Contemplating a switch to T5's

[Doug]

Originally Posted by Boomboy

ah the " good ol' " debate about MH and T5's

[Myka]

If you like the blue look try using (2) AquaScience 22000K, and (2) KZ Fiji Purple. Or to be even bluer replace one of the FPs with a UVL Super Actinic. Or for a little less blue try replacing one of the FPs with a KZ Coral Light. That will make the colors pop, and have good PAR.

[banditpowdercoat]

I second the AS22000 and Fiji Purp. But, took me a while to get used to the Fiji.

[lorenz0]

pure actinics are a waste of a bulb, esspecially with only 4 bulbs. personally i would go with 2 AS 22k and 2 AS 17.5K. aqua science bulbs are tied with KZ for my favorite bulbs. and in calgary red coral ussually has them in stock

[Myka]

Originally Posted by lorenz0

pure actinics are a waste of a bulb, esspecially with only 4 bulbs.

There are a few that still have great output, the UVL is one of them, and it works wonders to improve the visual appeal of the corals.

[lorenz0]

Originally Posted by Myka

There are a few that still have great output, the UVL is one of them, and it works wonders to improve the visual appeal of the corals.

I don't know where your info is from but UVL super actinic's are still on the average of low par readings. why run a bulb with an output in the low 200 par range when you can run something in the low 300's. 22,000k bulbs is what replaces pure actinic's, still makes your colors pop while being a good growing lamp

[Myka]

Originally Posted by lorenz0

I don't know where your info is from but UVL super actinic's are still on the average of low par readings. why run a bulb with an output in the low 200 par range when you can run something in the low 300's. 22,000k bulbs is what replaces pure actinic's, still makes your colors pop while being a good growing lamp

You're talking about 30% difference on 25% (1 of 4) of the bulbs which makes the total output of the 4 bulbs 8% less by using one actinic. Come on now, you think 8% is a big deal???

An actinic will enhance coral colors better than a blue bulb. Provided the actinic is actually 420nm. If you're really that concerned, you could use a 50/50 Blue Plus instead...

Technically, you need to add a lower Kelvin bulb or two to increase growth. Blue bulbs are not ideal for growth at all, they just look perty.

[lorenz0]

proof? almost all of the t5 configurations i have seen never include pure actinic's. If you can give me some solid evidence i would love putting it to the test with my own set up