MH suggestions please:

[lachrimae]

cpreefguy/alton: Thanks for the tips, maybe I will switch down to 10k MH when I replace the bulb later on at the same time as changing the PC bulbs or upgrading from PC to VHO. I have definitely heard many people who prefer VHO over PC.

hobogato: Thanks for this tip. I'll stay away from 20k MH for now. Leaning towards 15k I suppose due to the yellowness of my PC. I have also heard that some corals may grow faster under 10k so that could pull me in that direction.

greatwit: Thanks for the link, good info! I actually like the look of the 15k only over the 10k +actinic which leads me further in the direction of 15k + my 8,800 PC. Although the photos may not represent true color, my eyes see the 10k + actinic as slightly too yellow & a little washed out. On the other hand, 15k only doesn't jump out quite enough. Perhaps 15k plus my PC will land somewhere in the middle (?). On the other hand, the PAR of the 15k is pretty bad... Maybe I should indeed go 10k up front & have things be a little too white/yellow until I can replace my PC bulbs...

Ram Puppy: I didn't realize that HQI run cooler and brighter... I need to look at the total cost analysis (which is why I'm already leaning towards e-ballast in general). Thanks for the tip on the existing reflector.

Mark

[Ross]

I think the first setup you showed will be fine. You may want to upgrade those to 400w though, you will get better growth. The 250s will do great also. With your 8800 pcs i would definetly NOT use 10k bulbs, they color will be way to yellow. 15k or 20k bulbs would look great, just depends on how blue you want the tank to look. you have to sacrifice growth for color....