Opinions on lighting please

[chrisguy]

I'm about to replace my bulbs. I know that lighting can be a personal preference but being new, I am not experienced enough to know what my preferences are. I really want great growth and great "popping" colors.

I currently have 2x250 MH 14K with 2x110 VHO. The VHO are 1x 03 actinic and 1x 50/50. I like the look, but wonder if a different combination would look better and/or provide better growth.

I've been considering going to 10K bulbs, probably XM's. I am open to recommendations for other bulbs. If I go to 10K bulbs I think I would need to go with 2x 03 Actinic vs the 1x 03 Actinic and 1x 50/50. My ballasts are from Cool Touch Lighting and are pulse start, magnetic ballasts.

My original plan was to separate the VHO bulbs to separate power cords to better simulate dusk/dawn. If I went to 10K's could I still do this or would I really need the 2x Actinic?

Any thoughts/experience to offer?? I think Guy said it best in another post, I trust feedback from URS members over some of the "experts".

I currently have a mixed reef with LPS, SPS, Softies, etc. I like this mix and only see myself adding more to the variety.

Hopefully I've provided enough info, if not, please ask and I will do my best to answer.

Thanks in advance!!

 

[ReeferMac]

My favorite bulb combination ever so far, has been the 250W Iwasaki's and 400W HQI Radiums. The extreme far end of both spectrums... take some tank tours (virtual or otherwise), look for corals/colors you like, and then ask that person what they do. Husbandry can have as much an impact on the coloration of your corals as the lamp you burn above them.

- Mac

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

Re: Opinions on lighting please

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7264973#post7264973 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by chrisguy
I currently have 2x250 MH 14K

What make?

 

[chrisguy]

Re: Re: Opinions on lighting please

Re: Re: Opinions on lighting please

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7267691#post7267691 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Gary Majchrzak
What make?

Great question. Unfortunately I don't know. The lighting was bought used and the bulbs are not labeled other than having the Wattage and Kelvin rating.

The lighting is from Cool Touch Lighting and the only 14K bulbs they currently sell are Aqua Cool bulbs. So if I were to guess, I would guess Aqua Cool.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7265264#post7265264 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ReeferMac
.. take some tank tours (virtual or otherwise), look for corals/colors you like, and then ask that person what they do. Husbandry can have as much an impact on the coloration of your corals as the lamp you burn above them.
- Mac

I couldn't have said it better myself. What one person likes... another person might find totally unacceptable.
The good thing about light bulbs is that you'll need to (eventually) replace them- so you'll (eventually) find which combo you like the best.
Avoid "bargain brand" halide lamps. You might want to stick to the tried and tested brands of MH lamps seen here:

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