Metal Halides- Blue with par

[tent boy]

I have been using XM 250w SE for awhile. My tank is 36" tall. Mostly softies with a few SPS. I would like to change brands just to do something different. I also have actinics as well. Love the blue color and need high par. What brand would be a good alternative?

 

[Conesus_Kid]

Paul, what ballasts are you running?

 

[tent boy]

Scott, I have no idea. No markings on the unit. Any way to tell without markings?

 

[Conesus_Kid]

Tough to say. I was wondering if they're magnetic or electronic. I didn't know if you were considering switching your fixtures to DE bulbs or if you just wanted a different type of SE bulb. The only SE bulbs I've used are Hamiliton 400w 10k and 20k. The 20k are really blue, which I like, and I had decent growth with them as well. This was run on an Icecap electronic ballast.

 

[tent boy]

Staying with SE. I will give the Hamilton 20K a try. Thanks

 

[der_wille_zur_macht]

Which XM lamp do you have now? The 20kk? If not, I would try that. It's one of my favorite 20kk lamps.

If you have an appropriate ballast, you should give the Radium 20kk a try.

Post a photo of the ballast and maybe someone will recognize it.

 

[pascal32]

what are you seing in the tank that makes you want more PAR? 36" deep is a long ways for 250's for SPS - if you are staying with those I would consider getting some relectors that focus the light down. here is a good read that was given to me: http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2009/1/review