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T5 Hybrid suggestions

Mark_C

Mark_C

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Running 3 Hydra 26HDs over a 100g tank (4'x2'x2'ish) in a 36" ATI hybrid mount (4 bulb).
Recently ran a blue+, coral+, purple+, and a UV, as my first go. OK growth, decent coloring, but low flourescence and minimal pop.
Now its time to change bulbs.
Was thinking...
Blue+, Blue+, Purple+, Blue+
or
Blue+, Blue+, Purple+, Coral+
or
Blue+, Blue+, Blue+, Coral+ (I've read the coral+ covers most of the purple spectrum and drops in a bit of red as well)

Any suggestions based on experiences?
I'm running mostly SPS at this point.
 
Sponge

Sponge

Sure it’s no help. But I found that the UV. Makes the greens really glow. But to be honest I don’t know how it effects growth either negatively or positively
 
Mark Shelly

Mark Shelly

I use 2 coral + and 2 blue + T5s. I have tried the purple and the actinic. I find when I use 1 bulb of a color, it never looks right as they shadow or only light half the tank. I also turn on the 2 blues first, and then the 2 coral + later. I turn off the whites first and then the blues last. But, my tank has a side-to-side and front-to-back frame above that leaves shadows with single lights, so an open tank might not have that problem. I also use 2 current marine LED strip light front and back as well. And I tend to have soft corals and don't select corals based on maximum florescent ability - my tank is more of a fish tank with easy-to-keep corals. I note that the purple plus has a red peak, which might be useful for some red colored coral that don't fluoresce.
 
Mark_C

Mark_C

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Sponge, I'm using the Hydras to supply some decent UV atm and its working well
MrX, hadn't considered the true actinic, after 30 mins research, its definitely in the mix, cheers
Mark, I have the coral+ as a possible. Its hard to run pairs as I do want to cover a number of spectrums on only 4 bulbs.

So far, front to back...
Blue+
Blue+
Actinic*
Blue+**

* ATI does a True Actinic whereas Geissman does a Super Actinic. They both hit 400-450 with the ATI at a 0.6 relative intensity v. Geissmans 1.0 intensity
Anyone have any thoughts on ATI v. Geissman actinics?

**I can change this out for a Coral+ but dont need the extra red, plus I'm wary this may add a bit too much white, any thoughts welcome
 
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Sponge

Sponge

I see little by my eye to adding any red. And red can promote algae as it tends to run in the spectrum it likes. Unless YOU can see a visual advantage. I would avoid it. But these other fellas seem like they are pointing in the BEST direction. I’m just sharing antidotal visual opinion on my tank.
 
Mark_C

Mark_C

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Thanks for that Diana.
Based on the profile of the Coral+ I think its out, will most likely go with 3 blue+ and 1 actinic.
 
Mark_C

Mark_C

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Decision made.

From front to back...
ATI Blue+
Geissman Super Actinic
ATI Aquablue Special (full spectrum, more white)
ATI Blue+

Thanks for the info folks.

Also snagged some new RODI filters and, egads!, a Hanna Alk checker (yes, I'm starting to actually monitor, Im sure this is where it all goes to #%$@)
 
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