What bulb configuration for ATI?

[buzzword]

What bulb configuration would be best for SPS dominant tank. I am getting an ATI 60" 8x80w T5 and need some input on bulb selection and configuration. ATI bulbs what to use, Coral plus, Purple plus, True actinic, Aqua blue special, Blue plus. New to T5, looking for some knowledge to be dropped on me. Thanks.

 

[-Logzor]

Depend what look you want. I've found a really sweet spot running heavy actinics. Many people suggest the actinic bulbs are a waste. I originally thought the same, until I tested running more than 50% of my T5 bulbs as pure actinic. The colors on my SPS colonies have never looked better. WWC and JF have had similar success running heavy actinic.

This combo keeps great color without bleaching your corals or making it overwhelmingly blue. The AB Special balances out all the B+ and Pure Actinic:

B+
Pure Actinic
Pure Actinic
AB Special
B+ (more blue) or Purple+ (if you like less blue)
Pure Actinic
Pure Actinic
B+

 

[buzzword]

Logzor interesting configuration. No Coral+ at all huh? Couple people I talked to Use Coral+ where you have AB special and middle B+. Need to see theirs and get a perspective. Thanks for your input, appreciate it.

 

[-Logzor]

I had always recommended against the AB Special because it washed out my corals. However, running fewer B+, this is not occurring. It's the KZ equivalent that I'm running, which is the New Generation, I think.

I think the Coral+ would be a fine alternative to the AB in the scenario above.

 

[Skynyrd Fish]

I'm Running

B+
B+
Purple +
ge6700k
b+
B+

I have read some sps reefers using

B+ and Aqua Blue Special Half and half. I will be switching to this on the next bulb change.

 

[buzzword]

Interesting that GE is pretty white though. I'm thinking of this combo:

B+
Pure Actinic
Purple+
Coral+
Coral+
Pure Actinic
Pure Actinic
B+

What do you guys think? Maybe incorporate some of the AB special in there.

 

[buzzword]

One of the vendors sites recommends this combo for the 8 bulb fixture:
4 Blue +
2 Coral+
2 Purple+