Help!

[gunit26]

i need to know what are some good metal halide bulbs for my 125 reef tank. I am looking for a crisp white light i dont really like the bulbs that are too blue or yellow. Is there a bulb with the correct spectrum that puts out the color that i like.i have 400 watt ballasts

 

[meowzer]

Well I can tell you to NOT buy Hamilton 10k.....I got 2 250w mh bulbs and they are an ugly yellow

 

[jackri]

20k's make a really nice white light.. I've heard Ushio's are really nice. I run 14k phoenix myself and with my actinics it's definately blue but not an ugly yellow like my 10k's were (and Meowzers)

 

[meowzer]

Originally Posted by jackri
http:///forum/post/3119856
20k's make a really nice white light.. I've heard Ushio's are really nice. I run 14k phoenix myself and with my actinics it's definately blue but not an ugly yellow like my 10k's were (and Meowzers)
HEYYYY...only I can call my bulbs ugly

 

[jackri]

I'm sure they are the same as my stock bulbs were

 

[bulldog123]

coral growth-Iwasaki 6500k
coral growth+human-20 Radium
I have not used either yet but plan on using the 20k radium. This is just what I have read in the past.

 

[aviator]

Go at LEAST 12K, 10K will still be somewhat yellow - but it's do-able:
I solved this problem by running a 10K MH coupled with 2 blue actinic T5's on my 55 gallon, works like a charm and is CRISP white when combined. If I want more "blue" I can turn on a second set of T5's with blue actinics.
12K would produce the same light effect, I think.

 

[meowzer]

I have 8 T5actinics....I have YELLOW lights

 

[bulldog123]

Do you want whats best for the coral or you. That is what you have to decide before you buy lights.

 

[jackri]

I had the blue actinics with my 10k's and yeah you don't realize how yellow they are until you change them out.

 

[gunit26]

i appreciate the help what bulbs are best for corals

 

[bulldog123]

The lower the number 6700k is better for coral growth but looks like crap(yellow)unless supplemented with t-5s.

 

[fender]

What kind of ballast are you running, that will determine your choices.
For a tar/probe/m59 ballast the XM20ks are a bit too blue, a 10K Coralvue + some type of actinic (either t5 or VHO) give a nice crisp white.