t5's

[storrisch]

I am getting ready to order my t5 retrokit for my 75 build in the next month so I am starting to figure out different bulb options.

I will be running 48" 4x54W SLR T5 High-Output Retrofit Kit w/ Bulbs from reefgeek.

I will add an additional 2 bulb kit a few months after the tank is up to help spread out the cost for me and allow the coral to adjust to the increase in lighting.

What is everyone running here? I prefer a white-ish w/ a hint of blue. Essentially the color of Troy's tank.

[mattb]

Troy's running XM 20ks.. pretty blue, but it's really a personal thing... are you keeping sps?

If you are running 4 bulbs, you'd probably want to do something like
front
blue+
aquablue special
blue+
aquablue special
back

You could switch out one b+ for a UVL actinic

I'm running
front
KZ Coral Light
UVL Super Actinic
GE 3K
aquablue special
KZ fiji purple
blue +
back

I'd say it's pretty close to ~12k....

[storrisch]

yes the SPS will transition from the biocube to the 75. It will be 6 bulbs eventually but I will start it at 4 so I can afford to pick up my skimmer and controller at the same time. I am not planning on rushing this tank by cutting corners but I will def. be working hard to get it set up sooner than later.

[storrisch]

Matt do you have an accurate color picture of your tank?

[clownnut]

4
blue+
aquablue special
aquablue special
blue+
6
blue+
aquablue special
blue+
UVL Full actinic
aquablue special
blue+

[mattb]

I'll try to snap a few pics tonight (I'm no clownnut when it comes to photos :) ).... plus, mine is pretty white. This is an ok photo....

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s198/stonycorals/IMG_0977.jpg

[David Grigor]

I prefer a white-ish w/ a hint of blue. Essentially the color of Troy's tank. I always find these type of comments interesting always goes to show people perception of color is different.

Troys is way blue to me.

For T5s I prefer a 2 to 1 or 3 to 1 ratio of 10-12K bulbs ( your choice which brand ) and Super Actinic.

This is why I always typically go with an odd number of bulbs vs. even so I prefer 3 or 5 bulb setups as opposed to 4.

It's all personal tastes.

I highly recommend getting an extra couple of each bulb so you can play around to get what you prefer colorwise and keep the rest as hot spares which is always a good thing to have around.

[mattb]

I always find these type of comments interesting always goes to show people perception of color is different.

Troys is way blue to me.
....

I totally agree! I thought it was blue, but after a bazillion comments from my wife that I'm color blind, I'm glad that I've some verification :)

[storrisch]

I always find these type of comments interesting always goes to show people perception of color is different.

Troys is way blue to me.

For T5s I prefer a 2 to 1 or 3 to 1 ratio of 10-12K bulbs ( your choice which brand ) and Super Actinic.

This is why I always typically go with an odd number of bulbs vs. even so I prefer 3 or 5 bulb setups as opposed to 4.

It's all personal tastes.

I highly recommend getting an extra couple of each bulb so you can play around to get what you prefer colorwise and keep the rest as hot spares which is always a good thing to have around.

I totally agree! I thought it was blue, but after a bazillion comments from my wife that I'm color blind, I'm glad that I've some verification :)

I actually am color blind. I have trouble with transitional shifts of color and mostly blue/purple green/brown. I rely on my wife to make sure I am not buying a big rock of brown coral.

[mattb]

My wife told me that approx 30% men have some level of color blindness.... hence she claims I'm color blind when discussing colors, I've not been tested in a long time though...

[wolrey]

He is what I run on my 20L

2 x Gieseman Aquablue+ ( I love my gieseman)
1 x ATI Blue Plus

It is just the right amount of blue for me. Like David said, I think a 2:1 ratio gives you the right blend. If i had 2 X Aquablue+ & 2 x Blue Plus, I would prob think it to "blue"
The bulb names are very confusing between the brands, I find it helps to include the brand name along with the type. :greenguy:
Jeff

[mattb]

It is, especially since the maker of Gman Aquablue+, used to make ATI Aquablue specials...