Planning to purchase ATI T5 setup

[The_Vee]

I'm planning to purchase the 6x80W SunPower T5 High-Output Fixture with the following bulb configuration (front to back) for my 135g 72x18x24h.

80W Coral Plus T5 HO Fluorescent
80W Blue Plus T5 HO Fluorescent
80W Aquablue Special T5 HO Fluorescent
80W Blue Plus T5 HO Fluorescent
80W Coral Plus T5 HO Fluorescent
80W Blue Plus T5 HO Fluorescent

Will this be adequate light? Not planning to do anything too crazy but do plan on quite a few variety of LPS corals.

Any input on the bulb configuration?

Thanks!

 

[ihigh]

I would get a purple plus in there, personally I like how it looks and how the colors pop on most corals with it. Replace it for one of the blueplus.

My friend ran 6 bulbs over a 120g and he had great growth, I think for you it would be enough though.

 

[The_Vee]

Thank you, that is good to hear. I will order an extra purple bulb to experiment with.

 

[Michigan Mike]

I wouldn't bother buying the aquablue special, the coral plus is better.

 

[ihigh]

I wouldn't bother buying the aquablue special, the coral plus is better.

Imo, the coral plus is more white, kind of yellowish.
Also, forgot to mention if you can get the fiji purple, I would use that over purple plus. It just so happens the LFS around new orleans doesn't always have fiji, so most don't use it because it isn't readily available for us.

For my 6bulb before, i ran it
blue plus
aqua blue special
blue plus
fiji purple
aqua blue special
blue plus

 

[The_Vee]

Thank you everyone. Very helpful information.

 

[Michigan Mike]

Imo, the coral plus is more white, kind of yellowish.

Compared to the aquablue special? No way.the aquablue special is more yellow in comparison to the coral plus.
The coral plus is much more true to a 15k bulb by "our" standards.

The coral plus has some red spectrum in it already (and less yellow/green than the aquablue) and a purple bulb may be too much for some people who don't like the pink/purple undertone, if you are using coral plus already.

 

[jschultzbass]

Compared to the aquablue special? No way.the aquablue special is more yellow in comparison to the coral plus.
The coral plus is much more true to a 15k bulb by "our" standards.

The coral plus has some red spectrum in it already (and less yellow/green than the aquablue) and a purple bulb may be too much for some people who don't like the pink/purple undertone, if you are using coral plus already.

+1 That is correct, the Coral plus is a higher "k" then an aquablue special.

You didn't mention what kind of look you liked though. I have 3 blue+, 1 purple plus and 2 coral+ on the same fixture and the blue balance (to me) is perfect. Also look into adding a reefbrite strip, they bolt right on. These add great shimmer and pop for me.

 

[The_Vee]

Thanks again everyone. I ordered a few extra bulbs to see what will work best. I am curious what you guys recommend for the gap between the tank and the light fixture? For example, I've been reading most recommend about 6". Won't there be quite a bit of light getting through? Almost blinding I would think if standing in front? Thinking there has to be some sort of easy solution or product?

 

[Overgrown]

I'm back to ABS after giving Coral+ a try. Personal preference I guess. I miss the shimmer of halides in general though and will soon be switching back. Per your original post: you could prob get away with one less Coral + in that fixture and sub a Purple + or Fiji Purple