What's a good t5 bulb?

[7digits]

I've been battling some cyanobacteria, and I've done everything I could except change my lights or use chemicals. I really don't want to use a chemical bandaid. I've been thinking about changing the bulbs anyway and was wondering what brand I should get, also what temp? Right now I have 2 24 inch aquaticlife 700s, and 2 actinic. Any suggestions?

[Chasman]

A lot of guys seem to like the Giesemann bulbs. You can get them at Marine Depot or all kinds of other places. I've never tried them.

Chasman

[returnofsid]

It really depends on what you're trying to accomplish and what look you want. The lighting really isn't going to make any difference, with your Cyano. It sounds like you already have a T5 fixture, and want to replace the old bulbs. Do you like the "look" you had when your bulbs were new? Was the look too blue or not blue enough?

As far a bulb quality, different color spectrums have different favorites, as far as brand goes. For instance, my last bulb order, consisted mainly of ATI Bulbs, along with a couple Giesemann and a couple KZs (Korallen Zucht). In the past, I've also ran UV and GE Lighting. UV is a brand name, NOT Ultra Violet.

Check out ReefGeek > Lighting > T5 Fluorescent > Bulbs for a huge selection of very good quality bulbs.