Ryan S September 20, 2012 Share September 20, 2012 Here is a FTS the last day my 9 month-old tank was under LEDs. As you can see, there are many small SPS frags. I have switched to a 400 watt MH, with a large lumen bright reflector. I am debating between buying a new 400w 10k XM MH bulb, or a new 400w 20k Radium MH bulb. I will not be running supplemental lighting, at least not for now. There are pros and cons to each bulb. Ultimately, for me, it comes down to 10k XM producing more PAR than almost any other MH bulb on the market, which translates to the fastest SPS growth possible. Or, the radium, with less PAR, so the SPS frags won't grow as fast, but they will have the best coloration possible. Which do you recommend I start out with? 10k XM for a year, then switch to a 20k to color up the larger SPS mini-colonies? 10k XM for a couple years, then switch to a 20k to color up the full SPS colonies? 20k Radium from the start? A cheap $20 Plus Rite Bulb, or "Other"? If you choose these, which spectrum or bulb, and why? Thanks for your vote! The winning bulb will be ordered tomorrow! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
surf&turf September 20, 2012 Share September 20, 2012 400 watt 12K reeflux. I have seen these over several tanks and they look awesome. I also like the pheonix 14k, but I don't think they come in 400 watt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
corsi1330 September 20, 2012 Share September 20, 2012 I have tried numerious 400w bulbs over the years and agree with Frank. I love the reeflux 12k. I also like the radiums20k and currently using each of these on seperate fixtures. You might be the happiest with the 20k radiums coming from LED fixtures. Cant go wrong with either, but I do not think you would like the 10k bulbs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
corsi1330 September 20, 2012 Share September 20, 2012 I am sure I have old bulbs of each of these if you would like to give them a try? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Country September 20, 2012 Share September 20, 2012 Which type ballast are you running? Radium 20K's work best on a old M80 ballast. I run a M80 ballast, Sunlight Supply Bluewave, am currently running the XM 10K bulbs to try and get some nice growth, which I seem to be getting, but they say the M80's will shorten the life of the XM 10K's to like 6 mos. My corals are definately washing out some after a couple months. When the XM's loose their punch I will be putting in a fresh set of Radium 20K to get the color back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coral Hind September 20, 2012 Share September 20, 2012 I would do plusrite 14kk for the first year to get the growth kick started. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ryan S September 20, 2012 Author Share September 20, 2012 You know, 400w Plusrite 14k bulbs at $16 each shipped are looking very tempting: http://www.wamas.org/forums/topic/35542-400w-se-mh-bulbs/ and http://www.wamas.org/forums/topic/35276-plusrite-metal-halide-bulbs/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlanM September 20, 2012 Share September 20, 2012 I'm a total newb, but thought I'd chime in. Do you really want to not like the look of your tank for a year just in the name of slightly faster growth in a tank you apparently are going to have to move in a few months anyway? Sounds like folks are saying that any of the options you're looking at will grow SPS just fine including the 20k bulb, and it sounds like long-term you want to use the 20k bulb, so if it were me I'd just start off with the 20k bulb or one of the inbetweens that people like. I'd knock the 10k one totally out of the running. You're not in a race with someone to grow brown corals or planning to make money selling them, so pick something that you'll like for the next year instead of something you won't. If my memory of previous reading of your threads is correct you're moving soon, and will end up somewhere else with a different layout for putting the ideal tank. You might even end up with a totally different tank to fit the perfect spot in your new place. Go with what you like now and what you can afford now while saving for a down payment and pray that the move goes well with the colorful SPS you've grown before the move under your 400W light. 8) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim September 20, 2012 Share September 20, 2012 10000K bulbs don't always grow brown corals. http://reefbuilders.com/2012/09/05/welles-beijing/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chad September 20, 2012 Share September 20, 2012 really, with a lower color temperature lamp (like the 10k), you could get away with 250W. PAR is higher at lower color temps. I didn't answer the poll, though. I think you should go with the color you like. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve175 September 21, 2012 Share September 21, 2012 Without T5 supplements to add some blue, I personally would go with 20k Radiums. