T5 Replacement bulbs

[SteveC56]

Currently I am running 2- 24w 10K and 2 460 actinics, in the NOVA extreme t-5 fixture, I would like to add some more blue.

I only have softies and 1 clown, no SPS or clams. Although I would like to maybe pick up a clam and some LPS.

What replacement bulb combo should I get?

Does brand make a big difference?

Thanks
Steve

 

[miracles38]

I really like the geismann d&d bulbs. Aquablue+ is nice and so is the dual actinic (not the true actinic).

 

[SteveC56]

which one is the dual actinic? I don't see a bulb called that.

 

[Twisted]

SteveC56 whatever you do, put your faith in Greg at reefgeek.com he seems to have a lot of experience with the T5's and will help you select the right bulbs, he is also a reef central sponser so makes it worthwhile all the way around.

 

[eagleONE]

I would definitely go with a ATI Blue+

 

[miracles38]

It is the Actinic Plus

 

[SteveC56]

So after looking over the bulbs at ReeeGeek.com I decided to go with

2X 12000K Aquablue Special by ATI
http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5...00K_Aquablue_Special_T5_HO_Fluorescent_by_ATI

1X 6000k Midday Sun by Geisemann
http://www.reefgeek.com/product/24W_6000K_Midday_Sun_T5_HO_Fluorescent_by_Giesemann

and

1x Blue Plus by ATI
http://www.reefgeek.com/product/24W_Blue_Plus_T5_HO_Fluorescent_by_ATI

before I order them, does that sound like a goob 4 bulb combonation to give me some growth with more blue then I have now?

 

[eagleONE]

Both ATI blue plus and aquablue give a good amount of par. Geisemann is pretty good overall bulb. The bulbs will give you a good amount out growth. Honestly, it depends on how much blue you would like.

 

[Justin74]

That 12k is basically the appearance of what you would think a 10k would look like, crisp white. The 6k is white but leaning towards the yellow end. This will give you a 3:1, which for a 4 bulb combo will provide good lighting for good growth. But this will do opposite of what your asking in terms of getting more blue into the tank.

If you want more blue, try (1) ATI 12k, then 2 ATI blue+'s and 1 true act. from Geismann

These are the highest PAR producing bulbs for there spectrum, but will allow more blue for visuall aesthetics. ATI's blu+ is just slightly under there 12k in terms of PAR last I checked so even though your going blue your still providing growth sustaing light.

 

[robertloop]

FYI. Petsmart has t-5 in stock now. They even had a 14000k bulb that I'm gonna pick up and try out. They had 36" and 48" tubes. (the HO kind) both 36 and 48 were in the $20 range. ($22 and $24 I think.) They also had a smaller size than 36.

my 10000K dont look quite blue enough for my taste. 14000k comming soon.

 

[Justin74]

Who manufactures them Robert?

-Justin

 

[robertloop]

Hagen is the brand. Not sure who the actual manufacture is.