Need the correct "weak" 250W bulb for LPS

[Fliger]

Strange question. I decided to focus more on LPS and zoa in my 55G tank (cube). My pendant is a 4x24W T5 + 1x250W DE. I will have some acros but really will be focusing on LPS, softies and zoanthids. I'm afraid most of the bulbs out there will be too strong, and I love my pendant (Elos Planet).

Is there a bluer bulb out there that has relatively poor par?

Thanks!

 

[mantisshrimp]

It should be fine...

 

[mscarpena]

I agree should be fine. JUst watch when you place them in and acclimate them accordingly.

 

[seapug]

what kind of bulb are you using now? Anything "bluer" (higher K) than what you are using now will replicate a deeper water environment where most LPS are found.

 

[Fliger]

Thanks for the responses. Yeah I think I'm gonna need a 20K for sure. I'm running for T5:

3x ATI Blue+
1x ATI Aquablue

It's OK, but I know it's not enough for my tank for the light lovers. I'd really like to get the color of a 400W Radium. I guess any decent 20K will do? That seems like it'd be best for LPS and zoa, and I can put my few SPS up towards the top. What are the best 250W DE bulbs for that? I'll probably only run the MH about 4 hours a day max.

 

[seapug]

If you want to go blue and can't get the Radiums in the wattage/config you need, 20K Ushios are very similar. 14K Pheonix is also veryY blue, what I describe as cotton candy" blue, whereas the Ushios are more of an actnic blue. I've used both in my tank over LPS, SPS and Zoanthids.

 

[ati70cutlass]

if you heavily supplement the 14k phoenix i think it will be fine. w/o the actinic i wasnt too pleased with the color of them. phoenix bulb with galaxy ballast. your t5 with reflectors will have no problem keeping sps.... i have a 75 with 4x54 and keep sps with no issues other than long photoperiod hours. 11hrs