Geisemann T5 Bulbs (or alternatives)

[blizzack1]

Hi guys,

Hoping to knock another item off the tank building list - bulbs.

I am running a 2 x 39 t5 HO setup, and given that I only have two bulbs, I'm wondering if I should run the same tube in both of them?  I am hoping to grow a carpet of some sort (hairgrass, maybe UG) and some as yet undecided plants (possibly something with red/purple to contrast against the carpet).

I was thinking of going with Geisemann bulbs and basically have these two to choose from:

The Aquaflora: A spectrum developed for optimum plant growth and to bring ot the blue and red colors in your fish. Excellent for Planted Aquariums.

http://www.jlaquatics.com/product/lb-t52405/24%22+Powerchrome+T5+Fluorescent+Bulb+-+Aquaflora.html

The MiddayA 6000K fluorescent bulb which recreates natural sunlight. Excellent in all Freshwater and Marine Aquariums.

http://www.jlaquatics.com/product/lb-t52402/24%22+Powerchrome+T5+Fluorescent+Bulb+-+Midday.html

My concern is that there would not be equal coverage of the tank, so some plants would get more of one bulb than the other, which would reduce the effectiveness of running separate bulbs. 

I am open to other, nearly as effective but less pricey alternatives. 

Thanks team!

[charlie]

In my opinion, you are good to go with the 2 bulb combo in the same fixture( aquaflora & midday), in terms of growth benefits , the verdict is still out there for me , i`m presently trying the aquaflora, but from what i`ve read on some sites, it`s more personal visual than growth effect as in comparison to other bulbs.
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[blizzack1]

In my opinion, you are good to go with the 2 bulb combo in the came fixture( aquaflora & midday), in terms of growth benefits , the verdict is still out there for me , i`m presently trying the aquaflora, but from what i`ve read on some sites, it`s more personal visual than growth effect as in comparison to other bulbs.
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Regards

The fixture didn't come with any bulbs, sorry for the confusion.  I was trying to decide what to go with, and if it should be a 'combo' or two of the same

[charlie]

The fixture didn't come with any bulbs, sorry for the confusion.  I was trying to decide what to go with, and if it should be a 'combo' or two of the same

It was a more of a case of me misleading you with a typo 

In my opinion, you are good to go with the 2 bulb combo in the came fixture

i meant "In my opinion, you are good to go with the 2 bulb combo in the same fixture", sorry about that 

[RebeccaB]

I agree with Charlie.  I have both the midday and the aquaflora plus two additional 10K....they are new bulbs for me, so the jury is still out!

[Agnate]

Anyone try an actinic bulb for freshwater planted?  My friend has a 48" tank with two 24" light fixtures.  On the left side is a 10k and actinic combo CF (that's what the fixture came with), and the right side has the 10K + 6.4K combo (whatever the "freshwater" coralife CF fixture comes with).

The left side (with actinic) is growing very nicely (very bushy and healthy), whereas the right side is also growing nicely, but is very long/skinny and the moss isn't as bushy.


I'm currently going to be using a 10K + 6.4K T5HO fixture, but I'm going to need new bulbs, so I'm wondering if maybe I should swap one out for an actinic?  Are there any specific benefits someone knows of for one type over another?

[blizzack1]

I agree with Charlie.  I have both the midday and the aquaflora plus two additional 10K....they are new bulbs for me, so the jury is still out!

OK, one Midday and one Aquaflora have been ordered!

Thanks guys.