what lamps should i use?

Discussion in 'T5 Aquarium Lighting' started by locod, Apr 24, 2008.

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  1. locod

    locod Flamingo Tongue

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    I am about to order a Tek-Light T5HO for my 55gal. tank. I'm going to get the 4' 4 bulb fixture. What would be the best choice of bulbs? I'm planing on getting the Giesemann powerchrome, I was thinking 2 of the midday 6000k, 1 aquablue+, and a Actinic+ (450nm). Am I on the right track? Are these good lamps or would anyone suggest a better brand?

    Also I'm under the impression that the Tek-light is one of the best T5ho fixtures you can get, but should i be worried with the lack of moonlights? this fixture and lamps is at the limit of my current lighting budget, and it would be a little while (month or so) before i could add moonlights.

    I only have a few mushrooms, leathers, zoas, and one lps in the tank now. I might venture into a few sps later on, and my understanding is on this size tank i should be fine with this fixture, correct me if I'm wrong.

    Thank you ahead of time for your advice!
     
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  3. ziggy222

    ziggy222 Fire Goby

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    those moonlights are'nt needed,there just a cool thing to have.if you use those 6000k bulbs you may get alot of algae.i would pick an actinic and a 10,000k bulb or higher to minimize algae growth.Giesemann is a good bulb.i'm happy with mine
     
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  4. locod

    locod Flamingo Tongue

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    Should I go with 2 of the Aquablue+ (it says there approx 11,000k, 60% actinic and 40% white) instead of the 6000k?
     
  5. R34dawn

    R34dawn Ocellaris Clown

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    Keep asking around I am also getting some lights and it can get confusing because I had my eye on the same. to my opinion the nova T5 are reasonable enough 216, 265 or the 8 bulb 465w but like Ziggy stated indeed algae is go in to be a fact
     
  6. locod

    locod Flamingo Tongue

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    I was going to get the Nova T5ho too, but i saw both in use at my LFS today and i changed my mind in no time flat. I still think the Nova looks to be a good fixture, I just know I'm better off spending a little more now and getting what i want. The biggest diff. i saw between the 2 was the reflectors.
     
  7. R34dawn

    R34dawn Ocellaris Clown

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    thanks for the input this hobby can get very expensive when you buy the wrong stuff

    >))))*>