Best 250w Metal Halide bulb for coloration

[xenon]

I don't care as much about growth as I do about coloration.

What would you guys say is the best 250w MH bulb/ballast combo to achieve the best SPS coloration.

This will be mounted into a Giesemann Spectra 24" (1x250w + 4x24w T5) over a 45g cube (24x24x18).

Thanks!

 

[dvanacker]

DE bulb?

For SE I think most will say radium 20k in a true HQI ballast or one of those select a watt.

 

[sirreal63]

Look into this thread you startd a little over a week ago asking the same thing, there are some excellent answers in that one. :thumbsup:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2402331

 

[UTCReefer]

Go for a cheap SE plusrite 250 20K. PM me if you want a couple $10each plus shipping. I switched to 400's a long time ago and have a few brand new ones left.

 

[jda]

For DE, get 14K phoenix if you are using real M80 ballasts.

 

[M Woodhill]

I still like the traditional 10K+actinic supplement and for my experiences XM+Giesemann works the best. I'll ditch the T5 and gift it to my counsin. I guess T5 is best for coloration but I hate the feeling

 

[panalo]

i use 14 k DE phoenix, and happy with it.

 

[Jeremy B.]

Strictly for coloration I'd use a 20k Radium on electronic standard 250 setting (non-hqi) or a 20k XM on electronic standard 250 setting.

 

[M Woodhill]

Strictly for coloration I'd use a 20k Radium on electronic standard 250 setting (non-hqi) or a 20k XM on electronic standard 250 setting.

20k personally is too blue for me. I like crispy white even a bit wash out scuba feeling

 

[adtravels]

Strictly for coloration I'd use a 20k Radium on electronic standard 250 setting (non-hqi)

This for me, growth can be good also in a shallow tank.