I'm switching to MH and could use some opinions

virginiadiver69 · 10/31/2009, 08:32 AM

I'm trying to decide what combo I want to go with.
I know it comes down to personal preference and there's no perfect combo but some opinions will help me make a decision.
I'm looking for a compromise between good growth and color ( aren't we all?

). I tend to like a crisp white with only slight blue look. I'm considering VHO actinics for supplements if needed.

Arthur1 · 10/31/2009, 09:13 AM

what dimensions are the aquarium that you are looking at? What species of corals? I'm a huge fan of 10ks with actinic supplementaion for sps and if lps and softies are involved I go to 14ks as they do them a little more of a favor as far as color goes.

noahm · 10/31/2009, 09:23 AM

I would lean toward 14ks, w t-5 supplementation (not necessarily actinic, just to color tweak). JMO. Lighting is VERY subjective, so definitely do some looking at real tanks. Plus, the difference of color in each K range can be significant per brand etc. etc. If you have two reflectors, you can do one of each bulb you want to try to compare, then make the switch when you are happy. Just give them a couple weeks to burn in as the color can change.

cablebox2003 · 10/31/2009, 09:29 AM

Ive thought about Switching from T-5s to MH. But I think I will wait to do on a Frag Tank. But when it comes to Actinic supplementation I like T-5s. There smaller and you can always find part cheap on E-bay. You can find a better selection of lights and there reflectors or better than VHO. With I Icecap ballast the sky is the limit. But Its more about personal preference. Weight all you option. I always "why pay more for the same item". Check who's got the product your looking for the cheapest. Retro Fits add up quick piece by piece.

Bonsai Boi · 10/31/2009, 09:46 AM

crisp white with a hint of blue- 14k only
I think the perfect color is 14k with actinics
20k is going to be way too blue
10k is yellow and doesn't really look good IMO

jayk198030 · 10/31/2009, 09:54 AM

20k Radium bulbs. love them

jbird69 · 10/31/2009, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jayk198030

20k Radium bulbs. love them

swannyson7 · 10/31/2009, 06:17 PM

Be sure to see different bulbs in action. The same temperature bulb from different manufacturers can look completely different.

BLKTANG · 10/31/2009, 06:21 PM

I use 2 250w 20k Reflux,&2 VHO UV Super Actinics.

sedor · 10/31/2009, 06:43 PM

I went with 14K with no actinic simply because that is what I use. IMO if you can use actinics, go for it because you will be able to enjoy your tank for a lot longer than you can with MH only (the longest you can usually keep halides on is 8 hours). Color-wise though, with a 14 or 20K bulb you should be fairly happy with the results all by themselves. I use a Phoenix 14K and its a great crisp blue color.

woody283 · 10/31/2009, 06:59 PM

I use 12k reeflux with pc actincs and i think the color and groth of my corals is great and the tank dont look like windex.

virginiadiver69 · 10/31/2009, 07:08 PM

Thanks everyone one for the opinions. It really helps to see what others are using. I think I may start out with Ushio and/or Giesmann 14k then add VHO actinics if I want to later.

virginiadiver69 · 11/01/2009, 03:42 PM

One last bump before I make my order tomorrow.

IridescentLily · 11/01/2009, 04:34 PM

I chose 14k with actinic supplemental.
But VHO supp, not T5. I assume everyone means VHO for supp?
The 12k (reeflux, etc) and LED are missing from the options but I'd still choose 14k w/ actinic.

Anyway all the tanks that I'm usually drawn too have either 14k with supp actinic or 20k with actinic supplement.

Good luck, let us know what you decide on. :-)

lougotzz · 11/01/2009, 04:49 PM

Ive seen pics of 20k radiums. Tanks look outstanding.

tripinpn01 · 11/01/2009, 05:39 PM

Radiums. Great par. Crisp look with a hint of blue. exactly what you are looking for.

downhillbiker · 11/01/2009, 05:45 PM

+1 for radiums. I use 2x 400w 20k radiums on my 200g without actinics. I love them. Corals really respond to the light and physically change colors, always for the better.

