T5 bulb configuration... need some input

[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.

[lorenz0]

Originally Posted by 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.

totally agree

just decide whats happening in the tank. And with his combo sps grows very slow but you won't burn your lps alive.