Need advice on picking new bulbs

[ZC]

Ok I need some help deciding on what lighting to go with bulb wise for my 46g BF........

Option A: XM10k 175w with 2-96w pc dual actinics
or
Option B: XM15K 175w with 2-96w pc 50\50's
or
OptionC: ??????? any other combo with these wattages of lights...

Right now im' running XM20k 175w with 1-96w dual daylight. I also have an extra 96w PC ballast that i'll be using when i get new bulbs all my bulbs are almost 1yr old so its time to replace them .ASAP.....Let me know what you think!

 

[captbunzo]

I vote for Option A. Paul Whitby will tell you to use XM20K bulbs.

 

[ZC]

Ihave a 20k now, but it's just too blue for me..... and the 10k's i've heard are to yellow....so that's why i'm kinda leaning towards the 15k, maybe it's the best of both worlds????

 

[aquaphile]

i just bought a 250watt 15k and i love it, also running two vho actinics its not too blue but has a nice tint to it, i about bought the 20 but was afraid it would be too blue.

 

[aleiodubua]

I'm running an XM 15K and it's just the right hint of blue.

 

[sadsak]

I run a 15k..175w and a 20k..250w both xm bulbs on a 46 coner hex tank and love it .. first the 15k then latter on the 20k ..and have no actinics.

 

[dugg]

I am running the Hamilton 14k 250watt, and i LOVE it. That will be my bulb of choice for a long time to come i think.

 

[scott0615]

What is the focus for the tank.....growth or color of your corals?????????

 

[scott0615]

Sorry, 18 month old grabbed the mouse and rapidly pushed buttons. Depending on the corals, you can achieve lots of growth with 10k's or lots of color with 20's. Again, depending on what you keep.

 

[lawboy888]

try the phoenix bulbs..you can get them from prem aqua..they are 250 double ended..but very blue..very nice..i am changing all mine...

 

[Youngsilver]

Youve probably seen this but here ya go.

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

I say the xm 10ks + actinics, the par on the 10ks is pretty darn good, while the par on the 15ks is actually lower then the 20ks.

Not sure if the par is comparable to different bulb wattages though.

 

[ZC]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7056838#post7056838 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by scott0615
What is the focus for the tank.....growth or color of your corals?????????

It's more for color growth, i've got some small sps frags and then softies and leathers.

 

[captbunzo]

I think that was an either or question.

Color OR Growth...

 

[ZC]

whoops.... i meant coral......i've been at work to long, things that don't make sence suddenly make sence after a 14hour day

 

[captbunzo]

I understand completely...

For growth, I would suggest 10K with actinic supplementation....

 

[ZC]

after debate and day or two of thought........ I think that's what i'm going to do 1-175 10k XM w\ 2-96pc dual actinics...giving me 367total watts which is almost 8w\gal....I can live with that...i hope....