WWC Bounce Mushroom
This is finishes up our last tip of the day that comes to us from ATI North America…
We previously talked about when the best practices for changing bulbs and now we wanted to give you some recommendations for bulb color combinations. We are frequently asked about color combination recommendations of T5’s for different looks, growth rates etc. In the charts below you will find our best color recommendations for getting the best out of your tank. These are just what we have found works best in a majority of the tanks, but as always lighting is a personal preference. If you have found a pattern that you love and want to share, please let us know in the comments below.
Here is a general recommendation for most users:
16K – 20K – Bluish white with a noticeable blue and red undertone
4-Bulb combination
- 3 ATI Blue Plus
- 1 ATI Purple Plus
6-Bulb combination
- 4 ATI Blue Plus
- 1 ATI Coral Plus
- 1 ATI Purple Plus
8-Bulb combination
- 5 ATI Blue Plus
- 2 ATI Coral Plus
- 1 ATI Purple Plus
10-Bulb combination
- 6 ATI Blue Plus
- 3 ATI Coral Plus
- 1 ATI Purple Plus
12K – 16K – Cool white with a noticeable blue and red undertone
4-Bulb combination
- 2 ATI Blue Plus
- 2 ATI Coral Plus
6-Bulb combination
- 3 ATI Blue Plus
- 2 ATI Coral Plus
- 1 ATI Purple Plus
8-Bulb combination
- 4 ATI Blue Plus
- 3 ATI Coral Plus
- 1 ATI Purple Plus
10-Bulb combination
- 5 ATI Blue Plus
- 4 ATI Coral Plus
- 1 ATI Purple Plus
10K – 14K – Crisp white with just a hint of blue
4-Bulb combination
- 2 ATI Blue Plus
- 1 ATI Aquablue Special
- 1 ATI Purple Plus
6-Bulb combination
- 3 ATI Blue Plus
- 2 ATI Aquablue Special
- 1 ATI Purple Plus
8-Bulb combination
- 4 ATI Blue Plus
- 2 ATI Aquablue Special
- 2 ATI Purple Plus
10-Bulb combination
- 5 ATI Blue Plus
- 3 ATI Aquablue Special
- 2 ATI Purple Plus
For aquariums with a lot of LPS corals, a True Actinic bulb can be used in place of Purple Plus to provide enhanced pop in coral color.
Our friends over at Advanced Reef Aquarium made some fantastic videos last year featuring the colors of ATI lamps. Have a look at these videos to help you decide what lighting combinations are best for your tastes and preferences.
