Which T5 s to get???

[Jexai]

I'm looking at getting some of these newish T5's, but there is such a range of choices I don't know which to choose.
The electronic ballast is easy, they all do the same thing basically, it's the lights themselves I am stuck on ....

Blue - should I get Narva blue or Arcadia Blue Atinic

White - should I get Starcoat VHO 6500k or Arcadia White 9500k

I assume the blues are both basically the same, but what exactly is the difference between 6500k & 9500k, at the moment I am using Hagen T8 powerglo's 18000k (white) and T8 Marineglo's (blue).

Will the T5's be much better, any ideas would be great. :confused:

[OrionGirl]

Well, I am not the product expert, but the 6500 lights will tend to be more subdued, and happier for corals. The 9500 is a whiter light, meaning it will look brighter in the tank, but the photosynthesizing critters won't have as much usable light. (I think. I've been known to get things backward).

[Jexai]

Thanks... looks like I will be getting the 6500 then, I will be keeping the T8 power-glo aswell so that will help brighten the tank.

My only other question is - what is the difference between Narva Blue & Atinic, or are they the same thing basically?

Cheers

[slipknottin]

http://www.sunlightsupply.com/aquarium/products/fluorescent_lamps.shtml


You can run the Arcadia Aquablue bulbs all by themselves. A 60/40 mix of blue to white is almost perfect for corals.