T-5 users, some help needed, time to buy new bulbs

[blaze98]

I have a 48" Nova 4 bulb fixture on my frag tank and the time has come to change out the bulbs. Right now I am running the original bulbs that came with the fixture, 2 10k and 2 actinic bulbs. I need suggestions on a good bulb manufacturer and a good website to order from. Also what bulb combo's are you running if you have a t-5 system? I have been checking out some lighting and I have heard that the ATI lights are pretty nice in the correct combination. Can I get some suggestions on ATI bulb combo's?

 

[nycbob]

ati and giesemann r good. most people i know buy their t5 bulbs from reefgeek.com.

 

[blaze98]

I did a little research and decided to go with the ATI and UV lighting bulbs. I have heard good things about them. A few folks in my local reef club have said that the Geisemann's did not perform to their expectations.

 

[rs1831]

For a frag tank I would do Blue Plus, AquaSun, 6500k, and then an Aqaublue. This should be good for growth but if you want a better looking tank I would take out the 6500k and add a Super Actinic. Good luck.

 

[blaze98]

I am going with 2 blue plus, an aquasun and a super actinic. From what I understand it will give me a 14k look. I am really trying to get away from the yellow look that I am getting with the Nova OEM bulbs.

 

[rs1831]

Originally Posted by blaze98
http:///forum/post/2682593
I am going with 2 blue plus, an aquasun and a super actinic. From what I understand it will give me a 14k look. I am really trying to get away from the yellow look that I am getting with the Nova OEM bulbs.
that should look good. the aquablue would have more par than the blue+ with close to the same color. post some pics when you get your bulbs in.

 

[reefraff]

If this is a frag tank only and the look isn't a big deal there is really no advantage to the actinic lamp. The Blue Plus has a decent amount of light in that spectrum.