Best T5 bulbs

smellslikefish

smellslikefish

Member
Hello I have a Nova Extreme 4 x54watt over my 72gal. The fixture does not have individual reflectors. When should I change the bulbs and what would be good bulbs to buy? I'm currently running the stock bulbs and I've heard that they arent the best quality. I'm thinking I want to try a more bluer look this time.
Thanks,
 
smellslikefish

smellslikefish

Member
Awesome, thanks for the info. Which brand would give me a more bluer look? My fixture came with two 10k and two 460k bulbs. Is there a better combination of bulbs that will give me better color in my tank? I would like both growth and color but, I definatly want bulbs that will bring out the color of my corals.
Thanks,
 
mojo46825

mojo46825

Member
its not the brand really as it is the color combo you use. I am running 6 t5ho with icecap slr reflectors.
front to back.
Blue + ati
75/25 ulv
aquasun
blue +
aqua blue
blue +
ATI and UVL bulbs the blue + give off a nice actinic look and the ATI blue+ give off the most par for this type of bulb. The aqua blue and the 75/25 are more of a bright white bulb and the aquasaun brings out more of the reds and other warm colors. This is a very vague description but I did just wake up. Hope that this helps.
in a 4 bulb I would go with two blue + bulbs a aqua blue or 75/25 and one aquasun. Should give you a nice color on your tank.
 
mojo46825

mojo46825

Member
also dependingon your light cycle you bulbs should last longer than a year. actinic bulbs about15 months and the others up to two years.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top