Best 6 bulb combo for T-5's

[jstdv8]

Yay, Ive finally got enough cash to buy new bulbs for my fixture. was wondering what the best combo of bulbs was for my T-5 fixture.
I'ts over 120g reef with some softies, LPS and SPS mixed.
I'm currently running the current USA3 actinics and 3 10k bulbs.
I've heard that the ATI bulbs will give me far superior Par and a better color at the same time.

 

[1guydude]

i have a 4bulb fixture and i run 2blue+, 1purple+, and 1aquablue special....idk bout a six though?!?!

 

[nikesb]

4 ati blue+, 1 ati purple+ or fiji purple, and 1 ati aquablue special new version.
right now im running
2 ati blue+, 2 kz super blue, 1 ati purple +, 1 fiji purple

 

[jstdv8]

Nike,
I see that Grimreefer is recommending a GE 6500k instead of the aquablue special now days to make the reds and pinks pop and to cut down on some of the blue. I'm looking for something in the 14k range, what do you think?

 

[nikesb]

depends how you view the 14k range. do u view it as pheonix 14k or something else more white. to me, the fiji purple and purple + is all that is needed for the for reds and pinks. i personally do not think my tank is too blue at all, but then again, i prefer more blue. i think mine could be bluer. the problem with the 6500k is that it can be overpowering. the new ati aquablue special doesnt get hazy like the old one so i think it would provide you with the 14k pop and crispness ur looking for in the above combination

 

[jstdv8]

I'm thinking for the extra 20 bucks I might get both and see what I like best.
I actually don't mind the color I get from my current USA setup, but I have a feeling that's because I've never had anything else.
Sometimes I setup my Evil66 LED light over some of my hard corals in my DT when its not being used on the coral QT tank.
The colors it makes some of those things is just rediculous. Even my regular brown pulsing xenia all of a sudden have all sorts of colors shimmering in them.
Hopefully I can get some pop with the new ATI bulbs

 

[1guydude]

u will indeed get more pop...out of fish and coral! I did the same and got an extra bulb to see if i liked it more blue or not and i ended up using the aquablue special instead of the 3 blue+s
Dont forget to change one bulb a week so not overwhelm everything in the tank so to speak...

 

[moodyreefer]

I just purchased 6 bulbs for my t5 lighting from aquacave and found that they have excellent customer service. You can call them and tell them what you want your tank to look like i.e. more blue, more purple, you name it. I called in my order and the guy suggested I change a few bulbs around from my idea and it looks great. Heck just call them and see what they suggest and order where they are cheapest! Far superior to the lights your fixtures come with: and he even suggested the order to put them into my fixture for the light dispersal and balancing. I couldnt be more happy. Also versus putting one bulb in at a time, he suggested i shorten my lighting period and I have no ill effects whatsoever and I'm on day 12. Its frustrating reading all the threads and trying to find the perfect combination! Good luck and I hope this helped you !