Replacement bulb suggestions?

[bish311]

I have a Aqualight Pro HQI/Compact Fluorescent Fixture installed about 12 inches above my 72G bowfront tank and I do have glass covers on the tank to help lessen evaporation. Currently it has 2 150W @10,000K metal halide bulbs and 2 96W at 420nm Atinic compact fluorescent bulbs installed. Since the end of life is approaching for these I wanted to get opinions on what I had intended to install.
2-150W at 14,000K halides and 2-96W 420/460nm compact fluorescent combo bulb. I have been experiencing a reduction in soft coral growth (except for star polyps) and thought this could help. Also, wanted to get this straight before I attempted to try my hand at hard coral.
OH! and if you could recco a good brand that would help too!
The other bulb options I'm considering are below:
(Halides)
150-watt 10000°K
150-watt 14000°K
150-watt 20000°K
(compact fluorescent)
Actinic 460nm
Actinic 420nm
Dual Actinic 420/460nm
Thanks!

 

[spiderwoman]

There is a huge difference between bulb manufacturers. What brand have you used?
I just ordered new bulbs for the same fixture and it will be on our 75g tank.
This is what I ordered:
- 2x15,000K XM DE HQI Double Ended - 150W
- 2x96W PC / CF Actinic 03, 34" -Square Pin Base

 

[bish311]

I had been using Coralife bulbs since that was who made the fixture and I thought it would be best to keep with the same, but with the lack of growth, I am begining to question my reasoning.

 

[spiderwoman]

You are by no means restricted to the manufacturer of the fixture. Coralife bulbs are not anywhere near the best.

 

[bish311]

Since you are using them, I am guessing that XM are a good brand to go with for halides. What brand is good for the CF's and what wavelength atinic420, 460 or 420/460 combo?

 

[bish311]

I'm actually hoping to purchase the new bulbs tonight, and just wanted to ask a couple more questions before I set down the money.
Since 15,000K is more blue than 10,000K what atinic spectrum should I go with, or should I go with a 50/50? Basically what combinations are suggested?
What brand and where can I find compact fluorescent bulbs online? (My LFS only has coralife)
Thanks in advance!

 

[spiderwoman]

I order my lights at hello lights dot com
I really like my lights now with the full actinics instead of 50/50. For example right now I'm running the MH's only and the color is very good. Everything is of course even bluer if I turn on the actinics too.

 

[bish311]

Did the bluer light have an effect on your coral?

 

[wangotango]

The bluer light will make some colors "pop" more.
-Justin

 

[bish311]

Sorry, I meant as far as growth

 

[spiderwoman]

I don't know yet as I just got the tank running this week and only have some GSP's on the LR. Colors are stronger that's for sure. Most of my LR is covered in coraline and look much better than the whiter lighter of my 55g tank.

 

[wangotango]

Originally Posted by bish311
http:///forum/post/2550170
Sorry, I meant as far as growth
A lower Kelvin bulb will give you more growth, but I've still seen pretty good growth rates with bulbs in the 12-14k range.
It's not as if growth is stagnant with higher K bulbs, just slower.
-Justin

 

[sh00tist]

The actinics provide very minimal if any good light that can be utilized by our corals,they are basically just for looks. I wouldnt sweat the PC bulbs but get a good MH thats where you get your growth,Ive heard nothing but good things about Ushios the other brands I really cant say,t-5 man here.