MH bulb replacement recommendation

[AnthonyAce]

I need to replace my 400 watt MH bulb for my 90 gal reef tank. I currently a 14k light (not sure who makes it) and would like to replace it. The tank has a mixture of mostly soft coral clam/scallop, fish etc. I have read allot on 6500 kelvin to 20000 kelvin. I am thinking of going with a 10,000 kelvin unit to promote more growth but.....



What is the recommened manufacter and Kelvin these days??

 

[MIKE NY]

your going to get alot of recommendations on lighting, but basically it's personal taste. Do a search for different bulb combinations or even better see different set ups in person. Remember the higher k rating the lower the PAR, but bluer....... for your 90 with 400 watters you have I would go with 20k radiums
BTW .....how long have you had the scallop..they are very hard to keep long term

 

[ed4]

... for your 90 with 400 watters you have I would go with 20k radiums

I would also recommend the Radium 20k's for your 90 gallon. I use these on my tank & love the color and growth. It's arguably the most popular choice for 400W's.

 

[lfsmarineguy]

+1 what Mike said except I would recommend the Ushio 14k. They produce amazing color with great growth and you don't have that super blue look like Phoenix or Radium bulbs. I've seen Radium 20ks in action and they are nice but for me they are just too blue. The Ushios look very natural but still give you that awesome color pop on everything.

 

[sig45]

Color on the radiums is tops but par on 400w radiums is not that high. I switched mine and went with 14k pheonix 250w de. Less heat, electric etc. Color and growth is great.

 

[charliethetuna88]

U def will be happy with the radiums

 

[AnthonyAce]

Color on the radiums is tops but par on 400w radiums is not that high. I switched mine and went with 14k pheonix 250w de. Less heat, electric etc. Color and growth is great.

Thanks, I appreciate the replies but I am now totally confused. I did a ton of research and understood that the lower the Kelvin the faster the growth but you sacrifice the color. Did I misunderstand?

Sig, stupid question, did you change the entire fixture to reduce the wattage?

 

[charliethetuna88]

I wouldn't say the lower Kelvin the more growth .the lower the Kelvin the yellower the color the higher the Kelvin blue the Kelvin growth has a lot more to do with water quality than light color .check out my 120 lps tank pics that under 2 -250 watt 20k raduim bulbs

 

[charliethetuna88]

I dont know were u are in long island but if u wanna come by my house and see the 20 k raduim on my tank I'm in lindenhurst I may even 14 k Hamilton I can throw on to check them out