t5 questions before i buy

[bluesurf1]

I will be lighting a 6' tank. A 125. I keep sps uptop and lps mid to low and some softies. My plan is to first buy i/c 660 and three 80w bulbs and aqualux reflectors. Use these for a while and when I get the money I plan to purchase a workhorse 7 and 2 more 80w bulbs.
The qusestion is will the I/C and 3 bulbs be enough to keep my sps alive. Mostly monti, pocillopora, birds nest. And what 3 bulbs should I have at first. I'm thinking 2 ge sun and one blue. And when I get the other two I'm thinking about 1 more blue and 1 actinic.
I hope this makes sence and not too confusing. Thanks for any and all input.


---------------------------- actinic front of tank - workhorse
--------------------------- ge sun - i/c 660
---------------------------- blue -i/c 660
--------------------------- ge sun -i/c 660
---------------------------- blue or actinic - workhorse

 

[Entropy]

I think you will be fine with that plan. How long do you plan on going before adding the second set? I think your bulb combo will be a bit on the yellow (warmer) side even after adding the second set of bulbs, but that is up to your eyeballs.

 

[bluesurf1]

most likely 2-3 mos. What combo would give a good mix between good growth and eye appealing blue?

 

[horkn]

well 1 ge 6500k and 2 ati blue +s is a blueish color.

i wouldnt put more than 1 ge 6500k in there if you dont want it too yellow.

 

[old salty]

It really depends on your eyes. I tried zero and one midday bulb, and didn't like the results. I run the following:

Front

Actinic+
Aquable
Midday
Aquablue
Midday
Actinic+

Rear


To me, too much blue makes the tank look monochromatic and quite dull. The yellow in the midday bulbs brings out more colors in the tank.

 

[bluesurf1]

Thanks for the replies,