T5 Bulb Selection

[chris023]

I have recently got a new 150 gallon up and running, a couple on months now. I am using T5 lighting and wondering if I made the right decision on my bulb selection.

The tank is 60x24x24. I went with a staggered 48" bulb configuration where I have 2 10K staggered in the back portion; 1 420nm actinic centered in the back/middle; 1 10k centered in the front/middle; and 2 18k staggered in the front portion. This is about the maximum number of bulbs I could fit in the canopy.

I am growing LPS (Torch, Bubble), Zoanthids, Ricordia, and varius Mushrooms in the front portion of the tank. I plan on putting SPS in the middle/back of the tank, where they would be closer to the light source.

I feel like I need to add more actinic to the front of the tank to bring out the colors of the LPS, Zoanthids, Ricordia, and Mushrooms. I am thinking of replacing my 2 front 18Ks with something more "blue". However, I don't want to limit the amount of light that promotes growth (e.g. 10K and above). I know there are many many discussions/opinions on the growth value of actinic bulbs, and I’m not necessarily looking to resolve that here. I also see that there are many many bulbs that have more blue in their spectrum (e.g. 11K AquaBlue Plus, 75/25 14K AquaBlue, ActinicPlus, Super Actinic, Super Actinic Blue, Pure Actinic, etc).

What would give me the best of both worlds of growth and pleasing to the eye? Should I just try switching out a couple of bulbs and see how things in the tank react? Anyone suggest an entire new configuration. All input is welcome. Attached is a couple of photos of the light setup. Thanks for your help.

[Prometheus]

You may have more luck in the lighting forum. There's a post there that I believe Grimm provides a lot of insight for people. I've used Blue Plus with success in the past, which is a combination of blue and actinic. I've got some on order from ReefGeek right now since I can't find anything I like locally.

[chris023]

Thanks, will post there as well.