Halides vs. VHO or Both

[iannozzi]

I have 300 watts of vho lighting over my 29 gallon reef, would like to get more polyp extension from my leathers etc. Recently saw a halide system and I love the way in which is shimmers the water--was wondering if i should sell the vho system and opt for a dual vho and halide--any comments--please advise--if you are a proponent of the above--please let me what band of lighting for same

 

[reefdork]

I also have a 29 gallon, with 220 watts vho actinic, and a 250 watt xm 20k. I like the blue look, but it seems a little dark. The light isn't as intense as I'd like, so I might switch to a 14k. But in the 7 years I've had my tank I havn't seen the polyp extension that I have now.

 

[rustybucket145]

To get the 'shimmer' you want you need to go with a 10k or at most a 14k. I have dual 400w 10k with two 4' VHO 100% Actinic. The next bulb I buy is going to be a 14k for a little extra blue while still keeping enough white to light up the tank.

 

[rudeanduncouth]

If you want more polyp extention decrease your lighting. For the most part, IME, they only really extend when they are stretching for light.

 

[Reef'in Colorado]

I would go w/ either a SE 250w or DE 150w halide in a 12-14k. You will get great coloration, the "shimmer" you want, and decent growth.

 

[Blown 346]

You will get a shimmer with any halide bulb you go with, The Kelvin rating of the bulbs does not create the shimmer.
The kelvin rating is for the coloration of the bulb.
If you dont want to have actinics then go with a higher Kelvin bulb like 20K or even 14 or 15K.
I like to use VHO actinics that I currently have now with my 14K bulbs.
The tank isnt blue but a nice crisp color, it simulates deeper waters.

 

[REEFKEEPA]

rudeanduncouth has the extension thing right.
I had a 10 gallon nano with some softies in it that showed incredible stretch. The PC lighting was mediocre at best but the tank looked great.