I want to try to have a mostley softie tank and I'm having lighting ulsers. The tank is 18 inches deep, and I want to go with MH. I like the blue look of 20k but I think I'm going to go with two 14k hamilton reef pendants. My question is what wattage, I want to go with 250w but I don't want to bleach anything, also what are some other good HQI bulbs that have a good blue color to them?
75 gallon lighting
- Thread starter kirblit
- Start date
Help Support Reef Aquarium & Tank Building Forum:
james734
Well-known member
Welcome to RF Kirblit.
I would recommend going with 250w. The cost difference between 175's and isn't that much. I have a 75g just upgraded to 250's from 175's. I have few SPS's, LPS's, and Softies.
As for bulbs. I have some 15K XM SE bulbs that I like, but in order to really find the color you like you'll need to test a few. Each manufacture bulb is going to be a little different within the same kelvin range.
HTH..
I would recommend going with 250w. The cost difference between 175's and isn't that much. I have a 75g just upgraded to 250's from 175's. I have few SPS's, LPS's, and Softies.
As for bulbs. I have some 15K XM SE bulbs that I like, but in order to really find the color you like you'll need to test a few. Each manufacture bulb is going to be a little different within the same kelvin range.
HTH..
Krish
RF STAFF
Welcome to RF!!! Hope you enjoy it here!
I agree with James and say go with the 250w. I had the same issue when deciding lighting for my 75gal and was glad I went with it. I ran the 20K XM's and was pleased with it. Now, I have a 38 gal cube and I'm running a single 250w MH in a PFO pendant using a 14K Hamilton bulb. I love the look and my corals are really happy with it
I agree with James and say go with the 250w. I had the same issue when deciding lighting for my 75gal and was glad I went with it. I ran the 20K XM's and was pleased with it. Now, I have a 38 gal cube and I'm running a single 250w MH in a PFO pendant using a 14K Hamilton bulb. I love the look and my corals are really happy with it
Reefdaddy1
Reef Geek Jedi
If you like the color take a look at this thread, it will help you decide which is best.
http://www.cnidarianreef.com/lamps.cfm
http://www.cnidarianreef.com/lamps.cfm
krish, I love the look of the cube, but does it really look that color in person or is
it a little more white. I want a crisp blue/white and I have seen a 400 w Hamilton 14k on a 90g tank and I liked the look. I think I will go with the hamilton, have you heard good things about the Reef Star HQI pendants? I will be adding a couple power compact actinics for dawn/dusk applications so if I don't like the look I can always make it a little mor blue. If you guys are confident it won't bleach anything I will definately go with the 250w HQI. Thanks for the input.
it a little more white. I want a crisp blue/white and I have seen a 400 w Hamilton 14k on a 90g tank and I liked the look. I think I will go with the hamilton, have you heard good things about the Reef Star HQI pendants? I will be adding a couple power compact actinics for dawn/dusk applications so if I don't like the look I can always make it a little mor blue. If you guys are confident it won't bleach anything I will definately go with the 250w HQI. Thanks for the input.
shallowreef
Well-known member
To be honest when i did my LPS and softies in my old 75 i used dual 150s and i had excellent growth in my tank. Just an idea if your tight on cash.
![Right Angle Clamp, Housolution [4 PACK] Single Handle 90° Aluminum Alloy Corner Clamp, Right Angle Clip Clamp Tool Woodworking Photo Frame Vise Holder with Adjustable Swing Jaw - Blue](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51sEPlZ6JHL._SL500_.jpg)
