MH Bulb Selection

[Checkitout]

Its time to change the bulbs out and wanted some suggestions or opinions from everyone. I have a dual 400w pfo, m59, and have using xm 20k and I get a great color but no growth. I guess I want the best of both worlds. I would love to have radiums but they dont work great on this kind of ballast. Any suggestions would greatly be appreciated.

 

[Blackhawk Fan]

You should get very good growth with 400w 20k XM's. What reflectors do you use?

 

[Checkitout]

Lumenmax 2.

 

[Blackhawk Fan]

Off the top of my head, those are the best non 10k bulb you can run with m59's. Do you have actinic supplementation? 10k XM's are the best bulb out there for ya. I'm sure you've probably tried them and didn't like how they look.

 

[Checkitout]

Well I have alot of acans and I fear that the 10k would be to intense for them. I have no actinic supplement either. Just 2 400w xm 20k on my 105 48x18x28.

 

[Blackhawk Fan]

Honestly if you are happy with your colors then stick with the bulbs you already have. There are a lot more variables in coral growth then the lighting we use.

 

[mike_dani]

my .02

I have and use the Reefbrite 10K's and also use thier 10k/20k dual arch bulbs. I love the color of the 10k without any Actinic sup. looks like a 14k. If you want your cake and to eat it too, look at the dual arch bulb it has a 10k and 20k element in one bulbs SE though. All you need to be able to do is short cycle your ballast and it changes elements. I use my RKE to do this and let them cool for 5 min. in between cycles. I run 10k during the day when I am at work for 6 hrs then have them switch to 20k for the remaining 6 hrs.

I have had great growth and color, as a matter of fact I have so much color that pieces like Tyree Garf Bonsai don't look like it should, looks better but I have moved it down. I have noticed reds blues and purples are breath taking.