What Brand of T5's do you suggest?

[wfgworks]

I have found several different brands of T5s available:

Giesemann/D&D Bulbs
ATI
AquaMedic
Coral Vue

Is one bulb really better than the other when it comes to quality and color?

[fkadir]

I tried the D&D,ATI and Aquamedic brands of bulbs (all 20kk), there is a mark difference when compared to Aquaz or other brands of bulbs. Aquamedic is also not as bright when compared to D&D and ATI.

D&D/ATI are the only choices for me so far. Gives both brightness and visually pleasing deep blue outlook when the MHs are not on and balances the MHs perfectly when they are on.

HTH!

[Horace]

I would stick with D&D, Geisman, GE daylight, and ATI for now. URI is supposed to be coming out with a new set of bulbs in the next couple months some time. They make the best VHO bulbs so most of us are expecting them to have very high quality T5s as well, but that remains to be seen.

[Horace]

The helios superblue is also supposed to be a pretty impressive bulb for actinics...You might give that a try as well. Ive heard good things about it.

[majesticangelfish]

Are ATI, D&D, Giesemann all the same company (Deltec?) Ie same Quality?

[fkadir]

D&D and Giesemann is supposed to be using the tubes now from what I heard so far..

The previous generation of ATIs are the same as the D&Ds but the newer generation is brighter than the rest (info from ATI webbie). HTH

[nyfireman3097]

Hey what about the red T5's ???? Non eof these companies make them . Also which ballasts should I use ??? If I have a VHO Icecap 660 ballast do they work on that ???
Thanx

[jwaltman21]

Nick:

4 t5 bulbs work on the 660 unless you run 80 watters (only 3 will run). I heard the IceCap 660 work awesome but you will need the SLR and some fans b/c they run real hot.

- Jamie

[nyfireman3097]

Thanx bro ...... Where in Jersey are you im in staten island.

[jwaltman21]

Nick:

No problem. I'm 30 mins North of Trenton but I work in mid-town NY.

- Jamie

[gqjeff]

Nick, the red t5 tube I use is a GE bulb...

Jeff

[moonpod]

reefgeek has 'em.

[JVHam]

WHere can you find helios or the new ati in the states? I am replacing my D&D's after 12months of use and am looking for something new.