Originally Posted by
SaltFan
http:///forum/post/2916693
Bulbs are from Aqua McKeo.
first let me say that i purchased some of those aquarmckzo lamps and had them tested. they have very low PAR. they also shift color very quickly. they are worth about what you paid for them.
secondly, i run sunlight supply "galaxy" ballasts(250 watt), which are the same as icecap ballasts except for the housing and warranty.
i've tried:
hamilton 14k- looked white to me. i wasn't impressed.
reeflux 12k- way too blue
ushio 14k- very white (high PAR)
xm 20k- blue, but not overwhelming.
(pretty good PAR for the amount of blue)
my photos aren't 100% true to life, but they might give you the general idea
and here is my tank now with three 20k xm (i think it's a little less blue than this, but my camera doesn't want to obey)