Lighting Suggestions Needed

[ArloGut]

Hi All

Here are a few questions I have. I am starting up a 90 gal RR AGA and have built my own canopy for the lighting. I currently have 2 250 watt ARO electronic ballast MH retro's and 2 ARO electronic ballast VHO retro's. I need to know what the best bulbs would be to run. I am leaning towards the 20K XM for the MH. Some suggestions on MH/VHO bulbs would be appriciated.


Thanks
Arlo

[The Grim Reefer]

If you like a very blue look running the 20K's would be good. You wouldnt need to run actinic supplimental lighting with those but you don't get near the PAR as you would running 10K halides with the VHO actinics. If you are just raising softies and LPS that isn't a big deal but for clams and SPS you would be better off at least stepping up to 14K lamps.

[ArloGut]

Are you saying that I should run 14K MH and supplement with VHO actinics? i do want to have Clams & SPS.

Thanks

[Poseidon]

I like the look of XM 10K, plus VHO actinic. Lighting temperture is almost purely personal preference. The higher the K the more blue, the lower the K more YELLOW. It seems to be 10K is middle of the road, but some manufacturers 10Ks are "bluer" then others!