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View Full Version : Help! Which T5 lamps(bulbs) are best?

Puff
03-07-2008, 02:34 AM
im about to order a new T5 fixture for a new tank, but im not sure what T5 bulbs are "good". i decided to go with a 6 lamp fixture because the tank will be wide, and i figure i might get better coverage (and it's only 320$).

im ordering from aquacave as they have free shipping and a good price on the fixture, so i wanted to buy some replacement bulbs at the same time.

which of these should i go with? and what mix of bulbs?

They have lamps by Aqua Medic, Giesemann, CoralVue, and URI.

T5HO Lamps (http://www.aquacave.com/T-5%20Light%20Bulbs%20Catalog.aspx?CategoryID=128)
UnderWorldAquatics
03-07-2008, 02:46 AM
Im really not sure what "best bulb" means? But I have always had good luck with URI brand bulbs in reliability and light quality. They grow coral and plants well, they make fish look pretty, and they turn on when you flick the switch...
Cheers!
DanG
03-07-2008, 02:48 AM
I've got bulbs from URI, ATI and Korallen, as well as a couple of cheap generic ones. I love the way the URI and ATI bulbs look.
mseepman
03-07-2008, 02:58 AM
I hear that the ATI's are the best.
albert_dao
03-07-2008, 03:02 AM
Look for KZ bulbs.
Puff
03-07-2008, 03:42 AM
where can you find ATI bulbs? ive read that a lot of ppl love them, but im not sure if i should be looking for ATI, or for what ATI stands for :( lol

where can i kind KZ brand bulbs Albert?
albert_dao
03-07-2008, 04:15 AM
You should be able to get them at J&L.
mseepman
03-07-2008, 04:29 AM
Mike at Hidden reef carries KZ bulbs and ATI bulbs. Depending on the size you are looking for, they are little short on stock right now. I have the 36" KZ fiji purple that I think is awesome. They have really good prices too, considering what I've seen the bulbs for sale for elsewhere. Haven't found ATI or KZ bulbs at J&L though, even though they carry the rest of the Zeo line.
Der_Iron_Chef
03-07-2008, 04:44 AM
Ditto on the Korallen Zucht (KZ) bulbs. The Fiji Purple makes the colours POP.
Puff
03-07-2008, 04:53 AM
is hidden reef the store out in abbotsford or something like that? a bit far to drive :( (i live by horseshoe bay). just checked, and they indeed have VERY good prices! didnt see the KZ brand on there though.

JL has geisemann lamps i noticed, also carry URI.
super7
03-07-2008, 05:28 AM
Giesemann are pretty good to.