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Thread: Which bulbs to use?

  1. #1

    Default Which bulbs to use?

    I was planning to setup my 100gallon with 384-480w of Actinic PC and 500w of metal halide (XM 10k's). However, I've run into a problem with fitting it all in my hood, so naturally I'm looking to replace my PC amount with a similar amount from more MH's. I've got a chance to relieve somebody of their pair of 250w Hamilton Technology pendants. Only thing is they need new bulbs. I either plan to run all 4 halides in a row along the length of the tank, centered in the canopy, or I can run them as 2 in the front, 2 in the back. Either way, would running these as 2 XM10k's and 2 whatever-brand 20k's be ok? Or funky looking? Should I instead get some 14-15.5k bulbs all around? I just need suggestions/ideas on which bulbs to run in my 2 new units, or if all 4 units should use the same, and if they should be all in a row, or 2 in front, 2 in back :unsure
    All help appreciated :huh
    Randy

  2. #2

    Default RE: Which bulbs to use?

    On a 100 I doubt if you will get them in there front to back. All in a row is fine and for the bulbs what do you plan on keeping?

    10K's white great growth
    14K's white/blue decent growth
    20K's blue great color some growth.
    ::Pete::

  3. #3

    Default RE: Which bulbs to use?

    so if I had 2 10K's and 2 20K's it wouldn't look funky? And I'd reap good growth? Up top, at the high points in the rock structure, I'd planned on doing acro's and other SPS, but there would also be a bit (not the focal inverts though) zoo's/shrooms down low, and LPS in the mid-high rock areas. Another big big focus are clams and brains on the bottom.
    FWIW, I was hoping to not replace the 10K bulbs I already have, as they are new, and already paid for, so I was hoping to offset them with bluer bulbs in the other 2 light fixtures. But if that would look funky, or be less effective, then I'd shrug off the purchase of 4 brand new bulbs.
    Randy

  4. #4

    Default RE: Which bulbs to use?

    I would think with an even number of bulbs it might look funny alternating them, but there are plenty of people that mix bulbs. You could even have the bluer ones come on first and then the 10K's and reverse at night. It will work and plenty of light.
    ::Pete::

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