questions about m/h
- Thread starter cowdust9
- Start date
musty baby
New member
No. There's a slight possibility that it would be too much light for some of the lowest light-demanding corals like bubbles, etc, but I think the stress is on the fact that you'd probably want 250s for some sps and clams, otherwise 175s would likely do.
musty baby
New member
For the record, I'd just go with 250s if you're looking at metal halides. That's not too big a bump. The big bump is going from 250s to 400s.
jtesdall
Premium Member
No, just put lower light stuff lower. Although somethings you won't be able to get low enough. I have 2-250's on my mixed reef and I had to move my large green brain out to another tank with only VHO. Now it is doing well. This is a main reason go dominant SPS and then put stupid crazy powerful lights up. I know someone with 2-400's on a 90, you know who you are. But in his defense his corals and PE are awesome.
musty baby
New member
Yes, if you have money to throw at a chiller running every hour of the day, get 400s. 
musty baby
New member
10kK bulbs are a crisp white, usually, but can appear sort of yellow to people who are used to bluer (higher K) lighting. 10ks put out the most light of bulbs that most people regard as looking decent over a reef tank.
14kK are bluer, usually regarded as looking nicer over a reef tank, but put out less useable light for corals.
20kK is bluer yet, puts out even less useable light.
It's all a trade-off.
14kK are bluer, usually regarded as looking nicer over a reef tank, but put out less useable light for corals.
20kK is bluer yet, puts out even less useable light.
It's all a trade-off.
musty baby
New member
You mean 1 for each side of the tank? No, that'd probably look goofy. Your obvious in-between would be a 14-15kK bulb on each side.
kau_cinta_ku
New member
i wouldn't say you need a chiller with 400's. I run 2 400's over my 75 gal. and don't use a chiller just a fan over the sump and yet I still use the heater more than the fan.
phishcrazee
Member
I like the look of 14k's myself. I have 2x250 watt over a 75g that are 14k's......... it's a personal preference after you decide what type of corals you want to keep. If I were you, I'd go with either 2x175watt or 2x250 watt 14k bulbs. That'd be fine for a 55g tank and you'd have your options pretty wide open for what types of coral you want to keep.
i would use xm 20k bulbs they are a perfect blue color and have decent par on them.
there are some tank shots of einsteins and waverz tanks with them running on the girs website.
14k bulbs are hit and miss for color, and par is all over the charts, the xm 14k for instance is basically a worthless bulb, par is way lower than the xm 20k.
if you are looking for a nice blue purple look without actinics the xm 20k is the bulb you are looking for.
this bulb would suprise you, your thinking way too blue, but its not, very intense color, decent par and good growth rates from it.
there are some tank shots of einsteins and waverz tanks with them running on the girs website.
14k bulbs are hit and miss for color, and par is all over the charts, the xm 14k for instance is basically a worthless bulb, par is way lower than the xm 20k.
if you are looking for a nice blue purple look without actinics the xm 20k is the bulb you are looking for.
this bulb would suprise you, your thinking way too blue, but its not, very intense color, decent par and good growth rates from it.
a magnestic ballast uses alot of electricity compared to electronic, 30-60 percent more depending on manufacturers.
electronic ballasts can be located at far distances from the main tank.
electronis ballasts are silent and run cool compared to magnetic.
electronic ballasts will run any bulb type, magnetic ballast limit your bulb types.
electronic ballasts are the best choice, in every circumstance.
