help an newb with lighting

[chansman]

I am getting a new (to me) 4 bulb T5HO fixture and will be running 2 - 10k bulbs and 2 - actinics. I also have an extra ballast to run another 2 bulbs. My question is should I just run the 4 bulb fixture and save the 2-bulb for a rainy day or run all 6? If all six what bulbs should I use?

Being a newb I only have a bunch and mushrooms and a flower anemone. Would the 6 bulbs be over kill?

thx

 

[wysiwyg]

what are your tank dimensions do you plan on adding any other corals?

 

[chansman]

Oh yeah, I forgot to add that. It's a std 75g 48 x 18 x 21. I'll eventually add some other corals but right now I'm learning as I go. The tank was purchased used and the mushrooms and nem came with it.

 

[SeahorseKeeper]

Do you know what type of bulbs and reflectors the fixture has? You should be fine with the 4 bulb fixture until you get into more demanding corals.

 

[jaguars4263]

For soft corals 4 bulb is fine. For SPS and LPS 6 bulb will work. Bulb types i like ATI and KZ.

 

[chansman]

After talking to my, most excellent, lfs guy today I think 4 bulbs will do me for a while. The plan is to use 3 actinic 420's and 1 14k. The reflectors are polished aluminum.