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Best T5HO Bulbs?

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by Railcar79, May 31, 2013.

  1. Railcar79

    Railcar79 Inactive User

    245
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0

    I got a Coralife 48" 2 tube T5HO on my 55 gal FOWLR. I am trying to decide on new bulbs for the fixture. My choices are 10,000k, 20,000k, 50/50 or Actinic. Which bulbs/combos would make my tank look the best, and be the best for my tank?
     
  2. bobsfish

    bobsfish Experienced Reefkeeper

    Ratings:
    +3 / 0 / -0
    I have 2 14K and 2 actinic on my 60. I have also used 2 10K and 2 actinic. I have gotten decent color and coral growth with both. With a FOWLR I will come down to the color of the light. I personally think a balance of white and blue work best...thus the 50/50. But, some prefer more blue, so 20K or 20K/actinic would work. It will come down to your preference.
     
  3. Sponge Expert Reefkeeper Vendor

    Marshalltown, IA
    Ratings:
    +233 / 1 / -0
    I agree. If you want the tank really bright, go with the 10K.
     
  4. mthomp

    mthomp Inactive User

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    Not a fan of 10k lights myself. To me they make the water look a little yellow. At least with the MH ones they did.
     
  5. bobsfish

    bobsfish Experienced Reefkeeper

    Ratings:
    +3 / 0 / -0
    I can't speak for MH bulbs, but the 10K T5s I have had were not yellow at all...very bright white
     
  6. Andy The Reef Guy

    Andy The Reef Guy Inactive User

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    +0 / 0 / -0

    I would NEVER use anything but German bulbs (Giesmann, or ATI) Been through DOZENS of T5 bulbs, nothing compares, and they're priced comparably to all the other junk bulbs out there. Use ATI Aquablue special and Purple+ and you'll get the best color pop and white balance you've ever seen, and yah, I mean it rivals LED colors. If T5 fixtures weren't so damn expensive to operate between bulb replacement and energy costs I would go T5 on my main tank.
     
  7. Railcar79

    Railcar79 Inactive User

    245
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    +0 / 0 / -0
    I don't have any corals in the tank, I will be getting a bubble tip anemone, and will have 5 or 6 fish.
    Sent from my phone
     

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