More Advice on MH Lighting

[tothe kids]

I have a 125 tall with 2 VHO one Daylight 10K and one Super Acintic. I added on 400 watt MH with a 20K bulb. I like the color but I'm curious if I shoud run maybe a 14K on the MH instead of the 20K and add another Acintic instead of the 10K VHO. What would be the best for SPS growth?

Options to play with:

2 VHO 48" 110 watts
One 400 watt SE MH

[McCrary]

If the tank is 72" long the usual arrangement of bulbs for SPS seems to be 3 halides and actinic T5 or VHO's running actinics on either side of the halides. A 20K, 400 watt halide will grow SPS fine, but you can get better growth from lower K rated bulbs because they usually have a better PAR rating. But I don't think that you should switch bulbs as the growth should be fine with the 20K.

[tothe kids]

The tank is 60" long but I will be adding another 400 watt in a few weeks. So next time on bulb rplacement go with 14K for max growth. Thanks

Has anyone tried these cheap bulbs from Ebay that are aprox $10 They claim to be new in box rated for reef aquariums.

[McCrary]

I would avoid them, good bulbs cost money. I would look into the Aquaconnect 14K 400w, they are expensive but well worth the money, I will be buying the 250w versions for my tank when I replace my Ushios.

[tothe kids]

Here's the link:

Link

[McCrary]

Yea, I don't think I would buy those, lol. I have never used them, but I would wonder why most companies charge around $80 for their bulbs (and people buy them) and this company is able to sell theirs for $10.

[tothe kids]

Those are a bit expensive$145, but look like they might be worth the money thanks for the help

[McCrary]

There are less expensive bulbs, but you won't get the PAR that the Aquaconnects have, but you will still get good growth with the less expensive bulbs as many are very good.