PAR/Intensity/Growth/ Iwasaki vs Ushio

balakoth · 06-05-2002, 07:20 AM

Now that I've decided what Im going to do with my lighting. Thanks to the help of a few local friends and of course you guys. I am having trouble deciding on what bulb colors to go with.

While I've heard the Iwasaki's (sp) give great PAR values and growth return, I am not a huge fan of the super yellow color they produce, and am not very sure that because I use PC actinics (Which seem to be dimmer than VHOs with the new true bulbs) that It would filter out enough of that to make my tank pleasing enough to my own eye.

On the other hand, I like the Ushio's, esp when placed the right distance from the water and with a little suplmenting (Since they have a blue hint already)

I will be going with 2x250 Watt 10k or 6500 bulbs (Even thinking about the Sunbursts, would love to hear Toms opinion on them) and 200 Watts of PC actinics (96 watt in the back right, 96 watt in the front left, the back pointed at a 45 degree angle with a reflector)

Is the growth from these two different bulbs that different? I know when not choosing MH bulb color almost comes down to the looks of it. But it seems that this decision is MUCH more important now that im making the Halide Leap.

BTW with my 2x55s I think my GF wants to start a Nano Reef. I know its a bit off topic

But any suggestions on a good small size for her to get into some Softies and maybe a few LPS corals? (Hammer, Frogspawn, and shes in love with our Torch)

Thanks again everyone.

Joe

balakoth · 06-05-2002, 07:43 AM

PS: Is it true Coralline algae is more of a Low Light Grower? I look at certain tanks and their Coralline Algae is out of the roof (Take Tdwaytts for example) Yet they still have intense lighting.

Am I to assume that once I add my MHs that Coralline algae is pretty much out of the question for me? SPS and Clam Decorating time if so I suppose!

- Joe

Jimbo · 06-05-2002, 10:05 AM

Hi had an iwasaki and my SPS turned brown, changed over to a 10k bulb and they are now coloring up. If you have enough actinic supplementation, you should be ok with the iwasaki. The awasaki does produce almost twice the usable light.

Hope this helps!

Psyduck · 06-05-2002, 11:48 AM

And actually the new and improved Iwasaki's are much less yellow than the older ones. I would find someone with the new bulbs and have a look to see if you still notice how yellow they are. I have the new ones and in my humble opinion they are much less yellow but still require actinics.