Aqualine vs. XM vs. Ushio.....

[BlackRed+Yellow]

I'm needing to get new bulbs here in about three months.

This is gowing to be my third time buying Bulbs for my 90 gal mixed reef.

My first time, I chose 2x250w 65k Iwasaki bulbs with 2x96w P.C. actinics
I like the halides except for the color, but coral growth was excellent

But I wanted a "not so yellow" tint to the tank...So next time I got 2x250w 10k Aqualine bulbs and I love them...they barely need the actinics in my opinion.

But I wonder if I'm missing out on some good bulbs....
Any recomendations on 250w halides

I was thinking about XM 10k bulbs because I heard they have an excellent color at a bargain price...but I don't want to buy a bulb because of cheap price.

Anyone have experience with Ushio 10k bulbs? Any other recomendations?
I really don't want to go higher than 10k, too much blue doesn't look natural to me....

thanks

 

[NaH2O]

Check out this link Sanjay's Reef Lighting Page. You will be able to match up specific bulbs and ballasts to check performance. I use the 250W Ushio 10K bulbs, and like them real well. I also have some actinic supplement. I tried the Hamilton 14Ks, but found them too blue/a little dark (again - all a matter of visual taste). I do like the brightness and whiteness of the 10Ks. I haven't seen XM 10Ks on a tank yet, but I hear good things about them, as well.

Hope this helps!