View Poll Results: What MH bulb combo do you like?
10K with actinic supplements	11	25.00%
14K with actinic supplements	12	27.27%
14K withOUT actinic supplements	7	15.91%
20K with actinic supplements	6	13.64%
20K withOUT actinic supplements	8	18.18%
Voters: 44. You may not vote on this poll

10/31/2009, 08:32 AM	#1
virginiadiver69 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Va. Posts: 4,400	I'm switching to MH and could use some opinions I'm trying to decide what combo I want to go with. I know it comes down to personal preference and there's no perfect combo but some opinions will help me make a decision. I'm looking for a compromise between good growth and color ( aren't we all? ). I tend to like a crisp white with only slight blue look. I'm considering VHO actinics for supplements if needed. __________________ Semi-aggressive mixed reef w/ shallow sand bed 96x30x27 310gal custom acrylic w/ ext. "fail safe" overflow 125gal sump/cryptic fuge w/ 6" DSB 3 400w Plus Rite 20k MH in Lumembrights 2 250w Plus Rite 20k MH in spider reflectors VHO actinic supplementation 2 Tunze wave boxes 2 Tunze 6060 in Tunze Rocks 2 Tunze 6125 Reeflo 250 skimmer Hammerhead return on OM 4 way Aqua controller lll Leviton power panel Deltec Eco-Cooler Randy's Two part 6.5 kw generator Last edited by virginiadiver69; 10/31/2009 at 08:40 AM.

10/31/2009, 09:23 AM	#3
noahm Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Huntsville, AL Posts: 2,736	I would lean toward 14ks, w t-5 supplementation (not necessarily actinic, just to color tweak). JMO. Lighting is VERY subjective, so definitely do some looking at real tanks. Plus, the difference of color in each K range can be significant per brand etc. etc. If you have two reflectors, you can do one of each bulb you want to try to compare, then make the switch when you are happy. Just give them a couple weeks to burn in as the color can change. Last edited by noahm; 10/31/2009 at 09:30 AM.

10/31/2009, 09:54 AM	#6
jayk198030 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Tag, your it! Posts: 783	20k Radium bulbs. love them __________________ I feel like 1.025 and i look like skimmate. I eat crap and throw up! What am I? Current Tank Info: I need help!!

10/31/2009, 06:21 PM	#9
BLKTANG Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Never,Never Land Posts: 7,061	I use 2 250w 20k Reflux,&2 VHO UV Super Actinics. __________________ We the few have done so much,for so long,for so little.That we are now qualified to do anything with nothing. ____________________________________________________________________________ Current Tank Info: RR 90 Maganvore sump,250w Hamilton fixture,VorTec's ASM skimmer.

10/31/2009, 09:13 AM	#2
Arthur1 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Cape Cod MA Posts: 578	what dimensions are the aquarium that you are looking at? What species of corals? I'm a huge fan of 10ks with actinic supplementaion for sps and if lps and softies are involved I go to 14ks as they do them a little more of a favor as far as color goes.

10/31/2009, 09:29 AM	#4
cablebox2003 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Antioch , TN Posts: 67	Ive thought about Switching from T-5s to MH. But I think I will wait to do on a Frag Tank. But when it comes to Actinic supplementation I like T-5s. There smaller and you can always find part cheap on E-bay. You can find a better selection of lights and there reflectors or better than VHO. With I Icecap ballast the sky is the limit. But Its more about personal preference. Weight all you option. I always "why pay more for the same item". Check who's got the product your looking for the cheapest. Retro Fits add up quick piece by piece.

10/31/2009, 09:46 AM	#5
Bonsai Boi Moved On Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 74	crisp white with a hint of blue- 14k only I think the perfect color is 14k with actinics 20k is going to be way too blue 10k is yellow and doesn't really look good IMO

10/31/2009, 06:17 PM	#8
swannyson7 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Bantam, Connecticut Posts: 2,398	Be sure to see different bulbs in action. The same temperature bulb from different manufacturers can look completely different.

