ATI T5HO + RSM250

[ashr]

Hey all

Its time to upgrade my T5 lighting in my RSM250.

I am looking at ATI bulbs and wanted to know what people would think would be best for SPS while still having a nice blue look to it. Anyone use these before? Thoughts on how well, how long they last.

I think I would go this way.

2xATI Aquablue Special T5HO (12,000K)
2xATI Blue Plus T5HO
1xATI True Actinic 03 T5HO

or

3xATI Aquablue Special T5HO (12,000K)
3xATI Blue Plus T5HO


Thoughts on these?

[Mandosh]

14K blue or 20K blue?

[ashr]

The Blue Plus:

Combines the properties of a Blue bulb with a Actinic Blue 03 bulb producing a unique spectrum that encourages both bluing in SPS corals and fluorescence in capable corals. Also helps balance out a washed-out/yellow hued tank. Great as a supplement to metal halides or in combination with a 6500K Sun Pro or Aquablue Special bulb

Blue Special :

Combines the properties of a Blue bulb with a full-spectrum daylight bulb producing a color temperature of approximately 12000K. Great as a stand-alone bulb or in combination with an Blue Plus or Actinic Blue 03 bulb

http://www.progressivereef.com/t5bulbs.php

[Mandosh]

I'm familiar with the ATI bulbs. I've been running them on my tank for a while.

I'd personally run 3 Blue+, 2 Aquablue, and 1 Purple+.

EDIT:

Do you have 5 bulbs or 6?

[ashr]

My tank will hold 6 bulbs.s

[phi delt reefer]

aquablue special washes out the color of the tank.

i would go with 4 blue plus and 2 purple plus.

[ashr]

What do you mean washes out the tank? Please explain :)

Also remember I am looking for something with good SPS growth with good colours :)

[Mandosh]

I agree that the Aquablue can be harsh, which can make corals look washed out. They do put out a ton of par if you're looking for growth. The par numbers for the Blue+ are pretty close though.

Maybe look into the new Coral+ bulbs. They're brand new so I've never used them but they seem like they would give you the best of both worlds.

[ashr]

Well I think Ill stay away from the Aquablue then.. Maybe ill look at the new coral plus :)

[ashr]

so how do people feel about this:

3 Blue+, 2 Aquablue, and 1 Purple+.

Or
4 blue+ 2 Purple +

[rburns24]

3 Blue+, 2 Aquablue, and 1 Purple+, by a mile.

[ashr]

That is what I was thinking.. Thanks for your input :D

[ashr]

When I add these new bulbs.. should I do it one a time or would it be ok to go all at once?