What are the best t5 actinic bulbs?

Tanks, Filtration, & Lighting Discussion
Post Reply
eric the red
Discus Member
Posts: 165
Joined: Wed Sep 12, 2012 3:55 pm
My SetUp: Equipment: 225 gallon (72x30x24), 3 radion pros, 2 48" t5s (ato blue plus), 2 mp40s, full apex with ph probe, wxm module, brs gfo reactor, reef octopus nwb200, DIY ATO with Kalk in reservoir water, two micom dosers (dosing 2 part) Livestock is mostly zoas/palys and sps. I also have quite a selection of high end Lps on the sand bed.
Location: Ocean Springs

What are the best t5 actinic bulbs?

Post by eric the red » Tue Nov 13, 2012 7:40 pm

I want to replace one of my whites with a blue that will really bring out the color of my coral. Which one is the best?

User avatar
Gerwin
Discus Member
Posts: 1498
Joined: Tue Nov 30, 2004 3:41 pm
My SetUp: Custom profile field not completed.

Re: What are the best t5 actinic bulbs?

Post by Gerwin » Wed Nov 14, 2012 11:20 am

That is more subjective to opinions that facts. The standard actinics are the tried and true and the most common . 420-460nm lamps will get job done, mix them up if you have enough or not , I don't think you will see a huge difference either way.

User avatar
bluwtr
Discus Member
Posts: 637
Joined: Mon Oct 18, 2010 12:12 pm
My SetUp: 55g, 70#'s lr, 40#'s ls, 10 DIY acrylic sump, in sump skimmer, 1 Jebao wp20 and 2 Koralia 1050 controlled by a Smart Wave, DIY LED's--12 RB, 10 UV's and 8 CW.
Location: Gautier
Contact:

Re: What are the best t5 actinic bulbs?

Post by bluwtr » Wed Nov 14, 2012 4:42 pm

I run ATI bulbs and love them. They don't offer a huge array to chose from and that makes it easier to decide. Check out their website for color explinations.

Xfactor1315
Swordtail Member
Posts: 31
Joined: Tue Sep 25, 2012 6:00 pm
My SetUp: Custom profile field not completed.

Re: What are the best t5 actinic bulbs?

Post by Xfactor1315 » Wed Nov 14, 2012 5:58 pm

I use to run ati bulbs but did not run actinic due to the the lower par output. I did have a super actinic I put in but quickly removed due to not making look better and reduce the par. If you were only thinking of replacing the actinic you can't really go wrong with the ati actinic bulbs.

User avatar
bluwtr
Discus Member
Posts: 637
Joined: Mon Oct 18, 2010 12:12 pm
My SetUp: 55g, 70#'s lr, 40#'s ls, 10 DIY acrylic sump, in sump skimmer, 1 Jebao wp20 and 2 Koralia 1050 controlled by a Smart Wave, DIY LED's--12 RB, 10 UV's and 8 CW.
Location: Gautier
Contact:

Re: What are the best t5 actinic bulbs?

Post by bluwtr » Thu Nov 15, 2012 12:06 am

I actually had an increase in PAR when I switched to the ATI's. I run my T5's on individual reflectors so that could be the reason for me.

Xfactor1315
Swordtail Member
Posts: 31
Joined: Tue Sep 25, 2012 6:00 pm
My SetUp: Custom profile field not completed.

Re: What are the best t5 actinic bulbs?

Post by Xfactor1315 » Thu Nov 15, 2012 1:49 pm

Ati bulbs do put out more par but what I was saying is an actinic bulb makes less par then a blue plus or aqua blue special.

eric the red
Discus Member
Posts: 165
Joined: Wed Sep 12, 2012 3:55 pm
My SetUp: Equipment: 225 gallon (72x30x24), 3 radion pros, 2 48" t5s (ato blue plus), 2 mp40s, full apex with ph probe, wxm module, brs gfo reactor, reef octopus nwb200, DIY ATO with Kalk in reservoir water, two micom dosers (dosing 2 part) Livestock is mostly zoas/palys and sps. I also have quite a selection of high end Lps on the sand bed.
Location: Ocean Springs

Re: What are the best t5 actinic bulbs?

Post by eric the red » Thu Nov 15, 2012 8:12 pm

I swapped out one of my 12k whites with a ati blue plus. i must say i cant really tell the difference. Im sure my eyes are not as discerning as many of you other more experienced reefers.

User avatar
bluwtr
Discus Member
Posts: 637
Joined: Mon Oct 18, 2010 12:12 pm
My SetUp: 55g, 70#'s lr, 40#'s ls, 10 DIY acrylic sump, in sump skimmer, 1 Jebao wp20 and 2 Koralia 1050 controlled by a Smart Wave, DIY LED's--12 RB, 10 UV's and 8 CW.
Location: Gautier
Contact:

Re: What are the best t5 actinic bulbs?

Post by bluwtr » Fri Nov 16, 2012 1:02 pm

Gotcha. Misunderstood what you were saying.

Post Reply