what colour bulbs to go with?

[marvinsae]

i think im gonna settle for the sunlight supply tek t-5 36" 6 bulb fixture for my reef coral. am i suppose to buy 3 actinic bulbs and 3 white bulbs? what is the temperature colour on these? or do i buy 6 bulbs that are the same. im lookin on jlaquatics

[chris88]

No actinic bulbs.

Here is the best 6 bulb t5 mix you can go with.

ATI blue plus x 3 or aqua science 22,000k or kz super blue
ATI aqua blue x 2 or aqua science 15,000k or kz new gen
UVL Actinic white x1 or aqua science duo or kz fiji purple.

High par great color and the full spectrum is covered. Actinic bulbs are to narrow of a spectrum and do not prodcue enough par.

[fishytime]

I agree with Chris, except for the fiji purple......fiji purps are more for color and the red spectrum they put out will encourage algae growth....better IME to choose a bulb that wont cause you algae issues....