Metal Halide Question

[dwall174]

I had figured on getting two 250-watt DE HQI’s with the ReefOptix pendants & two 110-watt VHO’s for a new 90gal that I’m planing. From what I have read the DE, bulbs are a lot brighter than the SE bulbs & more efficient! Not to mention more expensive.

I have been going on the assumption that brighter is better! However, I have over looked what’s best for the occupants of the tank.

My ideal tank would have several anemones with clowns as hosts Several SPS corals up higher on the rockwork with softies along the bottom sides, And maybe a clam or two.

I read an article several days ago that was talking about the Iwasaki 6500k bulbs along with VHO actinic being better for overall coral growth but most people don’t like the yellow color from the 6500k bulbs? So aesthetics & appearance aside what’s the best overall combination to use in a mixed reef?

[sam]

^^^^^^bump^^^^^^

[dwall174]

Another thing that I found interesting is that the bulbs PAR reading was higher with the standard magnetic ballast than the electronic ballast?

[SouthernReefer]

what's the best combo? well, you answered your own question in your thread starter. you really need to consider what's best for your budget. having expensive lighting is nice, if all you have to do pay for it once. but that's never the case, bulbs aren't cheap, and de bulbs are much more expensive than their mogul counterparts. so, you could save some money by getting a mogul base lamp with hqi electronic ballast, and this would offer you a wider range of bulbs to select from. i have a standard mh ballast, so my choices are very limited. as much as i would like to run 20k rads, i just don't have the right ballast for it. for me, i run a 10k for mh, and 10k/actinic pc combo for supplemental lighting.

[yardboy]

I think you'll find the answer to your question is quite elusive, as there are so many choices and really so many ways to get what you want. I know some swear by 6500 Iwasaki's and actinic and the tanks I've seen like that looked great.
I'd only warn you off a Sunburst, though there are those who are satisified with them. They are cheaper, but don't put out nearly the PAR rating.
As for me, I have a 250W 10000K MH with mogul base and 2-96W PC, one 03actinic and one 50/50 6500K/03actinic. That was after rearranging my lights several times, and ending up with 2-55W PC in a storage box, and if I get a larger tank, I'll probably go with DE fixtures.

[wanareef]

I run two 250w Iwaski's from a diy and yes the bulbs are yellow but with actinic supplementation looks alright. The coral growth is great, thick and polyped out. I am limited in what I can burn so I will be upgrading to a electronic ballast - that will burn anything and keep the Iwaski's on the new ballast's. They will be overdriven so should be a "whiter" looking light.

Will be setting up a rose only tank and am in the same delima: which light to use. T-5's, or 250w HDI 10k w/ electronic ballast over a 37gal tank

[wanareef]

Just found this thread on RC- should help you a little more

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...hreadid=254667

[m&m]

hello,

i have a 90gl myself for over 3yrs.i run 2 custom sealife prizm pendants,each has 250wt 10k coralife halide and 2 actinic 32wt compacts a total of 628wts.i tried the ushio 10k but did not like.i change bulbs about every 16 months.coral growth is great (hard and soft corals-about 40 )and color of tank is pleasing.

[dwall174]

Originally posted by wanareef
Just found this thread on RC- should help you a little more

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...hreadid=254667

That thread & THIS artical is what got me to ask my orignal question!

Aesthetics & appearance aside! What would be the best bulb combination to use in a mixed reef? for overall coral growth! not are viewing pleasure

[dwall174]

I still haven’t made my mind up yet, But I’m still leaning towards the DE HQI bulbs. I will just have to save a little longer! I also heard that they are comming out with new 13.000K bulbs for the 250-watt DE's