Good Bulb Combination For My Tank

[gio28]

i have a 36 bowfront and i just got a new 150watt Phoenix bulb for it. there are a few problems with my setup though:
-center brace shadow
-kinda dim lighting
so, i decided im going to add 2 T5HO on each side of the MH to help. to give you an idea of my current situation here is a picture of my tank with just the Phoenix bulb over it:

as you can see there is the center brace shadow that i think the T5s will eliminate, but the main problem is that my tank is too dim and i dont like the lack of color.
anyways..for T5 bulb combinations i would like something that would bring out the colors in corals and also add some brightness.
so far i only have two combinations to go with the MH:
1) -2 ATI blue plus
2) -1 ATI blue plus
-1 ATI pro color
any other combinations that might be good? thanks.

 

[flower]

Originally Posted by gio28
http:///forum/post/3120472
i have a 36 bowfront and i just got a new 150watt Phoenix bulb for it. there are a few problems with my setup though:
-center brace shadow
-kinda dim lighting
so, i decided im going to add 2 T5HO on each side of the MH to help. to give you an idea of my current situation here is a picture of my tank with just the Phoenix bulb over it:

as you can see there is the center brace shadow that i think the T5s will eliminate, but the main problem is that my tank is too dim and i dont like the lack of color.
anyways..for T5 bulb combinations i would like something that would bring out the colors in corals and also add some brightness.
so far i only have two combinations to go with the MH:
1) -2 ATI blue plus
2) -1 ATI blue plus
-1 ATI pro color
any other combinations that might be good? thanks.

Your problem is that you have a single bulb dead center over the tank. 2 pendant MH lights would be better. There isn't enough room to add a whole new T5 light system on top, unless you completely replace the MH lights.

 

[gio28]

yeah...i figured that 2 MH would be better but i found one on craigslist for such a good deal i couldnt pass it up. there is 2" on each side of the MH (i'll be getting the slim reflectors) so i figured that maybe 2 blue or actinic supplement lights would help get rid of the shadow and light up the tank more. im going DIY if i didnt mention and all i can squeeze in is 2 T5s total.

 

[reefraff]

Originally Posted by gio28
http:///forum/post/3120523
yeah...i figured that 2 MH would be better but i found one on craigslist for such a good deal i couldnt pass it up. there is 2" on each side of the MH (i'll be getting the slim reflectors) so i figured that maybe 2 blue or actinic supplement lights would help get rid of the shadow and light up the tank more. im going DIY if i didnt mention and all i can squeeze in is 2 T5s total.
Try a Blue Plus and a UVL 75/25. The 75/25 will give you some red but wont be overly harsh like the Pro Color plus it has 75% Actinic phosphores too so you get some actinic kick from it as well.
This is my old tank with a Blue Plus and 75/25 running in front of it. You get a really cool effect where it looks like the water gets bluer towards the top.

 

[gio28]

whoa...the effect is cool...great tank too! im gonna definitely give that combo a try.

 

[gio28]

after looking around a little bit more i decided to go with one UVL Super Actinic and a KZ Fiji Purple to go with my MH. i know several places to get the UVL bulb but i can't find anywhere that sells the KZ. i know its against forum rules to post competitors sites but i have no idea where to get this bulb and this site dosent have them. can someone PM me or give me a hint in where i can look? thanks.