Which Bulbs Should I Run?

[surfer0063]

I have a 36" 4 bulb T5 Fixture. 2-actinics and 2-daylights(white). I have heard of people putting different configurations of bulbs in their fixtures. I have live rock, fish, 2 kinds of polys and an anenome. My tank is 18" deep. Which bulb config. would you recommend and WHY?

 

[surfer0063]

Anyone?

 

[ryshark]

I posted the exact same question (except about VHO) a few days ago and got the same response as you. I think what I am going to end up trying is
1)actinic
2)50/50 = actinic/12k
3)50/50 = actinic/12k
4)75/25 = 14k
or
1) actinic
2)50/50
3)aquasun = 10k
4) 75/25

Its a tuff decision. I guess trial and error is the only way.

 

[tangtang clown]

Let me know how this works for you guys. I have a 4x110watt VHO retro. My bulbs are as follows:

3: Actnic
1: 50/50

A friend just ordered the same setup and I ordered with him to cut down the shipping. I order another 50/50 and a 10,000k.
I will update after I swap. The current setup looks great, but if you don't try something different, nothing improves.

 

[HaleMoana]

There are a lot of threads regarding T5 lighting. hopefully this one might help...

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1429542

 

[ryshark]

I think that 3-actinics and 1-50/50 would be too much blue non usable light for the coral. I am sure it does make them look good though.
When you get your 2-new bulbs in and if you replaced one actinic with the 10k, then you would have the same exact setup as me. The only thing I don't like about it is that is has a very small pinkish hue to it because of the URI Aquasun 10k bulb. I am trying to figure a way to get rid of that Aquasun bulb, but the dilemma is that I know 10k is good for the corals health.

 

[tangtang clown]

My corals have gone crazy since I switched to VHOs. Maybe because they only "Ebay" PCs before that. I should be receiving my 10k and my other 50/50 this week.

 

[ryshark]

Have you decided yet which configuration of 4 you are going to do when the two new bulbs come in this week?

 

[tangtang clown]

I am going to run 2 actinics, and 2 50/50s.
I will try that and then try 2 actinics, 1 50/50, 1 daylight.
Not sure what to expect.