T5 Bulb Recommendations

[rk4435]

I have a four foot T5 light that I purchased from another arc member. It is a Blue Reef brand and I am not sure what bulbs I should purchase.

I would appreciate any advice about different colors and brands that are appropriate for coral and fish.

 

[dball711]

How many bulbs does it hold?

I have been using ATI exclusively, Blue+, Purple+ and Coral+. I have a 6 bulb fixture with 4 Blue+, 1 purple+ and 1 Coral+. Bulb mix also depends on your personal preference, for a less blue look that this combo provides just substitute a GE 6500.

 

[rk4435]

It is a 4 bulb set up. I like the blue look but I'm not sure if the blue is good for coral growth.

 

[snowmansnow]

IMO go with 1 GE 6500k , 2 ATI Blue Plus and, 1 ATI Blue Special

 

[dball711]

The blue in my recommendation isn't too blue and I have heard the Blue+ have some pretty good Par.

 

[snowmansnow]

Blue plus has great par.as does the blue special

 

[fishlips]

There is some specs on a thread with some numbers of the par on ATI bulbs.Also the coral plus bulb has some high par.

 

[ringo®]

ATI and Giesemann are always a safe bet

 

[rk4435]

Thanks for the advise guys, I'll try to get some bulbs ordered tomorrow. The local lfs would make me cry to buy 4 of those.

 

[rk4435]

Is the GE 6500 called a power chrome?