Bulbs for 8x24 ATI

[Potatohead]

I have just ordered a 66g SCA tank and want to put the aforementioned light above it for SPS dominant setup. I currently have a 35g setup with a couple Primes over it along with a Coral+ and Blue+, and I just can't get it nailed down with the SPS, so I am pulling the plug and essentially starting again.

For the six main bulbs in the unit I will likely run four Blue+, one Purple+, and one Coral+. I would like the option of having actinic lighting so my question is for the two seperately controlled bulbs;

A) one actinic + another Blue+
B) two actinic (least par)
C) another Blue+ and another Purple+ and get an LED strip for moonlighting (most par)

I should note I do like a bit of a bluer tank, like 16-17k.

Thanks

 

[paal]

All the "extra" tubes you are thinking about adding you are already running as your "primary setup", except the actinic.

It is hard to judge from other peoples pictures and descriptions.
Remember: You will have to replace the bulbs within a year or so anyway, so just buy 2 extra B+, 1 extra C+, 1 extra P+ and one actinic. That way you can play around with the combinations. Long term, you will hardly waste any bulbs at all. Good luck.

(Personally I prefer the "ice blue look": 50-50 B+/C+. Not a fan of the purple ambient look the P+ and/or the actinic generates))

 

[Potatohead]

I was thinking I would probably go with either two actinics or an actinic and a blue+, and if I feel I need more light down the road I could change them out for something else. However now I am questioning if I even need an eight bulb and maybe get a six, the tank is only 20" tall, although it is 24" deep front to back, and I would like to be able to grow anything I want. I do have some LPS but I can put those around the edges I guess.