Lighting Dilemma

[gflat65]

I was planning on running 175W and VHO's over the 120 (mainly zoas and LPS). I like Ushio 10K's and VHO's, but my ballasts don't like to run Ushios. The other option is XM 15K's, but I want to run VHO's... Should I be looking for a double 250W system instead of a 175W, anyway? I have one 175W ballast I can use, but it doesn't like Ushios. What do you all think?

 

[fishdoc11]

What about XM or AB SE 175 10K's?

 

[TitansFan]

Gary, I REALLY love my 14K 175watt Iwasaki SE Bulbs. Some sites label them as 15k. From Sanjay's site these have higher par than some 250 watt bulbs. They do not put out much blue. Almost more of a 10k look. They mix well with my T5 super blue plus bulbs. Kinda expensive for a SE bulb but me likes!


http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merc...&Product_Code=14K-175IW&Category_Code=mh-175w

 

[doodoobrown]

why not run the xm 10ks and balance the yellow with vho superactinics. i really like the look in my 75 and so do my corals.

 

[cee]

I vote the Iwasakis too, I've heard very good things about them.

Dave

 

[gflat65]

I had heard some horro stories about XM 10K's (yellowing out), but I guess that could happen with any bulb... It sounds like everyone thinks 175's and VHO's should be enough in a 120 for zoas and LPS, so I guess I'll stick with that route. The 175 10k Ushios penetrated somewhat well, but next to the 250 DE AB 10K's, they looked like 30W cool white. I've looked at the Iwasaki's and the AB 10K's... I may try one of those routes. I knwo the AB 10K's are supposed to be closer to a 13K in color and it sounds like te Iwasaki's are closer to a 10K, which would balance well with the VHO's. Maybe one of each to see what I like...

 

[TitansFan]

When I get back from vacation if you really wanted to make the trek out to my house you are welcome to see the lighting.