Which MH Bulb?

[AVALover5498]

Ok, so I just bought a new Metal halide Retro kit from HelloLights.com for my new 29 zoa/paly dominated tank I'm setting up. It's a 175 Watt with a 10k bulb. I've heard 10k's make zoas and palys brown. Is this true? If so, which K bulb should I buy to avoid this? 14K or 20K? What I'm saying is what is the best MH bulb to bring out the best colors in zoa/palys. Any info would help alot.



-Chris-

 

[minibowmatt]

well 10k will not show reds as well. But this is why you want to use some actinic supplementation. You will get better growth out of 10k. 12-14K is ideal for color IMO. If you really like the look of a blue tank, go with 20K.

 

[AVALover5498]

well 10k will not show reds as well. But this is why you want to use some actinic supplementation. You will get better growth out of 10k. 12-14K is ideal for color IMO. If you really like the look of a blue tank, go with 20K.

I am going to be using actinics but I think I'm going to buy a 14K bulb. I'm not really into the blue looking tanks so which brand do you recommend? I'm not really looking for growth either I'm more looking for color. Thanx for the help,



-Chris-

 

[Smarsh]

I love my 14k Phoenix bulb.

Sandy

 

[AVALover5498]

If I stay with the 10K and get a couple actinic T-5's will that be enough to not brown out my palys?

 

[twon8]

its not just the color, 175w is a lot for a 29, i would go with something bluer than a 10k;

 

[AVALover5498]

Would a 14K Hamilton be enough? I'll have to pick one up. I didn't realize a 175 was too much. And I was about to buy a 250!



-Chris-

 

[Smarsh]

I didn't think you could have too much light over a tank. I have a 250w over my 30 gal cube (it is pretty far above the tank, about 12 to 14 inches I believe).

 

[geoxman]

I am 400w MH on a tank the is only 10in deep with a lumenarc reflector and everything is GREAT. Some things are less than 1 inch under the surface. You will be fine on a 29 with a 175-just do it slow.
I would either keep the 10k and do what minnowbow said and use some actinic supplementation. You can use t5 if you want but there is no better actinic than VHO URI super actinic. JMHO. get a good icecap and add another 150-300 W of actinic to your mix. You will not be sorry. good luck