capsfan July 13, 2009 Share July 13, 2009 I have the Hagen Glo 54w T5HO Electronic Balast and I need to buy some new bulbs for it. Does it matter which brand I buy for it. Do I have to go with the Hagen's or can I go with a cheaper alternative such as a Current Slimpaq. Your opinions would be appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amay121 July 13, 2009 Share July 13, 2009 Should NOT matter. You can go with any 48" 54W T5 bulb. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
capsfan July 13, 2009 Author Share July 13, 2009 Yeah, I just realized how stupid that question really was. Another question however... If I have 4 bulbs, should I go with 2 10,000k daylight and 2 460nm actinics or should I go with 1 420nm and 1 460nm? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reefmontalvo July 13, 2009 Share July 13, 2009 That is a matter of opinion really, some people perfer to mix all there bulbs and some go Half and half being actinic and 10k. I think you should go with MH th reason being it you can grow anything under those yeah they cost more but I'm sure you could get a great deal from a member. But to really answer your question you should go to BRK they have all the bulbs on display and you can see the different spectrums that are displayed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steveoutlaw July 13, 2009 Share July 13, 2009 Yeah, I just realized how stupid that question really was. Not a stupid question at all. Just like any other bulbs, the quality of the bulbs vary by manufacturer. ATI and Geissman are the most used out there. They also offer a much broader spectrum than just daylight and actinic. I would go to someone's house that has them and see if you like the colors. Also, over on RC Grimreefer has a thread and can tell you what bulbs to get depending on what look you're going for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
capsfan July 13, 2009 Author Share July 13, 2009 I cannot go Metal Halide right now b/c I don't have the money. Plus, I already have the T5HO ballasts. I just wanted to know what variation of bulbs would be the best for growing stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larry Grenier July 13, 2009 Share July 13, 2009 It's also a tradeoff and depends on what corals you have and what you want to accomplish. All 10k's and your SPS will probably grow great but not look so colorful. I'm a little heavy on the 10k side and my SPS are growing great while my shrooms at the botton are shriveled unless under an overhang. My color could be better also. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
capsfan July 13, 2009 Author Share July 13, 2009 How about the actinics should I try to get both 460nm and 420nm? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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