150 DE/ 250 watt DE 20000K?

[jsaltzgi]

Right now my lighting is 2x250 watt AB DE 10000K bulbs, plus vho actinic on a 75 gallon mostly sps, clams

Here's the question:
I am considering adding a 150 watt 20000K radium de bulb to the center of the tank, to improve coloration of pink/ blues on some acroporas and other sps I have( as well as add a bit more light, LOL).

Would this be worthwhile?

I'm interested in the 150 DE because of the way I built my hood using pfo reflectors, it would be easy to add another de socket to the center, but rather difficult to put a mogul socket in without a lot of inconvenience. I would use a 250 watt 20000 K DE if it were available, but I haven't seen any info on them in the US in a while.
Thanks,
James

[Reefland]

It would definately be worth while! The pictures I have seen with the 20000k bulbs have great coloration! With the 2 - 250w yuo currently have, does it leave the center of the tank a bit shaded? If so the 150w would eliminate the center being a tad bit darker than each end, which is why you are thiniking of adding it anyway I am sure.

Scott Z.

[jsaltzgi]

It is a little darker in the center than right under the bulbs, that is also the reason. I thought I could do a real neat 1-2-3-2-1 bulb effect, too.

Thanks for the reply, I knew people were really liking coloration under the 400 watters, just wondered if the 150 watt DE colors were nice as well. I'd like to go with a 250 DE, but haven't seen 250 watt de in 20000 K in the US.

I was searching a while ago and found them on some spanish place (in Spain)...

Thanks,
James

[jsaltzgi]

Well, after the move the middle bulb has been bumped up to a 250 watt XDE bulb. I think I am finally completely happy with the DE halides- the two 10000K AB and the 20000K XDE seem the perfect mix to my eyes!!!

James

[reefhead]

Well, after the move the middle bulb has been bumped up to a 250 watt XDE bulb. I think I am finally completely happy with the DE halides- the two 10000K AB and the 20000K XDE seem the perfect mix to my eyes!!!

James

That is a great idea and many prople are doing it. My last system used a 20k 150de as its primary bulb with 2 24" NO O3's

This Radium is alot bluer in the long hual compared to my 400w radium.