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GraffitiSpotCorals September 21, 2012 Share September 21, 2012 If you think 10k xms grow brown corals there was something wrong other than lighting in my opinion. If you have ever used the word "pop" you will be bored with the 10k Ryan. And if you do use one there is no reason to buy a 400w at all. Par is 300 on the bottom of my 24" tank with 250s, the 400 I use over the glass center brace. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ryan S September 21, 2012 Author Share September 21, 2012 I do like pop, definitely, but, the majority of my SPS pieces are 1" frags. I am thinking 1 year under a 6500k iwasaki; or a 10k XM; would allow everything to grow a lot, and THEN I can switch to the 20k to make them colorful. A tank full of colorful 1" sps frags would be as boring to me as a pop-less tank I think. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rocko918 September 21, 2012 Share September 21, 2012 (edited) You make things much more difficult then they have to be. Pick a bulb you like and leave it alone. Do your water changes, clean your skimmer (if your running one) stop messing with everything. Your never going to be completely happy so might as well just pick one. Edited September 21, 2012 by rocko918 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
epleeds September 21, 2012 Share September 21, 2012 I say stop screwing around with the 250 or the 400. Go right to the 1000 Watt MH and grow your corals in weeks, not years... http://www.1000bulbs.com/category/1000-watt-reduced-envelope-metal-halide-lamps/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ToddR September 21, 2012 Share September 21, 2012 I use 250watt 14000K Pheonix bulbs on my 125. I like the natural look it gives my tank. I will admit that some high blue tanks look neat, but I am going for a look that I remember from diving around the world when I was in the Navy. Not to start a crapstorm or anything, but I,m just not into "black light poster" tanks. Try looking at as many tanks as you can to see what YOU like. Ultimately you are the one that has to be happy with it and live with it so chose what you like. Like everything else, peoples opinion milage may vary!!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BowieReefer84 September 21, 2012 Share September 21, 2012 I say stop screwing around with the 250 or the 400. Go right to the 1000 Watt MH and grow your corals in weeks, not years... http://www.1000bulbs...l-halide-lamps/ YES! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trockafella September 21, 2012 Share September 21, 2012 You make things much more difficult then they have to be. Pick a bulb you like and leave it alone. Do your water changes, clean your skimmer (if your running one) stop messing with everything. Your never going to be completely happy so might as well just pick one. +1... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Der ABT September 21, 2012 Share September 21, 2012 THere is a new 4k 29000K coming out net month....its upgradeable and only costs you 250 a bulb...its goign to revolutionize this thread..... I guess i just dont see a bulb making that huge of a difference...if you want a fully grown in tank...buy full colonies....personally i like watching them grown. the diff in a 10k for 20k...is there any documented growth accelerator...what is it one grew 1 1/4 in and the other grew 1 inch??? just saying... i understand asking suggestions for bulbs.. But rather then polling, ask who is running this 400k bulb and can you visit to see it in person...thats the only way to get what you want not what the internet tells you you want. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ryan S September 21, 2012 Author Share September 21, 2012 Order placed. Thanks everyone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ryan S September 21, 2012 Author Share September 21, 2012 THere is a new 4k 29000K coming out net month....its upgradeable and only costs you 250 a bulb...its goign to revolutionize this thread..... I did see a 22K out now for $130. Didn't know they had bulbs higher than 20K. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
surf&turf September 21, 2012 Share September 21, 2012 Order placed. Thanks everyone. Which one did you order? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
epleeds September 21, 2012 Share September 21, 2012 Which one did you order? he got one of each, so he can change them out every 30 days... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
surf&turf September 21, 2012 Share September 21, 2012 he got one of each, so he can change them out every 30 days... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trockafella September 21, 2012 Share September 21, 2012 he got one of each, so he can change them out every 30 days... Ryan "Thats a great idea, ordering the other now" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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