ATI Hybrid Fixture

[Wheelman76]

Actinics are not as low in PAR as most people think. Humans eyes are not able to see that spectrum of light very well , so even though actinic bulbs may look very dull or dim , there is lots of usable spectrum. In fact actinic bulbs are very high in PUR which is probably more important then PAR.
Here are a couple of good reads on the subject.
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2009/3/review
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2012/10/aafeature

[Myka]

If you like actinic, the UVL Super Actinic can't be beat. It has high PUR. Otherwise, I also like the ATI Blue Plus and Coral Plus bulbs.

I haven't used the ATI Hybrid fixture (so jealous right now), so I'm not sure what bulbs would compliment the LEDs the best. Do you feel the LEDs lack anywhere? What are you trying to achieve with the T5s (color, PAR/PUR)?

Originally Posted by Wheelman76

Actinics are not as low in PAR as most people think. Humans eyes are not able to see that spectrum of light very well , so even though actinic bulbs may look very dull or dim , there is lots of usable spectrum. In fact actinic bulbs are very high in PUR which is probably more important then PAR.

Beat me to it.

[lastlight]

I'm still learning about T5 and don't even have any. Thx guys!

[kien]

That's interesting to learn about the actinics. I recall putting a PAR meter under them once and got a fairly low reading compared to 22Ks. Havin said that, it was a highly unscientific experiment I will have to read about what this PUR is all about. I've never heard of that term before!

[riceboy]

For my make shift hybrid sunbrite f series with tek light t5 supplimenT, I went with 3 blue+ and one figi purple. Love the color and my leds are all ramped at 100%

[riceboy]

Originally Posted by Myka

If you like actinic, the UVL Super Actinic can't be beat. It has high PUR. Otherwise, I also like the ATI Blue Plus and Coral Plus bulbs.

I haven't used the ATI Hybrid fixture (so jealous right now), so I'm not sure what bulbs would compliment the LEDs the best. Do you feel the LEDs lack anywhere? What are you trying to achieve with the T5s (color, PAR/PUR)?



Beat me to it.

I find the leds are lacking spread from the top view your corals look awesome but not so much from the front of the tank and sides. So I added the t5 for the spread so I don't see brown sides of corals and wicked top view but more color throughout the whole tank

[Steve...]

Thanks for everyone's input ! My main objective is to make my corals pop and bring out the colours of my fish. Right now, my daytime settings are to white so my corals don't look as vibrant. Once the t5 goes off and the blue LEDs kick in, my corals look a lot nicer and you appreciate the piece even more. Too many options not sure what to do ... I guess the only way is to experiment some more

[Myka]

Originally Posted by riceboy

I find the leds are lacking spread from the top view your corals look awesome but not so much from the front of the tank and sides. So I added the t5 for the spread so I don't see brown sides of corals and wicked top view but more color throughout the whole tank

Yeah, that's a drawback to LEDs.

Originally Posted by Steve...

Thanks for everyone's input ! My main objective is to make my corals pop and bring out the colours of my fish. Right now, my daytime settings are to white so my corals don't look as vibrant. Once the t5 goes off and the blue LEDs kick in, my corals look a lot nicer and you appreciate the piece even more. Too many options not sure what to do ... I guess the only way is to experiment some more

So essentially you need more light coming from more directions, not really "supplements" then. In that case, I would recommend 2 Blue Plus and 2 Coral Plus with the CP on the inside and the BP on the outside. Start there and experiment with UVL Super Actinic and ATI Purple Plus. The PP really makes the corals and fish pop (especially reds which tend to look washed out in bluer spectrums) though they add a lot of pink to the look. If you can add enough blue with the LEDs then it will counteract.