As ya'll know I am looking to buy (major researching going on here) my new light fixture for my 26g. I'm looking at a 4x24 t5ho. First, can I run a mix of lamps, i.e. atenic's, whites, 50/50 and do you have to have the same bulbs for the fixture or can I put a 2pin Corallife in an AquaticLife fixture? I'm also wanting to know the best lamps for growing sps and most other corals. No MH.
Ati blue plus and blue specials are a staple bulb for sps it seems. You can run different colors at the same time. Aqua cave has good prices and shipping for bulbs.
Normally you want at least 1 daylight bulb (10-12k), some blue for sure and even possibly a fiji purple as it helps w/ red, purple and blue coloration, supposed to help fish colors also. The fiji is an option though some dont use it but I really like mine. Mix them up some to get full spectrum lighting and so the tank looks good. Pretty much equal between blues and other colors.
I personally dont like full actintic lighting because it feels hard to look at for me. So the blue plus really works for me.
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T5 bulbs all fit and yes can use dif bulbs together. My son has a 4 bulb 24 in t5 n has 3 blueplus n a purple pluss n loves it. Our 6x39w t5 has 4 blueplus 1 aquablue special 1 purple plus n looks good. had 2 aquablues in it before. Still playing with em alil so its all your taste in looks. Ati bulbs are great as everyone says lol. Hope it helps.
Big Steve