which Metal Halide bulb is best

[BobinCovington]

I have some SPS corals, some softies and a clam in my 29 gallon. My 175w metal halide bulb is getting to the point of needing replacement, so I need to purchase a new one. I supplement with two 24" T5 actinics, but what temperature bulb should I get? 10K, 12K, more? And what brand... Ushio?

What are the favorite choices out there that I should consider?

Also one other lighting question...If/when I upgrade to a 92 gallon corner tank what wattage MH bulb should I use...250?...400?

thanks for any suggestions

 

[matts125]

this is all based on taste there is no right or wrong...
the ushio 10k will get you the best growth but isnt much to look at it is yellowish white in color.
if you are looking for a good balance of white and blue the hamilton 10ks are a good choice they are a little blue.
if you like a lot of blue then go with the xm 20k's beware though this is really blue!
I myself like the hamilton 10k's or the 14k's

the 90 gallon tank I would go with 2- 250s on that granted the tank is at least 4 ft long..

Matt

 

[Reefdaddy1]

Bob Take a look at this site. Its all based on taste anymore. More blue , More yellow. Take the look that suits you best and go with it.

http://www.cnidarianreef.com/lamps.cfm

 

[JasonD]

175watt bulbs

Take a look at the Iwasaki 175watt 15K SE. I don't know much about it but the spectral plot is really impressive.

Compare Two Bulbs:
http://www.reeflightinginfo.arvixe.com/select2lamp.php

 

[Skimmy]

another good bulb that tested very well was the helios 20k, i owned one and i loved the color, but i prefer a bluer look.
btw bob, how did the frags and rose bubble do?

 

[BobinCovington]

Yes Mark, thanks they are doing great. That Rose is really pretty (and my wife loves it as do my clown fish)
Now she is excited about getting a bigger tank