SUNPOWER 8 X 80WATT 60 inch...BULBS COMBO?

[Sohal Tang Tim]

i have received my new Sunpower 8 x 80watt 60 inch fixture.
It is over a tank that is
5.5 ft x 28 inch deep x 20 inch high 160 gallon mixed reef.

What bulb combinations do you recommend and why from front to back?

I have put in what is on the website of ATI to attain 20K and I am not happy with what I am seeing...
The fixture only has 2 bulbs on one chord and 6 on the other....
When I put 2 blue plus on the 2 bulb chord I do not like the colur for dusk dawn.

I am thinking about chaning it to one blue plus and one purple plus

I had 2 true actinic and I found it a bit too dim..but not that I have taken those out I seem to miss them big time!

Just call me ONE CONFUSED reefer on what bulbs to use.

I want the corals to POP especially in the dusk dawn mode...(only 2 bulbs on) but I still want decent coral growth during the day.

Pls specify front to back bulb recommendation ...thanks for your help!
Opinions will vary but I want to hear YOURS...so recommend and specify why. Thanks kindly

 

[Member No. 1]

See if this will be of any help.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Y-TbkPJhHkY" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6OSS_PoUX6o" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[Sohal Tang Tim]

I watched that video...but...still not sure what bulbs to use for dusk/dawn..I used two actinic...was too dim seemed... now I am using two blue plus and I find it too blahhhhh - I liked the two actinic better...I am thinking an actinic and a blue plus or actinic and purple plus... what you guys using for the 2 bulbs for dusk dawn????

 

[Member No. 1]

I'm currently running a (2) 250w MH/T5 combo.

My current fixture only has (2) T5's and those are ATI True Actinic front and Blue Plus rear. The MH's are in the center.

I'm picking up a new fixture that again has (2) 250w MH's in the center, but (2)T5's on each side for a total of (4)T5's. Each set is on it's own ballast.
For a ramp up I plan on running one set for a bit, then the both sets before the MH come on. Viceversa at dusk.
My thought is front to back:
[BP & Actinic] [MH] [Actinic & BP] This way the Blue Plus with be farthest front & rear, with the Actinics closer to the middle where the majority of the corals are.

But in the end, it all comes down to your perception of colors and personal preference.

 

[Sohal Tang Tim]

next bulb combo trying

next bulb combo trying

Here is what I am going to try today from front to back as follows

Blue PLus
Coral PLus
Purple Plus
True Actinic
Blue Plus
True Actinic
Coral Plus
Blue Plus


WHAT YOU THINK PEOPLE?