T5 New Bulb selection help

[Surfacer]

I am looking for advice on bulbs for my Current Nova Extreme Pro. I have owned the light fixture for one year now and have now been looking to upgrade the bulbs since I have heard the bulbs that come with it are just ok and I would like to keep some more light demanding/par demanding sps and lps.
1. What bulb brands would you recommend.
2. Can I install a icecap ballist or work horse ballist to increase watts or is it not worth it?
3. I am looking for a slightly bluer tint

It seems The Grim Reefer is the person to talk to but any helpful advice from anyone else would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much

 

[spstimie]

nevermind i see you have grim listed

 

[what'scoral]

Try ATI
Aqua blue plus
aqua blue specials

and
Aquascience
22k
15k

and
actinic from giesemenn

 

[spleify]

Yep Grim is definitely the T5 man!! I would have no good info for you, he will.

Good luck with it, and



[welcome]

 

[katyttt]

Grim is the man, I have followed his advice with nothing but good results.
Chris

 

[Surfacer]

Thanks for the recommendation what'scoral. I have been looking at ATI and Giesemenn bulbs and have read a lot of good things about both. Aqua imports in Boulder has the Giesemenn bulbs on hand as I went and looked today. I am just not sure what sort of combo I should go with if I go with just a Giesemenn bulb setup. Is there any reason why I should go with a multi brand setup over just one particular brand?