t5 Current question ..

[Malibu361]

I bought the Outer Orbit 150 x 2 HQI with 4 T5's and my question is how good are the Current brand buldbs and should I replace them?I have had the tank up and running for about 4 months with the new light and wondering if th Current brand quality was less than other name brand bulbs..they are 2 460's and 2 420's actinics... What brands are suggested and should I swap them out sooner than later ??Thanks Sal

 

[NYreefNoob]

giesmann atic or antic plus for a more purple look

 

[pecan2phat]

Sal,
IMO, the current bulbs look terrible. I would switch them out to ATI Blue Plus and or a combination with URI Super Actinic.
Depends if you use a 10k for the halides and want more blue then use 4 Blue Plus. If you use a bluer halide, then maybe 2 Blue Plus & 2 Super Actinic.

 

[jerl77]

ati

 

[masterswimmer]

Geisemann or UVL (Warren, URI changed names to UVL about 2 yrs ago ).

I agree with Pecan's assessment of the Current stock bulbs.

swimmer

 

[Malibu361]

I am running Phoenix 14ks...

 

[Malibu361]

As I said earlier 2 bulbs are 420 and 2 are 460 what is a good replacment for each one I am new to the T5's and want to order the right ones....Thanks Sal

 

[masterswimmer]

As I said earlier 2 bulbs are 420 and 2 are 460 what is a good replacment for each one I am new to the T5's and want to order the right ones....Thanks Sal

Sal, very tough question as there is no 'right and wrong'. It is more a matter of personal preference. IMO I like the Giesemann Actinic+. The UVL Super Actinic is a nice bulb too.

swimmer

 

[Malibu361]

So Would you get 2 of each or 4 of the same...?

 

[masterswimmer]

So Would you get 2 of each or 4 of the same...?

The same question can be asked about three of one type and one of the other......and vice versa.

All personal preference. I personally like two and two. I know other people that like all four as the same actinic+ or pure actinic.

Sal, I'm terribly sorry I can't give you the definitive answer you're desperately trying to get. The good thing about this decision, you'll get the opportunity to change bulbs in a year and try a different combination.

Russ