New Tank Plans

[JEMichael IV]

Hi Everyone, I just moved into my new house 2 weeks ago. I am now looking into making my list and checking it twice for me new tank!

I have decided on the 175 Oceanic Bowfront with Oceanics new stand and canopy (as soon as they release them!)

Anyways, I just purchased a 300g rubbermaid tub for the basement and most of my pumps and equiptment. I am left off on Lighting!

I would like some suggestions. I really want a nice looking color, I don't like the yellow or even white, I like the white with a blue tint look, but I want what is going to work best. I currently have a 100g setup with 2 400w MH's (PFO's old ballasts). Now I could continue to work with this, but I think I would like to upgrade to the HQI's but I am unsure on what to get. I have noticed there are alot of ballast suppliers and types of bulbs.

Could anyone please share there opinions on what they would use for this size of tank? Mainly containing SPS and Clams, some softies and 1 large carpet which I have had for 3 years.

Thanks! John

[kevinpo]

John,
I have been running Ushio 10,000K 400W bulbs (5 of them) for 18 months and a few weeks ago I mounted a Radium 20,000K right next to one of the 10,000K's. The color is fantastic IMO. I have both the HQI and regular PFO ballasts. The Ushio bulb when driven by the HQI ballast is 20% or so brighter and more blue but still needs 200W or so of actinics to make it blue enough for me. With the 20,000K mounted next to it no actinics are needed (I still run mine anyway for dawn/dusk effect).

HTH,
Kevin