Replaced T5s and the new lights ROCK

[SteveDola]

Over the last couple years Ive been testing out KZ bulbs and this time I went all KZ except for my ATI b+ and ATI actinic...all I have to say is that the color and saturation in the tank IMO is better than the other bulbs IVe tried. Worth the extra couple bucks per bulb especially when theyre going to be on my tank for a year. Next time you have to replace bulbs think about KZ new gen, KZ coral light, and KZ fiji purple...looks amazing combo-ed with B + and actinics in my sunpower.

 

[tjbell]

I wish I had a 4 bulb on my 10 gallon haha

 

[this is me]

Heard good thing about KZ lighting especially the Fiji Purple.

 

[RadReefer]

I have been using a very similar config for several years. I love the KZ new generation and the Fiji is the only purple on the market that is worth using. I do use ATI for my Blues though because they are the best hands down.

 

[RadReefer]

Steve, how many bulbs are you running and what type of actinic bulb?

 

[SteveDola]

I have 8 and Im using the ATI actinic...true 03 (i think)

 

[RadReefer]

I was thinking of using one but I heard they don't put out any PAR. Is this true even with an ATI bulb? If it really enhances the color of the tank I may consider it and sacrifice some PAR. Would you recommend this for a 6 X48" fixture?

 

[SteveDola]

It gives a different color than a P+ or B+...really pops the florescence tones of a coral and looks great at night with a blue + (more of a darker purple). However with a 6 bulb its tough because as you noted the par from an actinic bulb is minimal if any. I ran a Tx5 on my old 75 (only 5 bulbs) and received good growth from only 5 bulbs so you could definitely achieve good growth and color with your 6 bulb unit. What is great about running T5s is that you can buy a bulb for 20 from a LFS and toss it in to check out if you like it...if you dont put it up on the boards for sale or trade...someone usually wants an actinic bulb especially 4 ft...even if you take a loss its only usually 20 bucks for an actinic bulb. Its not like buying a MH bulb for 80-100 and if you dont like it oh well.

 

[RadReefer]

I get great growth already from the 6 bulb and keeping the bulbs fresh is very important. I can tell when it's time for new ones when the growth slows. I wouldn't mind if I lost a little PAR for a better look. I think I will try it out. The only issue is that I have the TEK elite and only 2 outside bulbs are on at the dawn dusk setting. That would leave me with only 1 PAR bulb. Think that matters?

 

[SteveDola]

only 1 par emitting bulb during dusk/dawn? no issue