T5 Bulb Charts for Reefers

We created 5 reference charts for our most popular T5 fluorescent bulb brands to help you get an idea of how to mix-and-match them to achieve the right look and optimal growth in your reef tank.

If your light fixture has multiple plugs to simulate dawn/dusk, put actinics and blues all on one plug to create the best effect.

ATI T5 Bulbs



Giesemann T5 Bulbs



Red Sea T5 Bulbs



AquaticLife T5 Bulbs



UV T5 Bulbs

 

This is nice.

 

Thank you! We hope you find it useful. Please let us know if you have any questions. We're happy to help!

 

Why don't you have true actinic for the ATI bulbs? I use those with blue plus for a really nice pop. The chart is nice and helpful though.

 

DSC all ATI bulbs have pure actinic in them.

 

What if you only have a 2 bulb system?

 

Most hobbyists will utilize one blue color and one white color bulb in a two bulb system but then again this is a personal preference on the way you want your tank to look. With all of the different bulbs available, a number of different combinations will work for you.

 

I like to use the 10k daylight and then tweak the actinic.If I want a bluer look I use a 420nm actinic.For a whiter look I use a 460nm.I have had great success using the 10k for softies and lps and when you only have a 2 bulb option ime its best not to go too blue with the daylight bulb.

 

Thank you for sharing your experience. It always helps to know how others have achieved success!