MH bulb suggestions for small reef

[RichMacys]

MH Bulb choices
Im starting a 15H all-glass nano and Im looking for opinions and input as to what MH bulb/brand to use. I have a triple 175 MH ballast setup. I drilled the tank and it has 2 3/4" bulkheads for the output and I have it plumbed for 2 1/2" input lines (over top edge. It has a 10-12 rubbermaid sump with a skimmer big enough to support 120 gallons. I am running a MAG 12 for the pump and have the output split into three outlets all with ball valves for adjustment. I may put a pressure relief valve inline also but I will have to see what it looks like when running. ANYWHO>>>>>

I want a blue look so the SPS color up good, I usually run EYE bulbs but Im looking for more color than growth. I WILL NOT USE CORALIFE BULBS THOUGH! The last 20k coralife I got lasted 5 months then burned out!

Let me know what you guys would use, or not use....
Im so used to 400w 6500k stuff that the 175w blue bulbs
will probably take some getting used to. ANY help would be great.

How are the ALS 12k bulbs? What about the 20k XM bulbs? 14k hamilton? 12k sunburst?

 

[bigtank2]

From what I keep hearing the 12k ALS/Sunburst bulb is extremely dim for the wattage consumed. I have used AB (Aqualine Buschke) DE 10k bulbs and loved them. These are also available in SE and I would recommend this lamp. They look white as opposed to blue though.

I have seen the 175w 14k Hamilton, very nice blue/white and reasonably bright IMHO. If you are used to 400w 6500k this should be less of an adjustment for you than the bluer 20k bulbs.

 

[RichMacys]

I have used 10k AB se bulbs in the past and I did like them but Im really thinking about a more blue looking bulb. I may try out the 14k hamilton. I might just try a DE HQI setup for the first time though. Any suggestions on a relatively cheap 150w or 250w setup. A 250w hqi 20k DE would be pretty nice I think. And it would still give me the par I need for growth.

Just very curious about the difference in how my corals will grow and the coloration with a 20k setup.

 

[RichMacys]

IceCap 250 watt Electronic MH Ballast and 250 watt 20,000K CoralVue MH Bulb