T5 Lighting Question

[texhorns98]

I've been experimenting with a few different combinations this morning and I have a question. What's the difference in Giesemans Actinic and Actinic+?

Here are some pictures:

1. Before (please criticize the new aquascaping as wel)

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2. After- AB+, Actinic, AC+, AC+, Actinic, AC+ Too blue, IMO

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3. I replaced one Actinic with an old 10K bulb. Will upgrade to AB+ later today if I decide to go this route!

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I welcome any ideas you have!

 

[mufret]

texhorns98;510962 wrote: What's the difference in Giesemans Actinic and Actinic+?

They add a blue phosphur to the actinic plus

 

[jonathan]

The rock work looks good. It is always difficult for me to picture the final result since the overall goal is to have enough coral growth to hide the rocks entirely. T5 bulb combos can be a challenge and I have ended up with many extra test bulbs. The pure actinic bulbs have a sharper peak around 420nm. The plus bulbs peak a bit higher and not as sharp.

I really like the pop that 420 gives. You could always throw an Aquasun in there to complement the "too blue" Unfortunately experimentation is the only true way to find your personal favorite combo. Don't rely on tank photos to make your decision. Good luck!
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[texhorns98]

mufret;510965 wrote: They add a blue phosphur to the actinic plus

You might as well tell me they add cheese to it! I'm not well schooled in lighting!

 

[texhorns98]

Jonathan;510975 wrote: The rock work looks good. It is always difficult for me to picture the final result since the overall goal is to have enough coral growth to hide the rocks entirely. T5 bulb combos can be a challenge and I have ended up with many extra test bulbs. The pure actinic bulbs have a sharper peak around 420nm. The plus bulbs peak a bit higher and not as sharp.

I really like the pop that 420 gives. You could always throw an Aquasun in there to complement the "too blue" Unfortunately experimentation is the only true way to find your personal favorite combo. Don't rely on tank photos to make your decision. Good luck!

Yeah, the only way to go is testing them out. I've often hoped that a LFS would have a set or two of various bulbs that could be rented out to try different ideas.

The rockwork is stable right now, and I have LOTS of great shelf areas and nooks and crannies for plugs. I added some Texas "holy rock" at the bottom with few really sweet holes and caves. i think it turned out nice, but now I need some CORAL!!