Hey Dustin;

Is an 18 high the same footprint as a 10 gal? Or is it like a 15 (24"x12") only a little higher? I'm not sure it matters, because either way, I'd second the mini-pendent HQI suggestions. I'd probably get a 70W if I were you; definitely no more than a 150. If your tank is 14" deep, absolutely go for the 70W. A 250W mogul base lamp on such a small tank will give you seafood chowder, I'm afraid. Maybe I'm wrong, but that's a lot of heat, and the bulb and reflector will be about as large as the entire top of your tank.

As far as color goes, there's 10k and then there's 10k. The ushios are a bright white, don't know about AB, sunburst and such are much bluer with less intensity. For DE bulbs (for the HQI mini) I don't know who's making what, but I've never heard a complaint about the ushio DE bulb.

If you buy a 70W mini and don't like it, I'd consider buying it from you for my 10 gal nano.

HTH
Matt