how many bulbs of t5?

[c42480]

I have a oceanic 178 gallon tank 60x24x29. I have 2 ice cap 660 ballast now and am currently running 6 48" bulbs. Each ballast can run 4 48" bulbs or 3 60" bulbs both set ups overdriven. It is time to get new bulbs now. With this size tank is is it better to run 8 48" bulbs or 6 60" bulbs. I bought the set up used thats why there is only 6 48" bulbs right now. Please let me know what one is best and why.
Thanks Chuck

 

[sickboy]

Would you stagger the 48" ones? You know, so that half of them go to one end and the other half to the other end?

 

[c42480]

Thanks thats a great idea never thought of that.