Need help with ATI bulb combo over frag tank

[Steven R]

I have a 8 bulb retro kit over a 80 gallon tank that is 48L X 24W X 19 T and my question is what is the most suitable Ati bulb combo for growth? I have these bulb's on hand 5x blue plus 3x coral plus 2x purple plus 2x aquablue specials. what do you think would be the best combo for growth and some color? I need some help to figure this out please seems like everything I have been doing has negative reaction from the coral I have put them in the shade on the bottom and all kinds of stuff but they just do not seem to like the light. I know it is a little much for them at first but even after trying to acclimate them to the light over a couple of weeks time they still will not open. suggestions are appreciated.

 

[dougers31]

With out actual experience with an 8 bulb fixture I would go with 1 ab, 2 cp, 1 pp, and 4 bp. Otherwise just go with what looks good, since they are all good bulbs.

 

[CoralClark]

i have a 8bulb ati fixture and my bulb combo is as follows. i really like the look of the tank and i am getting good growth as well. was thinking about pulling the purple+ from the 6th slot and replacing with another coral+. the coral plus is an awesome bulb i like it a lot better than the aquablue special.

front to back
blue+
purple+
blue+
coral+
blue+
purple+
blue+
blue+

 

[Dre59]

What kind of corals are you trying to keep?

 

[Steven R]

What kind of corals are you trying to keep?

It is mostly going to be geared towards zoa/paly grow out. But down the road when it is more mature i will be switching to basic easy to keep sps and if that goes good with minimal loss and negative turnover I will be going for your harder sps but for the next 8 to 9 months it will be zoas/and palys

 

[Dre59]

Not sure what color you are looking for... But this is what Im using with great results for softies and zoas.. I do have some easy SPS on top to keep me some what happy I downgraded from MH..

FTB
Bule+
Purple+
Actinic 3
Blue+
Coral + or can use KZ 14k
Blue+
Purple+
Blue+

I do have zoas placed high with no issues.. Hope this some what helps

 

[Steven R]

Not sure what color you are looking for... But this is what Im using with great results for softies and zoas.. I do have some easy SPS on top to keep me some what happy I downgraded from MH..

FTB
Bule+
Purple+
Actinic 3
Blue+
Coral + or can use KZ 14k
Blue+
Purple+
Blue+

I do have zoas placed high with no issues.. Hope this some what helps

Cool thanks. do you have a UV guard over the tank or are you running a closed fixture? My bulbs are open in a retro kit and I have been told that the amount of light I am pushing I should be careful of over doing it with the UV when pushing alot of blue plus

 

[Dre59]

Cool thanks. do you have a UV guard over the tank or are you running a closed fixture? My bulbs are open in a retro kit and I have been told that the amount of light I am pushing I should be careful of over doing it with the UV when pushing alot of blue plus

No guard and fixure is high from water..