses. Is it 250w double ended bulbs or the screw in (mogul) type.
You may need 3 halides if you have 2 braces on the top of your tank, especially if the halides are directly above plastic trim bracing.
You will want them higher above the bracing if its plastic, glass isn't such a big deal.
We really need to know more & possibly see pics.
Midwestmade
New member
Midwestmade
New member
The VHO has hard to make out but on the bulb it's stamped Super Actinic FRT-2T1 VHO M2-F11
Ballast is PFO Lighting Model PFOH-4
Ballast is PFO Lighting Model PFOH-4
Michigan Mike
Freedom costs a buckofive
The link isn't work for me but it sounds like the ballasts are magnetic style PFO so you can run your super actinics.
Is it single or double ended halides?
Anyway here's a link for compatable bulbs & ballasts, good reference.http://www.aquarium-lighting-guide.com/metal-halide-ansi
Is it single or double ended halides?
Anyway here's a link for compatable bulbs & ballasts, good reference.http://www.aquarium-lighting-guide.com/metal-halide-ansi
Michigan Mike
Freedom costs a buckofive
I would do 20k radium (for single ended bulbs) or 14k Phoenix (especially if its double ended bulbs) and run it with the actinics. I would run the actinics an hour before the halides turn on and an hour or two after they turn off. I'd run the halides for 7 hours a day, or so.
If you don't like a blue tank try a 10-12k halide, the actinics will make your coral pop a lot anyway.
If you don't like a blue tank try a 10-12k halide, the actinics will make your coral pop a lot anyway.
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Midwestmade
New member
I have one ballast for the vho and one for the MH
Midwestmade
New member
Double ended halides Hamilton Tech 14K Blue bulbs in the fixtures
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