lights and questions

I have a 6 bulb T-5 Lighting System.
I have four lights on one switch and two on the other switch,

Would it be better to run four 12K on one switch?

and just two 420nm on the other?

or do I need 3 420nm Actinic's?

I am not ready for bulb's but have been reading and need a good opinion.
Does water movement change the amount of light that gets to the bottom of the tan k?

 

I would run at least 3x true actinics. Four true actinics are OK also.

Now, how are you switches set up? I am assuming it is 3 by 3. One switch running three lights and other three lights as well.

And water flow does not change anything....The refraction that occurs is transitory and evens out overall.

 

One switch runs 4 lights (3daylight and 1actinic)
second switch runs 2actinic....
It should be 3 and 3 but it isnt
Danny

 

Well, that isn't that bad. Two actinics are enough to simulate sunrise and sunset. Probably better that way anyhow. Mine is four and four. So sunrise and sunset are pretty darn bright!!!!

 

Hi Danny. How's it been?
I just wanted to let you know there's a T5 thread on ReefCentral and a guy named the Grim Reefer (play on Grim Reeper) thinks he's God's gift to all T5 and T5HO questions (think Dr. Fragenstein's ego x10). Anyways if you haven't been there yet, there's a ton of very good bulb arrangement topics discussed, and I'm sure you can find quite a few different combinations recommended for a 55, and maybe even some pics of how they look. I'd definitely like to see how your tank has been coming along.
Reef Central Online Community - The T5 Q&a Thread

I'd still put strictly actinics on the 2 bulbs that are on for the majority of the time, and some mix of actinic white, blue, and perhaps a third actinic on the 4 bulbs that are switched on for your 6-8 hour of daylight.

 

I leave the actinics on all day with the daylights and use them for the morning and evening simulation. I will post some pics soon. I was thinking about getting the little one bulb t-5 on ebay or the two bulb and put a couple of the Fiji Purple on it just for look's...I got a pair of really cool Maroon clowns and just turned the skimmer back on it is runnin like a champ now... I am going to redo the PVC return again....I will try to post a pic of it when its right.....
Danny