T5 recommendations

[nsakis]

I started with PCs, moved to MH, and here I am now with T5s. Its time for me to get new bulbs and I would like everyones input on which brand and where to purchase from.

 

[Justin]

Nick, go to ebay and search "ati coral" and you shuold buy it from that dude. His name is ANdy and he is the homie. If you drive down to Torrance and it pick it up, you might save a little bit of money as well. Feel free to text me if you need help with it.

 

[nsakis]

I appreciate the quick reply bud. Do you run these lights? I have a 4 bulb fixture and was wondering which colors to go with. I want decent growth but I dont want to lose the blue color. Any suggestions?

 

[Lexusman25]

I would suggest 2xati blue plus, 1 ati coral plus, and 1 ati purple plus. This should give you great color and good growth. This is just the popular bulbchoice that I see. I dont run t5s tho haha

 

[Justin]

I don't. I run metal halides. Know that a 4 bulb fixture wont be able to keep most acropora species really happy but you may be able to grow some easier sps. As for color combination, it really depends on what you light. I personally like my light a little more white than most. What lexusman25 suggested looks like a good color combination, althuogh I've heard that 3x ati blue + and 1 purple looks ogod as well.

 

[campge]

I run ati blue+ and purple+ as supplemental lighting to my mh and looks great..................

 

[nsakis]

So I think I have decided to go with 2 blue, 1 purple, and 1 coral. Found some good info on the bulbs here...
http://www.atinorthamerica.com/bulbs.php

2 more questions that Justins post sparked. 1) Can you explain the necessary T5 specs for growing acros? 2) How high would you guys suggest hanging my fixture over my tank? Its 60"Lx20"W and only 12" deep

 

[Justin]

Nick, did you mean 20Tall and 12Width? Those are weird dimensions. I'd say you'd wanna aim for 6 T5's to grow acros well. You could hang with a hanging kit or build a canopy for it.

 

[nsakis]

Nick, did you mean 20Tall and 12Width? Those are weird dimensions. I'd say you'd wanna aim for 6 T5's to grow acros well. You could hang with a hanging kit or build a canopy for it.

Nope. Its only 12" tall. It used to be a frag tank. I already have the light hung but its a good 30" up and Im not sure if I should lower it