That is how my 4 bulb is set up as well. Why are you switching out the bulbs? Are they
better do you think? I like how mine look as well it is on my reef tank. I just replaced to
of the 4 bulbs. 1 Actinic+ and 1 Midday. Last year I just replaced all bulbs at once. Did
not know any different. I am such a chicken to try new things. I would love to see how yours looks.
Thanks BPC

My Aquascience 22K are about as blue as my actinic but they at least have some PAR ratings. I'm contemplating putting in another 22K but might see if I can get a Geissman Actinic+ in Saskatoon. Might as well put as much PAR in there as I can.

I've been running a Tek T5 for about a year now and I still really like it.

The best bulb configuration I have found thus far for my tank

Aquscience Blue
KZ Fiji Purple
KZ New Generation
KZ New Generation
KZ Fiji Purple
Aquscience Blue

Light schedule :

Blues on 3:00
KZ's on 4:00
KZ's off 9:00
Blues off 10:00

I find the shorter light period has helped with my colour, tank temperature, and reduced algae growth.

I thought the Actinics+ offer nothing to fish or coral, just eye appeal for our viewing?

Greg, I see you have the 6 x T5 Tek.... 48" I assume since you have a 90 gallon tank. Is there any reason why you did not go for the 8 bulb fixture (other than cost perhaps...). Are 8 T5s too much light for a 90?

I really debated about going with the 8 bulb fixture when I bought my TEK, but with the standard width on the 90 I figured that the extra bulbs on the end would be wasted as more light would spill to the outsides of the tank rather than in, especially with eurobracing.

Some days I regret not getting the 8 as it would have added just a little extra par but I am happy with the 6. The 8 bulb wouldn't work out to that much more $$, I think they are about $50 more than the 6 bulb but then I guess you can add on another $60 for the two extra bulbs.

OA has the 8 bulb fixture on sale for only $14.70 more than the 6 bulb, plus the extra cost of two bulbs of course. Seems like the way to go.

I have been meaning to ask this question for sometime now, and this thread is the ideal place to ask.

From what I have read, T5 bulbs should be replaced approximately every 12 months. Why?? Is this based on quantitative measurements, or is it because Joe's Fish Store needs to sell you new bulbs once a year for his kids college fund?

Greg, you KNOW what you need....don't fight it.

I've heard that T5s that are not overpowered into VHO should last 14-18 months