Help with 250w bulb choice

[pt96]

Hello,
Thanks for all of your previous help. I am now trying to choose bulbs for my 150gallon tank. 60x24x24. I am planning 3 250w halides via retrofit kits since I am making a canopy. Question is what bulb to go with? I do not plan on adding supplemental actinic lighting. I like the look of several of the 14k range bulbs but am concerned about lower PAR ratings. What is the best compromise bulb with decent PAR and also has a nice blue-white color? I plan to run it off Icecap electronic ballasts.

Marine depot has retro kits with the 12k ALS bulb as well as the 14k Hamiltons. These seem to be priced ok. What do you think??

thanks for everything!!!
PT

 

[Siberia]

FWIW, I tried the 250W Hamilton bulbs, DE HQI, and I found them too yellowish. I switched to XM 20K, 250W DE, and I don't regret it. There is a slight blueish tint similar to what there is under water. Really cool effect. Try to find a LFS or fellow reefer that has them, to see for yourself. It's really a matter of personal taste.

HTH