Which T-5 bulbs should I use?

[hng]

I'm thinking about making the switch to T-5 bulbs and wanted to know which bulbs people are using. The most common ones I found were the Daylight Slimpaq bulbs (see below).

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Produc...&N=2004+113907

[Wiskey]

I would order from a supplier that sells the Tek fixtures and retrofits, those reflectors are what makes the T5's worthwhile, except no substitutes, Tek reflectors, or even better the Ice Cap reflectors only.

The Par from T5 bulbs also varies wildly, so make sure you look up the par ratings for which ever bulb you choose, I don't know any data on the ones you mention.

HTH,
Whiskey

[afbengochea]

try reefgeek, if u get the retro kit u can upgrade the reflectors for 8 bux from tek to ice cap. Ive got a 4 bulb unit and went with 2 blue+, 1 uvl actinic, and 1 aquasun

[hng]

I plan on ordering most things from Drs Foster & Smith. They have the ice cap end caps and the ice cap reflector. The only bulbs they have though is the brand listed above. I suppose I could order the bulbs from someone else if that makes a big difference. Should I go with URI or Geissmann? Any preference here? Specifically, I was looking for a daylight bulb, I will keep using the URI actinic VHO for now.

[90_berlin_joe]

URI are top notch along with Giessman. I am using giessman and love the look of my tank. Here is a link on some of the par that you should keep in mind while doing a T5 setup.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...hreadid=918935