New light setup for my sps tank.

[Clownguy]

I currently have 2 250 watt PFO HQI mh halides with 14k hamiltons in them. I use to run radiums, but couldn't afford them last time I replaces my bulbs. I am now adding a third 250 Watt MH and was curious with good combinations of bulbs for color and growth? I was considering 2 14k hami's and one 20K radium. Anyone else have suggestions to maximize growth and color? I have already read snajays info so many times I almost think I have the PAR ratings memorized. I am looking for personal thoughts and suggestions. Thanks in advance.

Chris

 

[Maxx]

Chris,
maximizing growth and color, and satisfying your preference for appearance of the tank is pretty tough. It seems like you enjoy the bluer end of the spectrum, and getting higher PAR values and staying around the 14K or higher spectrum isnt easy.
Mtdewman (Chuck) has AB20K DE's over his tank right now, and he really likes them. If you do a search of threads he's started, you'll see he's experimented with lots of different combinations.
I like the look of the Hamiltons, and also the Phoenix Hexarc 14K's myself, but I run AB10k's for right now.

Have you seen JBNY's testing of 250 watt SE bulbs? He's taken pics of all the different bulbs over his tank so you can see how they look.

Nick

 

[The Apprentice]

Getting higher PAR values

Hi Chris
Great Thread and I think Nick nailed it pretty well. But i would like to ask you this what size is your tank and the depth is ?
I have ran and done the same as well as you I started with Radiums and switched to Xm's because of price. I have been happy with my Xm bulbs but I plan on going back to Radiums. I just feel i had better luck with them but for growing SPS these bulbs won't do so well as like a 10 K bulb, But I am just a blues fan

I currently have 2 250 watt PFO HQI mh halides with 14k hamiltons in them. I use to run radiums, but couldn't afford them last time I replaces my bulbs. I am now adding a third 250 Watt MH and was curious with good combinations of bulbs for color and growth? I was considering 2 14k hami's and one 20K radium. Anyone else have suggestions to maximize growth and color? I have already read snajays info so many times I almost think I have the PAR ratings memorized. I am looking for personal thoughts and suggestions. Thanks in advance.

Chris

 

[Clownguy]

My tank is 150 gal pentagon about 22" deep and 38 -40" wide from front corner to front corner. My main concern is if one radium is going to be enought to keep the colors or would I be better with two, and in that case is one 14K going to be enough to keep the better growth? Always more questions with each answer.

 

[Maxx]

Chris,
Now you're adding reflector issues into the mix...
I would go with two bulbs over the width of the tank. And since you really only have room for two bulbs I wouldnt quite mix and match the bulb temps unless you're willing to do some radical surgery of your reflector.
I would go with two 14K bulbs and space them about 12 inches apart from each other.
As far as the reflector surgery goes...Lunchbucket (member here and on other boards), cut two spider light reflectors in half and then reattached them. The purpose was to be able to run dual 400 watt bulbs from as close as possible in order to facilitate "blending" of the two bulbs. One is a 10K bulb, the other a 20K. When the two were in seperate reflectors, he didnt like the obvious differences between the two.

Nick

 

[Clownguy]

Thanks for the advice. I already had to do some surgery on the existing reflectors becasue my vho's wouldn't fit in properly with the halide reflectors. I agree with your thoughts of the 2 14K and a 20k. I hope the 20K will cover enough of the tank to keep up the colors. I have actinic supplementation anyways so that should help a little bit anyways.

Chris