I've lost my mind and now I need help with lighting

[i_declare_bankruptcy]

So I have a Nuvo 30L... decided it's too small... found a deal on craigslist... and now I'm buying a Reefer 525 XL off CL tomorrow. I've lost my mind. Anyways, I'm going to build a canopy for it and I plan on using a T5 fixture in there (I don't like my AI Hydras or the LED look anymore I've decided).

I need help understanding the setup though.

I plan on growing Soft, LPS, and very few if no SPS. The tank dimensions are: 60"x22"x22"

I've been looking at the 48" Sunblaze fixtures because of their affordable price (I'm already overspending on the tank!).

I have a few questions:
Should I use a 4 or 6 bulb fixture? Do I really need 6 bulbs for LPS? I really don't see myself going crazy with SPS for a long time.

What combo of bulbs should I use? I see people suggesting 4 Blue + 1 Coral Plus + 1 Purple Plus but it seems too blue to me. I really like the look of this guy's tank:



And lastly, does anyone have an example of a 525 XL or similar lit by something close to this setup?

Thank you :)

 

[Dan Korczak]

30L to the 525XL? Quite the change huh :)

 

[jda]

I would probably get the 6 bulb with a SunBlaze. The do not quite output like ATI and you might need the extra bulbs. If it were ATI, then 4 would probably be fine for softies and LPS. I think that a 4 bulb SunBlaze would be about like a 3 bulb ATI.

I know that you did not ask, but see if you can find a used ATI... might not be too much more and then you will have an ATI fixture. I have no problem buying high quality used fixtures.

If you like the whiter/crisp look, then 6500k bulbs from GE, Giesemann, etc. can brighten up a tank. They can also render some awesome color. Ultimately, bulb choice will be up to you, but people like to start with about 50% of their bulbs being ATI Blue Plus (this is the most popular bulb) and then tweak from there. UVL Actinic White is a nice bright bulb that does awesome with reds, pinks and greens that can compliment a bunch of blue bulbs.

 

[Dennis McGrath]

Upgrade !!

 

[Daniel Waters]

Ditto to what @jda said

 

[i_declare_bankruptcy]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I went ahead and just bought the Sun Blaze fixture (48" 6x54w) with these bulbs:
3 Blue Plus
1 Coral Plus
1 Purple Plus
1 Aquablue Special

I figured you have to start somewhere and this looked interesting to me haha.

After watching some BRS videos I'm quite worried the 6 bulb will be too much light. It will be mounted 8-10" off the water, the tank is 22" deep, and the highest point of my rockwork is 6" off the top, but on average about 11" down. The tank is 59"x22"x22". I suppose I could always remove one the of the Blue Plus bulbs and another of the other type to reduce the output.

Does this sound reasonable?