T5's What bulb combo ?

[tray262]

I'm getting ready to replace my bulbs, again. I kinda like the way it looks, but just want to see what might be better.

Right now I have a trus 50/50 (4) true atinics and (4)10k bulbs. What might I be able to do other then that that will work ?

Thanks,
Tray262

[Samper]

What does it look like?

For a daylight look I have used a mixture of Giesemann Pure actinics and midday bulbs and what really sets it off are some added UV actinic white lamps.

I get good growth and color in one system running a mixture of 4 Giesemann powerchrome pure actinics and 2 aquablue plus and 2 powerchrome midday bulbs. This is more blueish but not actinic....very natural looking to me.

These are the bulbs I've used someone may chime in with some other thoughts though.

[ret25yo]

I am ordering : for my 8Bulb powermodule in order back to front.
ATI Blue +
UVL super Actinic
UVL Aquasun
ATI Blue +
ATI AquaBlue
ATI Blue +
ATI Pro Color
ATI Blue +

I currently run the same set up with an 10k instead of an aqua blue... and it's a little white for my liking

[tray262]

Hum, Way too many opions, lol, I was thinking of using 4 actinic again, I like the pop that gives the tanks, but instead of running 4 10k, maybe doing 2 10k, and 2 14k all by UVL. what do you guys think ?

[charlie]

All depends on how blue you want the tank. Each person's perception of light is different. My suggestion would be if you liked the way it looked, don't change it. What are your critters thinking????

[tray262]

Sorry Charlie, Had a terriable weekend, spent it at the hopitial Grandmother stuff, anyway's I'm not sure what my critters think of it. I've bleached everthing I've ever had so far, my first lights, were really strong. I went to the 50/50 split about a year ago. And all seem pretty well, then I ran into big GHA problem, and that was that, So I maybe a month of real lighting out of my 50/50 I think it looked really good. Color wise. I'm just not sure if having 4-10k's is going to be too much light ? Like I said I've bleached mostly everything I've ever had. I'm finally getting everything under control. So I'm a little worried as what to do here.

[charlie]

If you are getting things under control finally, I would personally err on the side of caution, and maybe stay with what you have until you get a real good handle on it, then start switching stuff. Or........................ maybe try 2 10K. I don't really know what to say here, especially with the bleaching!!!

[rugbyway]

Doesn't it really depend on what your wattage per gallon ratio is? As long as you have a desirable ration for the critters you are keeping your next consideration should reflect the desired effect. What do you want to achieve?

[Poseidon]

Watts per gallon mean NOTHING, especially with T5. A true actinic bulb from Geismann is not going to have anywhere near the PAR (Photosynthetically Available Radiation) that a midday or 10K bulb has, but it is still 54W. Watts is only a measure of power consumption, not light output.

As for what you want to run, I like the Aquablue + bulb, which is actually a crisp white. I also like the GE 6.5K for the PAR it makes, and then the actinic is up to you. I hate to referrance RC, but "The Grim Reefer" over there has really wrote the book on T5 lighting, virtually every bulb has been measured and pictured for color. It really is an awesome resource.

[charlie]

I think this is the link that you are referring to Mike:

tfivetesting - T5 Lighting Reviews

[Poseidon]

Yup, that is a good one. I'll have to go find a link at RC, cause that thread over there is HUGE!