T5 bulb configuration... need some input

[The Grizz]

Cool with my tank being 18" deep and 8' long I will start of lower and bump a bit at a time for the first couple weeks.

Thanks man this is a big help, you sound like you have done a lot of research on lighting.

[chris88]

I do a lot of researching just out of pure curiosity. I have been using t5’s for a few years and have done a lot of experimenting with bulbs and time patterns. Plus, I have read just about every t5 article on this site and reef central out of pure boredom lol. I hope this helps and in the end experimenting results in the best results. You may end up playing with your bulb combo and lighting schedule a few times before you get it exactly how you like it.

[Red Coral Aquariums]

I can recommend a bulb selection based on what I use and the most popular combination's that I sell for 8 bulb.

2 x Kz Super Blue or ATI Blue +
3 x Kz Coral lite 11K or ATI Aqua-blue 12K or Giesemann Aqua Blue 11K
2 x Kz Coral lite New Gen 15k
1 x Kz Fiji Purple

[chris88]

That is a great combination but it is going to come out very white and not make the colors pop as much as is there were a bit more blue into it. I like a very realistic color as well, but i find the extra blue really colors up sps, lps, and zoanthids. if i were going to run a softy tank i would go the route you suggested hands down.

[lorenz0]

your original bulb configuration would be the best

try not to run to many bulbs between 17,500 - 22,000k ratings. These bulbs are great for color from your corals but you will loose growth rate with them. Run a set up like that down the road when your growth rate is to much and everything is getting crowed.

Its the joy with t5's, but right now i am really content with the output of growth and color.

[The Grizz]

Originally Posted by Red Coral Aquariums

I can recommend a bulb selection based on what I use and the most popular combination's that I sell for 8 bulb.

2 x Kz Super Blue or ATI Blue +
3 x Kz Coral lite 11K or ATI Aqua-blue 12K or Giesemann Aqua Blue 11K
2 x Kz Coral lite New Gen 15k
1 x Kz Fiji Purple

Thanks Kevin I was hoping you would jump in with the combination you where telling me about.

Originally Posted by chris88

That is a great combination but it is going to come out very white and not make the colors pop as much as is there were a bit more blue into it. I like a very realistic color as well, but i find the extra blue really colors up sps, lps, and zoanthids. if i were going to run a softy tank i would go the route you suggested hands down.

My tank is all LPS, Softies, Zoa and clams with only a couple SPS that I have been able to keep alive.

Originally Posted by lorenz0

your original bulb configuration would be the best

try not to run to many bulbs between 17,500 - 22,000k ratings. These bulbs are great for color from your corals but you will loose growth rate with them. Run a set up like that down the road when your growth rate is to much and everything is getting crowed.

Its the joy with t5's, but right now i am really content with the output of growth and color.

Are you talking about the combination from the start of the thread?

[chris88]

If you have a lot of lps i suggest a the combo i mentioned with maybe even one more blue plus or even a super actinic. LPS and zoanthids look the best when the pop and don't need the crazy high par that sps need.