what are the best bulbs?

Discussion in 'T5 Aquarium Lighting' started by Toallhisdoom, May 17, 2012.

to remove this notice and enjoy 3reef content with less ads. 3reef membership is free.

Page 1 of 2
  1. Toallhisdoom

    Toallhisdoom Dragon Wrasse

    Joined:
    Jan 11, 2012
    Messages:
    2,197
    I have a 48" odyssea 4 bulb t5 light. I am not getting much coral growth(gsp) or coraline growth. Light has been on for a few months now. Was thinking about putting better bulbs in it. Right now it has 2x actinic and 2x 10k. Are ATI bulbs the best? I have read blue plus instead of actinic. What would be the best 4 bulb combo i could do?
     
    Toallhisdoom, May 17, 2012
    Toallhisdoom, May 17, 2012
    #1

    2. Click Here!

  2. NanaReefer

    NanaReefer Fu Manchu Lion Fish

    Joined:
    Jul 26, 2011
    Messages:
    1,911
    IMO ATI are the best! Here's my personal combo-1x aquablue special-1x coral plus and 2x blue plus.
     
    NanaReefer, May 17, 2012
    NanaReefer, May 17, 2012
    #2
  3. Toallhisdoom

    Toallhisdoom Dragon Wrasse

    Joined:
    Jan 11, 2012
    Messages:
    2,197
    awesome! think i will order some of those soon. I am buying a bunch of corals soon so want to get them the best bulbs i can! thanks!
     
    Toallhisdoom, May 17, 2012
    Toallhisdoom, May 17, 2012
    #3
  4. clarkkey594

    clarkkey594 Aiptasia Anemone

    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2011
    Messages:
    552
    Location:
    Boulder, CO
    You say that you are not getting coraline or coral growth. What are your alkalinity, calcium and magnesium levels? Also what size tank and how deep is it?
     
    clarkkey594, May 17, 2012
    clarkkey594, May 17, 2012
    #4
  5. Toallhisdoom

    Toallhisdoom Dragon Wrasse

    Joined:
    Jan 11, 2012
    Messages:
    2,197
    75 gallon standard size. and ill check those levels tonight but they are always in the "recommended" parameters.
     
    Toallhisdoom, May 17, 2012
    Toallhisdoom, May 17, 2012
    #5
  6. dowtish

    dowtish Horrid Stonefish

    Joined:
    Jan 29, 2011
    Messages:
    2,062
    Location:
    Nashville TN
    ATI and Geismenn bulbs are the best IMO
     
    dowtish, May 17, 2012
    dowtish, May 17, 2012
    #6

    7. Click Here!

  7. gcarroll

    gcarroll Zoanthid

    Joined:
    Sep 30, 2010
    Messages:
    1,117
    Location:
    Anaheim Hills, CA
    You guys should give the Hexarc T5 bulbs a try. You might just find that they are made in the same factory as your favorite bulbs but hit the market at a lower price.
     
    gcarroll, May 17, 2012
    gcarroll, May 17, 2012
    #7
  8. newe70

    newe70 Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Oct 31, 2011
    Messages:
    31
    Location:
    Signal Hill
    I have all four 48" ATI bulbs on my Aquaticlife T5 fixture. Could not be happier...
     
    newe70, May 22, 2012
    newe70, May 22, 2012
    #8
  9. Kevin_E

    Kevin_E Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Apr 30, 2009
    Messages:
    4,551
    Location:
    Florida
    Same. I can't get growth either. I have stock bulbs, but I'm ordering 2x AT blue plus, 1x ATI coral plus and 1x ATI aquablue special tomorrow. Hope that does the trick. Good luck.
     
    Kevin_E, May 22, 2012
    Kevin_E, May 22, 2012
    #9
  10. papareef

    papareef Feather Duster

    Joined:
    Mar 20, 2008
    Messages:
    242
    Location:
    canada
    ATI gets my vote
     
    papareef, May 22, 2012
    papareef, May 22, 2012
    #10
Page 1 of 2