Help me pick T5 bulb combination for new LPS tank (1 Viewer)

[GotFrogs]

I am about to order a ATI 36" 6x39W Powermodule T5 High Output Fixture but am unsure what bulbs to order. The light is going on a 57 gallon tank that 21 inches deep. The tank will primarily be LPS (scolymias, acans, Cyphastrea and some montipora) and have some type of sand bed. I do not want to make things complicated and have 6 different lamps. What bulb combination (brand and name) would you recommend?

 

[crvz]

I run the ATI blueplus and aquablue bulbs, primarily. It gives the tank a nice crisp look. I do have some UVL super actinics, but they don't have much output (though that's probably not a concerned for an LPS tank). If you want a bit more yellow, an aquasun or two may be in the mix, but I didnt prefer them (and they didnt measure that much better PAR output). My recommendation, 2 blue plus, 3 aquablue, and an actinic.

Brand wise I much prefer ATI over others.

 

[CBBSteve]

Hi, Clint.
I have the Geisemann bulbs, 3 true actinics and 3 Aquablue (11K). I'm not much impressed with the actinics. When its time to replace them, I'm going back to the UVL brand but same color combo, 3 12K's and 3 true actinics. I like that look.

Good luck,
Steve

 

[Raymond]

ati blue +
uvl super actinic
giesman 6500k daylight
ati blue+
ati pro color
ati blue +

 

[AquaNerd]

i would lean toward a more blue lighting setup with lps. reason being...they don't require that much light and will look a lot better under the bluer spectrum.

i would lean toward what raymond is suggesting, but probably swap that 6500K bulb out with something around 10000K - 12000K.

 

[GotFrogs]

Thanks guys. A am looking for a slightly blue look. One bulb that I do plan on using is the Geisemann Actinic+, I have one on my 28 gallon and am very happy with the output and color.

 

[GotFrogs]

Do you think this is too much blue/actinic?

ATI Blue+
ATI 1200k aquablue
UV Super Actinic
Giesemann Actinic+
ATI 1200k aquablue
ATI Blue+

I might just go ahead and order an extra aquablue and change one of the other bulbs out if needed.

 

[2dawghouse]

Here is a link from Grim himself and his bulb selection recommendations, check towards the bottom of the page:

http://www.reefmonkey.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=12168

 

[crvz]

Do you think this is too much blue/actinic?

ATI Blue+
ATI 1200k aquablue
UV Super Actinic
Giesemann Actinic+
ATI 1200k aquablue
ATI Blue+

I might just go ahead and order an extra aquablue and change one of the other bulbs out if needed.

May be one too many actinics. But that's an easy fix, I think having another bulb on hand is a good idea.

 

[GotFrogs]

Thanks for the link Brandon!

 

[AquaNerd]

hahaha...not me, but i'll take the credit.

 

[GotFrogs]

oops, thanks 2dawghouse.

Lighting purchase has been put on hold. My b&w clowns laid eggs last night and I spent a ton of money buying rotifers, algae concentrate, and supplies for the little buggers. Hopefully the hatch and I get them out of the tank before the parents or the pumps get to them.

 

[2dawghouse]

Your welcome...

I am setting up my 120 with 7 over driven T5's on 2 660 ballast. I am using grims recommendations for 15K w/ slightly red look. But i have spare lamps so that I can go from a 14K-20K look.

 

[2dawghouse]

I just need to find a good place to get some cpu fans and a fan controller.

 

[GotFrogs]

http://www.coolerguys.com/

 

[2dawghouse]

Thanks for the link hotwater.

 

[GotFrogs]

I got the tanks but still need a sump, skimmer, return pump, controller, Vortech mp20, and lights!!

 

[crvz]

I got the tanks but still need a sump, skimmer, return pump, controller, Vortech mp20, and lights!!

Can I sneak some hardware into that list? I figure if you've not budgeted it yet, maybe I could get you to pay for it.

 

[GotFrogs]

Sure what do you have in mind? I am not sure that I am following what you are saying. Right now I am about to order the following:
Vertex IN-100
Eheim 1260 Pump
VorTech MP20 Pump
36" 6x39W Sunlight Supply Tek Light
ZeroEdge Light Tree SLB2R
And some unidentified sump

 

[i_am_poor]

Is that the new Oceanic Illuminata rimless tank? Is it 18" wide?