T5 bulb combinations

[Kent D.]

So it is time for me to upgrade my T5 bulbs. I have a 48 inch MH Current Outer Orbit with four 54watt T5 bulbs. I am looking to change things up and wanted to see what everyone thinks is their best combination of lites. I was thinking of going with one KZ Purple Fiji, ATI Blue Plus, ATI Blue Special and maybe a ATI Actinic.

Anyone have any good suggestions or can share what they like the best?

I am going to upgrade to Radium 20k 150 watt MH as well FYI.


Opinions, comments, suggestions etc. would be appreciated.....except Gary...kidding

 

[cardiffgiant]

For the 4 bulb combos I've seen the grim reefer frequently recommend (F to B) ATI blue+, KZ Fiji Purple, UVL Actinic White, ATI Blue+. That gets you a nice color combo and a lot of PAR for in a 4 bulb fixture.

You might want to check in with the thread in the lighting forum. ATI has a purple bulb now. I noticed that grim reefer was recommending that bulb instead of the fiji (which is nice since it is about $10 cheaper than the fiji). He also recommended different bulbs in combination with the ATI purple. Those were mostly for folks asking about 7-8 bulb fixtures. I can't remember anything specific for 4 bulbs, but I'd be interested to see what he'd suggest.

 

[jacksonpt]

I've never used the ATI bulbs, but I've been playing around with Giesemann bulbs for a while. The best combination I've found is this

Front of Tank
Powerchrome Pure Actinic
Powerchrome Aquablue
PowerChrome Actinic Plus
Powerchrome Pure Actinic
Back of Tank

 

[cardiffgiant]

I used the geismanns for a while. I'd at least check out the ATI blue+ bulbs the next time that you need to change. The ATI blue+ had a PAR rating around 310 while the geismann actinic blue was about 265.

The pure actinic bulbs have very low PAR. You can get a similar look and much more intense lighting if you use the blue+ actinics in place of those.

 

[Kent D.]

Thanks for the input guys. I am on the fence if i should get the other purple bulb instead of the KZ Purple fiji. I guess I would put the purple in the second slot from the front.

is there a difference between the ATI blue plus and ATI blue plus actinic or are they same bulb?

 

[RoscoPColtrane]

I'm currently running 4 ATI Blue plus, 1 aquablue special and 1 fiji purple. I would recommend 2 blue plus, 1 aquablue and either a fiji purple or purple plus.

 

[cardiffgiant]

No, they are both the same ATI blue plus bulb. I'm just randomly throwing the word actinics in there to confuse things

 

[Johnny C]

Consider using the new KZ New Generation bulb in place of a daylight. It's advertised as a 14K Daylight bulb but it has a nice cool white hue, which makes it much more aesthetically pleasing than say a UVL or Giesemann 14K without sacrificing PAR. HTH

 

[RoscoPColtrane]

Ben, what 6 bulb combo are you using?

 

[cardiffgiant]

I was using (F to B):
ATI Blue+
KZ Fiji
ATI Blue+
UVL Act White
ATI Blue+
ATI Blue+

That was a bit heavy on the red.

Right now I'm using:
ATI Blue+
KZ Fiji
ATI Blue+
Aquablue Special
ATI Blue+
ATI Blue+

This combo is a bit heavy on the blue, but I have an excess of aquablue special bulbs. The growth has been great with both combos.

 

[oneradtek202]

ooo so you are going to "drink the cool-aid" with the radiums now too hmmm? :beer:

 

[Kent D.]

John, have you used the KZ 14k bulb or have just seen it? thanks

I do plan on getting the radium bulbs....


so this thread has really helped me, thank you.


Now, what is the best site to buy these bulbs from? Most will match prices. KZ are tough to find on everysite. I am going to get a KZ Fiji purple, ATI blue plus, and blue special or another bule plus, and maybe try john's suggestion of the kz 14k bulb. If I do get that bulb, should I just go with one blue plus and one blue actinic? Think the blue special will be close to the kz 14k, right?

 

[Johnny C]

John, have you used the KZ 14k bulb or have just seen it?

Now, what is the best site to buy these bulbs from? Most will match prices. KZ are tough to find on everysite. I am going to get a KZ Fiji purple, ATI blue plus, and blue special or another bule plus, and maybe try john's suggestion of the kz 14k bulb. If I do get that bulb, should I just go with one blue plus and one blue actinic? Think the blue special will be close to the kz 14k, right?

Yes, I have experience using this bulb. The thing I like most about the KZ New Gen is that it's not as yellow as the other 14K bulbs, but at the same time doesn't sacrifice PAR. Although I'm all for supporting the LFS, not many stores in WNY carry the KZ line. ReefGeek is a great source for every bulb under the sun (pun intended) and the service is great. Check out this thread, it's got great information. HTH

 

[Kent D.]

agreed....lfs is the way to go but they dont carry KZ and some dont carry ati

I will check out reefgeek...thanks john