MH LIGHTING

[fichpoo]

Well, I know this is a very controversial discussion but I thought i'd throw it out and see what kind of replies I got. I'm about to switch from a 75g to a 135g and am wondering about changing my MH's. I currently run 2 400 iwasaki's but really dislike the color, even with a few actinic flourescents it's pretty ugly to me. Seems that about 4 months ago everyone was talking about the 6.5k bulbs and that they were they best. Now it sounds like more people are using the 10k ushio's and even more, the 20kk radiums. I've even heard stuff about the 12k sunburst bulbs. I would like to hears your opinions as I might switch to 3 400w radium bulbs. Please include pictures of your setups to back up your opinions if possible. What do you guys think?

 

[HARRISON]

Good question, I just went throught the same thing. I ended up ordering the 10k's. They stillaren't here but I will tell you how they are when they get here. I did hear that the sunburst was a problem. It has a tendency to be unstable and even blows up. (dated a girl like that once) anyway, I am curious to see the posts too...

 

[Jeff Hood]

What was her name? Sounds like the girl I dated in College.

Anyway I digress... I just ordered the 20000K setup and should have them soon I hope. I now have the 6500ks in the 250 watt range and I don't like them. They wash out everything. Ill post compare pics some day.

Jeff

 

[HARRISON]

Please let us now how the 20s work. I almost went that route. I am curious. I thought the 6500's washed stuff out too...

 

[esmithiii]

The iwasakis put out more light than the others (more PAR) The color of the other bulbs is more appealing, but the intensity is lower.

As far as pics, there was a great thread a while back that showed many different variations usig different bulbs. See this link:
http://www.reefs.org/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=025954

Here is some info on PAR and different MH bulbs:
http://www.animalnetwork.com/fish2/aqfm/1998/nov/features/1/default.asp
http://www.coralreefecosystems.com/ltg_technical_data.htm


Additional photos:
http://www.reefs.org/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=027180

 

[pathos]

10K Ushio's combined with VHO super actinics produces the best color rendition IMHO