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02-14-2009, 10:00 PM
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#1
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squid
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 8
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What t-5 bulbs should I buy?
I have a 48" Nova extreme 8x54W T-5 fixture that I need to replace the bulbs on. My tank is a 60g long reef with a lot of SPS corals. What would be the best bulbs to get for my coral, to bring out the colors and help them to grow faster?
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02-14-2009, 11:40 PM
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#2
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spaceman spiff
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: south of Dimples
Posts: 10,632
Reviews: 72
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I like ATI bulbs, and personally prefer the 12kK color and above. Does that unit have individual reflectors? If not, that would be a good move if you want to really increase light output and get better coral growth.
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02-14-2009, 11:56 PM
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#3
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squid
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 8
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how many atinics and daylight bulbs should I run? I currently have 4 of each.
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02-15-2009, 09:56 AM
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#4
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spaceman spiff
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: south of Dimples
Posts: 10,632
Reviews: 72
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I run 3 blue plus, 3 aqua blue, and 2 actinics, which I'm pleased with.
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02-15-2009, 10:03 AM
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#5
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Mommy Mod
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: down the street and around the corner from Dimples
Posts: 5,291
Reviews: 4
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I concur with Chri, I really like the ATI bulbs as well.
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02-15-2009, 10:07 AM
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#6
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I've got the REEF rash!
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 34,137
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Do you like a bluer or a whiter look?
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02-15-2009, 11:35 AM
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#7
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Big Fishy
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: La Crosse WI
Posts: 605
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ATI gets my vote. other bulbs that i have used before and really started to like for there actinics is geismann (sp). They tended to make my tank look a really nice crisp blue, if your into that color.
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02-15-2009, 01:45 PM
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#8
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Plankton
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Queen Creek
Posts: 10
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ATI or Geismann, Both are excellant bulbs. For a good cheap alternative you can try the URI bulbs, they are built pretty good and have nice color to them.
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02-15-2009, 11:02 PM
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#9
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squid
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 8
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What is the difference between actinic 420nm and 460nm, which is better?
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02-17-2009, 08:36 PM
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#10
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squid
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 2
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I also have that same fixture, but with a 75 gallon. I'm looking to change out my lights because i need something different for my SPS. I like blue, but not completely. Any other combinations of T5's anyone is using?
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02-19-2009, 11:06 AM
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#11
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Reef Nut
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Illinois
Posts: 1,215
Reviews: 1
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I have the ATI Blue+'s and aquablue, plus I have an aquasun, too so it's quite as blue.
__________________
Don 75 gl bb reef w/ 30 gl sump, Vertex IN 100, Tek 6 x 54 T5's - 10gl nano w/ 2 x 20 T5's
One out of four people in this country is mentally imbalanced. Think of your three closest friends - if they seem okay, then you're the one. Ann Landers
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02-19-2009, 12:01 PM
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#12
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This Space For Rent!
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Kansas City, MO
Posts: 2,212
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I run 4-ATI aquablue specials & 2 Giesemann actinic plus...I like the color it's a blue/white.
As for 420 vs. 460...420nm will generally cause more fluorescing but it's too pink for me...460nm has a little more PAR and is much more blue...the Giesemann actinic plus I run is 40% actinic & 60% blue...nice fluerescence but also very blue in color.
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125 Reef + 55 Gallon Sump + 10 Gallon Frag Tank + 24 Gallon Aquapod Nano Reef + 24 Gallon Aquapod Nano Reef + 24 Gallon Cardiff Nano Reef
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02-19-2009, 10:06 PM
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#13
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squid
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 8
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Do you know anything about the ATI pro color bulbs? are they good to have one of?
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02-19-2009, 10:36 PM
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#14
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This Space For Rent!
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Kansas City, MO
Posts: 2,212
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Aaron1069
Do you know anything about the ATI pro color bulbs? are they good to have one of?
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I don't care for them personally...too yellow...some folks like one to pull some of the orange/reds out of stuff...in an 8 bulb config, one might be OK...Giesemann makes a "Midday" that is similar...there is also a UV bulb that is a little less yellow IIRC called "Auqasun".
__________________
125 Reef + 55 Gallon Sump + 10 Gallon Frag Tank + 24 Gallon Aquapod Nano Reef + 24 Gallon Aquapod Nano Reef + 24 Gallon Cardiff Nano Reef
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