10/31/2009, 06:43 PM	#10
sedor Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 4,689	I went with 14K with no actinic simply because that is what I use. IMO if you can use actinics, go for it because you will be able to enjoy your tank for a lot longer than you can with MH only (the longest you can usually keep halides on is 8 hours). Color-wise though, with a 14 or 20K bulb you should be fairly happy with the results all by themselves. I use a Phoenix 14K and its a great crisp blue color. __________________ Ryan

10/31/2009, 06:59 PM	#11
woody283 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Hustisford WI Posts: 132	I use 12k reeflux with pc actincs and i think the color and groth of my corals is great and the tank dont look like windex. __________________ If all else fails, use a bigger hammer. Current Tank Info: 30 gallon cube SPS, 65g sps in the works (slowly but surely)

10/31/2009, 07:08 PM	#12
virginiadiver69 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Va. Posts: 4,400	Thanks everyone one for the opinions. It really helps to see what others are using. I think I may start out with Ushio and/or Giesmann 14k then add VHO actinics if I want to later. __________________ Semi-aggressive mixed reef w/ shallow sand bed 96x30x27 310gal custom acrylic w/ ext. "fail safe" overflow 125gal sump/cryptic fuge w/ 6" DSB 3 400w Plus Rite 20k MH in Lumembrights 2 250w Plus Rite 20k MH in spider reflectors VHO actinic supplementation 2 Tunze wave boxes 2 Tunze 6060 in Tunze Rocks 2 Tunze 6125 Reeflo 250 skimmer Hammerhead return on OM 4 way Aqua controller lll Leviton power panel Deltec Eco-Cooler Randy's Two part 6.5 kw generator

11/01/2009, 03:42 PM	#13
virginiadiver69 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Va. Posts: 4,400	One last bump before I make my order tomorrow. __________________ Semi-aggressive mixed reef w/ shallow sand bed 96x30x27 310gal custom acrylic w/ ext. "fail safe" overflow 125gal sump/cryptic fuge w/ 6" DSB 3 400w Plus Rite 20k MH in Lumembrights 2 250w Plus Rite 20k MH in spider reflectors VHO actinic supplementation 2 Tunze wave boxes 2 Tunze 6060 in Tunze Rocks 2 Tunze 6125 Reeflo 250 skimmer Hammerhead return on OM 4 way Aqua controller lll Leviton power panel Deltec Eco-Cooler Randy's Two part 6.5 kw generator

11/01/2009, 04:34 PM	#14
IridescentLily Editor-Reefkeeping mag Join Date: May 2008 Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico Posts: 3,858 Blog Entries: 5	I chose 14k with actinic supplemental. But VHO supp, not T5. I assume everyone means VHO for supp? The 12k (reeflux, etc) and LED are missing from the options but I'd still choose 14k w/ actinic. Anyway all the tanks that I'm usually drawn too have either 14k with supp actinic or 20k with actinic supplement. Good luck, let us know what you decide on. :-) __________________ ~April Editor-Reefkeeping Magazine

11/01/2009, 04:49 PM	#15
lougotzz Moved On Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: PA Posts: 1,524	Ive seen pics of 20k radiums. Tanks look outstanding.

11/01/2009, 05:39 PM	#16
tripinpn01 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: oc Posts: 786	Radiums. Great par. Crisp look with a hint of blue. exactly what you are looking for.

11/01/2009, 05:45 PM	#17
downhillbiker Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Salt Lake City, Utah Posts: 2,831	+1 for radiums. I use 2x 400w 20k radiums on my 200g without actinics. I love them. Corals really respond to the light and physically change colors, always for the better. __________________ The friendliest GIANT you'll ever meet. Current Tank Info: 200g Marineland Deep Dimension (Lumenmax Reflectors/Dual PFO 400w/Radium 20K) and 2xFrag Tanks (One TEK T5 fixture and one MH, Galaxy/Phoenix) on same system w/100g sump w/6"x100g DSB, AquaC EV-1000 Skimmer, Reeflo Barracuda return pump