Lighting advice

[JRMagno]

I just recently acquired a 90 gallon tank that came with an ice cap ballast that has four pairs 48" T8 sockets. I was not sure if the lighting worked so I bought 2 6500k bulbs to test, and it works. This is going to start as a FOWLR tank and if I move to corals I will upgrade the lighting. In the mean time I'm not sure what other two bulbs to get. Here are my ideas: 1 10,000k and 1 actinic, 2 actinic, 2 10,000ks, 2 6,500k, or 2 50/50s. I want to know what you guys think, please help me out!

 

[JRMagno]

Anyone have any advice?

 

[Airgoose2222]

For fowlr tanks, it really doesn't matter. The actinic bulbs show off the colors of the fish better in my opinion. But again, it's up to you. I would check out some pics online showing different lighting and base your opinion from that.

 

[JRMagno]

I know it's more of a personal choice, but I know there are benefits to each light. I guess what I'm looking for are examples of what people have, or what they would put if they were in my shoes, and why?

 

[mr_X]

More blue will make the colors pop. The fish will look more brilliant. Just don't go too blue. Then it looks kinda silly IMO.

 

[JRMagno]

More blue will make the colors pop. The fish will look more brilliant. Just don't go too blue. Then it looks kinda silly IMO.

So would you go 2 actinic, or 1 and 1 with a 10000k and actinic?

 

[mr_X]

Try 1 and 1.