T5 selection for LPS and SPS reef with halides

Question:

I have a 120 gallon(2'x2'x4')reef tank containing fish, LPS & SPS corals. My
4' light has two HQI 150w 14,000k bulbs. Also included in the unit are four
HO T-5 lamps. I would like to upgrade the T-5's. My preference would be
looks over growth. Would you have any recommendations.

Thanks Neil

Answer:

Hi Neil

I've experimented with a few T5 lamps on my set up and can highly recommend
the Actinic plus T5 tubes. I run four 80 watt Actinic plus tubes together
with two 250 watt 14.5k coral lamps and I'm very pleased with the colour
rendition.

The Actinic plus tubes help enhance a deeper water look and also pack quite
a punch in terms of extra lighting for growth. They balance my halide lamps
perfectly giving a crisp blue/white appearance to the tank.

I have tried the Actinic pure and found that although they give superb
luminescence to the corals they don't light the tank as well as the Actinic
plus and become a little lost against the high output of the halide lamps.
Maybe a 3-1 ratio of Actinic plus to pure may be in order but as I'm say I'm
very happy running four Actinic plus over my aquarium.

Hope this helps

Regards Tony