how would you set up a 8lamp t5

[shimin]

I'm gonna upgrade my lighting to a 8x54w t5 my tank is 48x18x22h there is 3 to 6in of sand how would you set it up for best color/growth bulb cost is not really a problem I can afford around $40 a bulb I'm new and will mostly have easy soft corals but could I keep sps with this lighting?I know everyone has there best bulb setups I just want to see what the norm is thanks

 

[M&M]

I have Tek Light 8x54w on my 120gal. 48x24x24.I can grow anything.What kind of fixture are you buying? I would suggest ATI and KZ bulbs.Those are the best. Get 4xATI blue plus,2xKZ new generation,1XKZ fiji purple and 1XATI aquablue special.I have combo of those and my growth and color are great.You can see it here:https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/member-tanks/63391-m-ms-120-gal-reef.html

 

[ronnie]

I run six blue plus, one purple plus, and one aquablue special.

Love the color and growth.

 

[swannyson7]

Do you have a preference on color spectrum? Best growth will be acheived with a lower kelvin rating color spectrum, but most people prefer a much bluer color in their tanks. This is the combo I used to run on my 8 bulb with around a 14-15k spectrum that yielded a good mix of color & growth:
ATI Blue+
ATI Purple+
UVL Super Actinic
ATI Blue+
ATI Blue+
ATI AquaBlue Special
ATI Blue+

 

[Curtie44]

I just replaced the bulbs in my 8 bulb fixture with this combo:

Blue+
Blue+
Blue+
Purple +
GE 6500K Daylight
Blue+
Purple+
Blue+

I have been running different combos of bulbs for the last 3 years now and I have to admit that this one is my favorite so far.

 

[shimin]

I was gonna get the tek light and just add moon lighting and I don't care what spectrumthe lights are just as long as color/growth is good thanks for the replies ill let you all know what I end up doing

 

[shimin]

Ok ordered my tek today with 4blue+ ,1aquablue special ,1 actinic I have a blue wave,6500k,purple and2 other "daylight" bulbs not sure what they are I need to look .how long should marine depot take to ship?ill post pics when its all set up thanks

 

[SaltWaterDave]

I run 6 Blue plus, 1 purple plus and 1 GE 6500k for growth.

 

[shimin]

Ok lights are up and running 4xblue+ 1xpurple+ 1xantinic and 1x6500k in this order front to back
Blue+
Antinic
Blue+
Purple
Blue+
6500k
Aquablue
Blue+

 

[shimin]

this is what it looks like