MH lighting ?'s

[WingnutSr]

I currently have a 125 aga, with 2 - 96 watt, 50/50 PC's. Also using 3 -100 watt screw in type PC's. And 2- 25 watt T-5 actinics. I want to upgrade with 2 - 250 watt MH's. What would be better, 24 or 20k bulbs.
I currently have a bunch of zoa's, paly's, green stipe shroom, and a small green ric. I hope to have an all zoa/paly tank, with only a few corals.
I am also considering re-using the 2- 96 watt PC's, and getting true actinic bulbs to supplement.
Any thoughts?

 

[WingnutSr]

Should have said, 14 or 20 k bulbs. Not 24 or 20K.

 

[surfjeepzx]

I'd recommend the 10k's because you will eventually go to VHO actinics when you find the PC's are unnoticeable against the MH bulbs.

 

[WingnutSr]

Why do I see so many new lighting fixtures that come with MH and PC actinics as a complete package? Is it in the "K" value?

 

[arts007]

I used to have a 125 as you do, and ran 3 250s 6500k iwasaki's with VHO actinics then I had 3 400 watt 10k's with the VHO's and did 2 250s 10k with 2 VHOs on a 55. Currently I have a 40L with 2 175 watt 14k's with T5HO's, out of all of them I like the 14k's... but this all depends on the bulb brand and ballast you are running... I can't attest for the MH/PC combo as I have not used that combo. Unfortunately its hard to tell by looking at a photo as not all are color correct, but you can get an idea, Ok with all that said I would look for something in the 10k-14k range, JMO

-Joe