What T5 brand?

Discussion in 'T5 Aquarium Lighting' started by Travis45, Jan 11, 2010.

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  1. Travis45

    Travis45 Scooter Blennie

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    I am currently looking to replace the bulbs in my T5 fixture. It takes the 48" 54 watt bulbs and I was looking to upgrade them. Its a Nova Extreme fixture with the original bulbs which probably are not the best. I've been looking at different brands and I am having a hard time deciding which one to pick? Any info would help, thanks all.

    Travis
     
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  3. papareef

    papareef Feather Duster

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    You can't go wrong with any of the german bulbs.Brands like ATI,KZ,Giesemann,Aqua Science.
     
  4. steve wright

    steve wright Super Moderator

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    to the above list which is great - I use 4 x Giesemann lamps in my 6 lamp fixture
    2 x aquablue 14K and 2 x Powerchrome 22k
    I would also add Aquamedic as they do a reef white 15k tube which seems a little brighter to my eye than the 14K ones I have next to them

    Steve
     
  5. Night-Rida

    Night-Rida Finback Whale

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    Dont forget UVL, they are pretty good too.
     
  6. Travis45

    Travis45 Scooter Blennie

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    Sweet thanks for the replies everyone.
     
  7. xmetalfan99

    xmetalfan99 Giant Squid

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    ATI makes great bulbs
     
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  9. divott

    divott Giant Squid

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    i just added 6 geissmann's . 1 midday bulb, 3 aquablue + , and actinic+ . looks totally awesome , great bulbs. and the 5 "blues" cancel out the yellow of the 6500k midday.

    guy
     
  10. Beaun

    Beaun Fire Shrimp

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    For 6 bulbs I would get the following in this order

    Front
    ATI Blue Plus
    UVL 12000K Actinic White (50/50)
    ATI Blue Plus
    GE 6500K Daylight T5
    ATI Blue Plus
    ATI Blue Plus
    Back

    These are the highest PAR ratings you can find with a nice blue color (15 - 20k). If you want a 12k with actinics look then swap out the back ATI Blue Plus for an ATI Aquablue. I always recommend reefgeek.com for bulbs.
     
  11. patrick824

    patrick824 Montipora Digitata

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    with no intention to steal info from this thread :/ what would you guys recommend for a 4x54w 48 inch. It is my only lighting for my 90 gallon so i need as much as i can get. Thanks (i am going to house LPS and softies)
     
  12. Night-Rida

    Night-Rida Finback Whale

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    for more blue color:
    ATI Blue Plus
    UVL 12000K Actinic White (50/50)
    ATI Blue Plus
    ATI Blue Plus

    for more white:
    ATI Blue Plus
    UVL 12000K Actinic White (50/50)
    ATI Blue Plus
    UVL 12000k Actinic White (50/50)

    if your fixture has 2 seperate cords for your 2 pairs of bulbs you want blue plus's on 1 timer and 12k on other.

    ATI, Giessman, UVL (any bulbs you want)

    there is T5 PAR ratings on these forums with these brands, do a forum search for results...
    generally good white 10-12k bulbs have better par rating, but some blues are up there too..

    ::)

    if your reflectors are not very good, you may want to get the UVL's with internal reflectors. helps with my PC bulbs (gets more light into tank)