10k or a 20k MH ???

[TexasState]

MH will be the only lighting so I'm leaning towards the XM 20000K but have read that the blueline 10000K+ bulbs are a very nice looking bulb as well.

Tim Marvin used the 400W version for awhile, and his tank looks awsome. The 175W version of that bulb is too dim. IMHO, those bulb don't have a long time.

I thought you were quiting.

I'm supposed to quit in December or May, but until then, I'm upgrading my 29G into a 55G reef, and convert the 29G reef into a freshwater tank.
-Kicking it hard until the end. :twisted:

[Jimnorris]

Matt,
Without my chiller my water temp is at 88. With the chiller my temp is 82 to 83 after all the lights come on. I actually need a bigger chiller so I can put more lights on the tank. And I am adding a second SCWD (close loop) and then I can remove (many) powerheads from my tank. Here is what I have been thinking about my lighting. 12 400 watt MHs, 6 20,000k XMs and 6 10,000k Ushios. = = =center brace ===. Ushios in the rear and XMs up front? Then removed all the pcs I use for supplementation. What do you think?
Jim

[Jimnorris]

Should be a spot of heaven!

[matt]

Wow! that would really be something, Jim. Although, I can hear the electric company popping the corks on their champagne as we speak... You'd have to get Ray bans for the fish, but your corals would be really something; I bet the color would improve even from what you've got now.

Have you considered going to DE HQI? It would lower your wattage, I guess by 1800 watts if you used 12 bulbs. I'm sure you've thought about this. Also, a while back Eric Borneman posted some message about a new, great source he found for 1000W mh fixtures; maybe it was a hydroponics place, I can't remember. You might contact him; I think we've been threatening to bring him as a speaker for a meeting one of these months.

[brewercm]

Jim,

Just curious what size tank all them lights are on. You have your own Sea World going there or what.

[Jimnorris]

My tank is 240 gallons 8x2x2. And actually Seaworld is using 400 watt radiums on most of their tanks. I gave them a MX 20,000k to try and am waiting on a report back. Matt I thought about 1,000 watts but I am not sure? Questions on the 1,000 watters: My tank is only 2 feet deep (I think 1,000 watters are too much? How big is the hot spot into the tank? And finally color?
Jim

[Goofball310]

http://www.coralreefecosystems.com/

Try this site out. It can help you with your decision.

Click on lighiting; then bulb comparison

When it comes to choosing bulbs, I think that is best that you choose it for yourself. Going on what people recommend, might not be exactly what you prefer in your tank. At this site, you will be able to compare how different color bulbs will illuminate your tank.