Looking for More Blue

[layer3switchguy]

Folks,

I just got an Ushio 10K 250W SE bulb and while I love the amount of light it throws off, I think I would prefer something a little less intense. Would moving up to say a 12K or 14K be a little less intense? If so, what bulb would you suggest?

Thanks,
L3

 

[layer3switchguy]

Bueller, Bueller, Bueller....

 

[phishlet]

What kind of ballast do you have?

 

[layer3switchguy]

Hi, Ice cap electronic ballast.

Fixture is 24" long with 2x 24W T5 HO Actinic Blue lamps along with a single 250 W SE Ushio 10K.

Looking for a good balance of color and growth. The Ushio is VERY bright IMO.

I plan to host mainly SPS corals.

Thanks again,
L3

 

[phishlet]

Well if you're planning to host sps corals primarily and are looking for good growth than the Ushio is a great lamp. Problem is the color doesn't look so good on its own.

One option is to get some actinic VHO lamps in your canopy (if you have one) to supplement the yellowish/white of the Ushios. If that is not an option than maybe look at the following lamps:
1) Reeflux 10k. Still a 10k but a little less yellow than the Ushio. Good PAR (intensity). Benefit = inexpensive.
2) Reeflux 12k. Will burn very well on an Icecap ballast and is considerably more blue. Benefit = inexpensive.
3) Get a hold of an Aquaconnect 14k lamp. Amazing color and good intensity. Negative = hard to find and very expensive (over $100 per lamp).
4) XM 20k. Considerably less intense than your Ushio but nice color overall, considerably more blue but easy to get a hold of.

There are other options too. You really need to look at pictures and, preferably, look at various tank set-ups in person to find out what you really like.

If you want to try an inexpensive lamp with nice color go for a Reeflux 12k and give it a shot.

 

[dots]

I have the 14K Ushio and with Actinics....was what I was looking for.....

If you want even bluer try the Phoenix 14K

 

[phishlet]

For clarification, dots is referring to DE (Double end) lamps. layer3switchguy currently is running SE (single end) lamps. If he wants to stick with SE lamps than 14k Ushios and Phoenix lamps are not valid options.

 

[_K_E_P_]

http://www.cnidarianreef.com/lamps.cfm

Great for comparing relative colours

 

[layer3switchguy]

Great stuff guys, thanks!!!