Bulb recommendations?

kimax · #1 12-05-2009, 10:47 PM

I will be setting up a 10 gallon tank with the 24" Hagen T5 double bulb fixture. Already have the fixture so I am set on using this, as nice as MH would be I will work with what I have for right now.
I know that Hagen makes T5 bulbs and with this I was thinking of a Marine-Glo/Power Glo combo but I am afraid it might be a little too dark or too blue for my liking. Does anyone have any suggestions for other brands of bulbs that might look a bit nicer or will the Hagen ones be just fine? Will be sticking to the "easy" stuff for right now, mushrooms, xenia, GSP etc.
Thanks for your help,
Kelly

raisemyrent · #2 02-16-2010, 06:28 PM

tagging along; I'm looking to upgrade the bulbs in my 24" nova extreme and am wondering about bulb combinations... any replies, anyone?

Crytone · #3 02-16-2010, 07:06 PM

For regular T5 bulbs I can't help you..

As for T5HO bulbs, I've heard a good 2 bulb combo is an ATI Aquablue Special and an ATI Blue+ will give great par of any combo and a good color combo (cool whitish/blue). Others will likely suggest Geismann bulbs and other brands too which are great bulbs in themselves.

I'm currently trying to source the ATI bulbs myself but am having a hard time sourcing any. Lots of place have them in 36" and 48" but not 24". If anyone knows of any locally or where I can order them in Canada please let me know!

Here's a good site comparing the par produced by various bulbs from different manufacturers.

http://sites.google.com/site/tfivetesting/par

kimax · #4 02-17-2010, 04:34 PM

I ended up buying 2 Aquatic Life bulbs - one is 10000 K and the other is Actinic 420/460 nm bulb.

I like the combination as it brings out coral colours but also is not too blue (which is what I was afraid of). I likely would have selected the Geismann bulbs had I heard of them first but so far these are working out well.