Need Help with Bulb Replacement

[dobbs]

Hi all,

I recently replaced my MH's in my Current USA fixture (2 - 150W 10K). It is now time to replace the PC's in the same fixture. I have 3 choices on the replacements. Should I replace what I'm taking out? Or, should I do a different bulb, or a combination of a couple bulbs? My choices are below...

My fixture...(Item B)

The 24-hour lighting solution combines our 10,000k PowerPaq HQI Metal Halide(s), SunPaq Dual Actinics and Moon White Lunar Lights into one sleek, integrated fixture that brings out the real colors in your reef tank.

• Complete 24-hour lighting - 10,000k HQI metal halide, Dual Actinic Sunpaqs & Lunar Lights
• Microprocessor based driving system - 15% more output
• All-in-one fixture - industries first integrated electronic ballast (no remote ballast’s)
• Cool running, ultra-quiet fans for maximum thermal efficiency

It currently has 2 - 130W Dual Actinics...

130w Current Dual Actinic 420/460 nm SunPaq

44.25" x 1.75" x 1" Square four pin configuration An additional shipping charge of $14.00 (UPS Ground – 48 states) for 130w lamps will be added to your order. A box will hold up to 12 lamps.

Here are my other options...

130w Current Dual Daylight 6700K/10,000K SunPaq

44.25" x 1.75" x 1" Square four pin configuration An additional shipping charge of $14.00 (UPS Ground – 48 states) for 130w lamps will be added to your order. A box will hold up to 12 lamps.

130w Current SmartPaq 10,000K Daylight/ 460 nm Actinic

44.25" x 1.75" x 1" Square four pin configuration An additional shipping charge of $14.00 (UPS Ground – 48 states) for 130w lamps will be added to your order. A box will hold up to 12 lamps.

Tank specs and coral lists are below...

[oyam123]

If you like the color you have stay with the same.
10K MH, most would go with all Actinic.
Check with Dirk or Max for bulbs, they may do better.

[David Grigor]

If you are pretty happy with the aethetics overall then I'd stick with the 460/420 combo as they will provide the greatest diversity in color spectrum. But if you wanting more flouresce from your corals than your currently getting then choose true actinics and skip the blue. I would only choise a bulb with 10K/65k in it if your MH is going to be 14-20K bulbs.

If sticking with 10K MH bulbs, you want as much actinic/blue to help flouresce the corals.

when looking for replacement just be sure to get PC bulbs with the same pin configuation.

[dobbs]

Originally Posted by David Grigor

If you are pretty happy with the aethetics overall then I'd stick with the 460/420 combo as they will provide the greatest diversity in color spectrum. But if you wanting more flouresce from your corals than your currently getting then choose true actinics and skip the blue. I would only choise a bulb with 10K/65k in it if your MH is going to be 14-20K bulbs.

If sticking with 10K MH bulbs, you want as much actinic/blue to help flouresce the corals.

when looking for replacement just be sure to get PC bulbs with the same pin configuation.

Thanks David.

So, you'd recommend the 1st, the 3rd, or one of each? I'll go with whatever you recommend. Yes, I'm staying with 150W 10K MH's...I just replaced them with two XM 150W 10K's.

[David Grigor]

If your generally happy with the aethetics currently and think your corals flouresce enough then stick with the 460/420 combo bulb.

However, if you'd like to see a little more flouresce from your corals then go with an all actinic 420 bulbs.

I wouldn't only do blue / purple bulbs. I would not choose any with a daylight in it. So #3 is out.

[dobbs]

Originally Posted by David Grigor

However, if you'd like to see a little more flouresce from your corals then go with an all actinic 420 bulbs.

I don't see that option listed. Are there other manufactures that sell a 130W square 4 pin replacement for my fixture?

[David Grigor]

I've never heard of a 130W PC bulb so your likely stuck. The more standard sizes 28w, 55w, 96w Panasonic style bulbs there are true actinics out there.