Which is best for my corals?

[darren neil]

I've done some homework on the Actinic 420, Actinic 460 and the Actinic 03 and I still don't know which one would be better then the other. I run 8 T5s, 2 T12, and 2 Pcs. So would it be better to go all 10k or mix them up with different bulbs. please someone help me out been on the net the past two hours trying to come up with something before I post on here. Thanks.

 

[hackman72]

First, I would think, depending on the size of your tank, that you could lose the PC's. They just aren't as cost friendly overall as T5's and others. As far as actinics go, there's a lot of personal preference that goes into anyone's selection and the "best" combination is a widely disputed topic.

What type of corals are you keeping? SPS, softies,??

 

[dakota9]

I thought (from reading on the topic) actinics were mainly for asthetics. From my understanding, actinic lighting doesn't really do much for the corals.

Choice of actinic lighting would be completely at the descretion of the reef keeper.

 

[darren neil]

Hackman72;422603 wrote: First, I would think, depending on the size of your tank, that you could lose the PC's. They just aren't as cost friendly overall as T5's and others. As far as actinics go, there's a lot of personal preference that goes into anyone's selection and the "best" combination is a widely disputed topic.

What type of corals are you keeping? SPS, softies,??

My tank is a 120 gallon. I got a little bit of eveything. But trying to go to all sps. Thanks.

 

[darren neil]

dawgdude;422604 wrote: Are the T-5s high out put and are the T12s VHOs? That makes a big difference in the advice I give. And like hackman said what corals are you wanting to keep?

The T-5s are high out put.The t-12s are not VHO's they are Actinic 03s. Im wanting to keep sps. Thanks.

 

[darren neil]

Big D;422718 wrote: <span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS">It really depends on what you're looking for color wise in the tank. I run 8 T5's over my 180 and have great growth rates as well as a nice deep water hue. I like to mix the spectrums up so my corals get a little bit of everything. </span>





<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS">D</span>

If you don't mind me asking. What all spectrum of bulbs do you have in your light fixture as of right now? Thanks.

 

[darren neil]

dawgdude;422788 wrote: You can use the "+ button next to quote and the click Quote on the last post and it will do a multi quote so you can reply to multiple comments at once.

If you want SPS, then pull the PC's and T12s and use all HO T-5s with either a high quality fixture that had individual reflectors or using a retro fit with high quality individual reflectors. I would decide the color you want the tank to look like and then you can decide how many 6500k, 10k, actinic +, blue plus, fiji purple or whatever bulbs you want.

The fixture for the t-5s is a current. It don't have individual reflectors in the fixture. Is that going to do sps i also have a two bulb T-5s retrofit that can take the place of the pc's.Thanks

 

[darren neil]

dawgdude;422800 wrote: What size tank is this? Are these the stock current bulbs? How many watts are the T-5s on there currently?

It's on a 120 gallon tank. Yep stock bulbs 54 Watts per bulb. I've had the fixture for a year now so It's about time time to change the bulbs.So I thought that I would ask whats best for my corals as far as lights go Before I replace them.

 

[snowmansnow]

While I do respect dawg's thoughts on this I do know you can do 7 lamps and grow sps all day long from the bottom up. THAT BEING SAID... this is a good 7 lamp t5. Over driven with very good individual reflectors and active cooling. I also run a lot of ATI lamps. If you care at all I'm running an Aquactinics Constellation 48" over my 120 right now. It is 24" deep. I've thought about going with the 10 lamp ATI PM, but just so I can bark like the Tool Guy.

 

[darren neil]

dawgdude;422817 wrote: I would try to get around 8 bulbs on a 120g to do SPS. I had 6 on my 90g and it seemed about right. I will say individual reflectors really help though if you want to do SPS.

Ok thanks so much for the info. Should I put the two retrofit T-5s on the tank just because I have them? with the 8 T-5s. Thanks.

 

[darren neil]

dawgdude;422833 wrote: If its 8 under one reflector then absolutely add the other ones. Keep in mind I am talking about 8 bulbs with individual reflectors. If its just a large parabolic then I would say that is comparable to about 4 bulbs with individual reflectors. Its surprising how much light you lose with one large parabolic reflector.

Ok thats what it is 8 under one reflector. I will put the other two on there now and have it ready to come on for tomorrow thank you.