Needing New T5 Bulbs...

[SaltwaterNoob17]

I'm going to buy new T5 bulbs for my 50 gallon. I run a Nova Extreme Pro (6 bulbs) on the aquarium, and am currently just running the stock bulbs that came with the fixture.

What brand of T5 would you all recommend? I had a reefer suggest both ATI and Giesemann bulbs to me; what are you all's opinion on either of these brands (and which is better)?

Also, I currently have three 10,000K daylights and three 420nm actinics, but was thinking about switching to 2 daylights and 4 blues (because the lighting is kind of strong for keeping softies currently); what do you all think? Would color/spectrum combination would you recommend?

Thanks!

 

[SaltwaterNoob17]

Anyone? :(

 

[Bifferwine]

I have never used Giesemann bulbs, but I am currently using ATI bulbs and a KZ purple bulb. I like the look of it. (I have the 6 bulb Nova Extreme Pro as well). If I remember correctly, my bulbs are

- KZ purple
- ATI Blue Plus
- ATI Blue Plus
- ATI Aquablue Special
- KZ 10K
- KZ 10K

 

[SaltwaterNoob17]

Do you all think six 39-watt T5s are too much for a 50 gallon (36" x 18" x 18")? I had a reefer suggest to me earlier today that it was too much light and maybe to only run 4 or 5 of the bulbs in the fixture instead of 6...

 

[Bifferwine]

I don't think that's too much at all. Nowhere near too much, actually...

 

[BL1]

I don't think it's that bad, I'm running 2 250w MH and 4 54W T5s over a 75 and everything is doing fine in my tank.

I've never had to pick out T5 bulbs but, I know everyone recommends talking to the guys over at reefgeek, they can help you get the look you want in your tank (as far as bulbs go)

 

[Dana42078]

Gmann bulbs are decent but the ATI's put out more PAR.

+1 for ordering through Reefgeek! Ask for George and he will give you the best bulb combo! Goodluck!

P.S. hold onto your seat when u put the new bulbs in!

 

[SaltwaterNoob17]

P.S. hold onto your seat when u put the new bulbs in!

I can't wait! (I contacted Reefgeek, and now I just have to make a decision on what to buy...) I've seen people posting how amazed they are when they switch up their bulbs - I'm hoping the new colors that I choose will blow me away!! :mrgreen:

 

[Dana42078]

You wont be disappointed. we all expect pictures or it never happened =)

 

[SaltwaterNoob17]

You wont be disappointed. we all expect pictures or it never happened =)

Of course ;) Pictures will certainly be a necessity! :mrgreen:

 

[SaltwaterNoob17]

Reefgeek recommended for me to get the following:

1. ATI Aqua Blue Plus (x3)
2. ATI Aqua Blue Special (x2)
3. ATI Purple Plus (x1)

This is also the same combo recommended by the ATI website for a 6-bulb fixture.

I have a question, though. Which bulb is the "daylight" bulb that ATI makes? Is it the Aqua Blue Special? I don't want my tank to look to blue....

Thanks.

 

[Dana42078]

It won't be to blue trust me Sam. Blue special is yer daytime bulb and it's extremely white. The purple plus isn't what it seems either. It gives off a purpleish/white hue. Your tank will NOT be too blue.....have u seen some of my newer pix?

 

[SaltwaterNoob17]

It won't be to blue trust me Sam. Blue special is yer daytime bulb and it's extremely white. The purple plus isn't what it seems either. It gives off a purpleish/white hue. Your tank will NOT be too blue.....have u seen some of my newer pix?

Thanks! I just checked out your showcase thread, and I LOVE your new lights! Your corals and fish look amazing!

 

[Dana42078]

Here just for you blue plus on the ends......middle left purple plus...middle right is your daytime (blue special)

 

[SaltwaterNoob17]

Thanks! That gives me a good idea how they'd look! It's kind of deceiving that they call their "daylight" bulb a blue special...

 

[Dana42078]

Yes it is....ver confussing. I...like you was like...... ummmm ok!? I just trusted him and ordered and couldnt be happier. Im excited again all over for you now lol.

 

[SaltwaterNoob17]

I ordered my new lights!!! :mrgreen: Thanks for everyone's help!