12k reeflux or 20k

[breutus]

I want it to be pretty blue in color. But for the sake of the corals is it better to go with a 12k Reeflux or a 20k?

also I have the mh250 ballast by coralvue and I know the model is "250" but does anyone know if this thing can run a 400w

[Shooter7]

I know there are some guys in the SPS forum who are really liking the 400w version of the 12k, but the 250w version sucks for PAR. I had the 12k's originally on my tank, 250w version. Loved the color without actinics, but SPS coral growth was negligible and the bulbs crapped out at about 6 - 7 months, started color shifting and looking weird. Zoas and other softies were pretty happy with them, but that was it.

[levon15]

So what are you using now shooter, I to used the 250 12K's loved em at first then everything turned to crap. Need something with some life span and good for softies and SPS alike. 250 SE Only. I am using a Icecap electronic ballast

[Shooter7]

I went from the 12k's to Ushio 10k's first. Pretty intense bulbs with a good reputation for longer life. I know there will be those who will claim differently, but I just couldn't get past the "yellow" they always seemed to look like "to me". I used them for about 10 months, got pretty decent SPS growth out of them, and then decided to move on.

I wanted to try something more towards the blue end of things, but still get good PAR numbers. I was really tempted by the Aquaconnects, but just couldn't get myself to cough up the hundred plus dollars per bulb. After doing a lot of reading amongst the SPS forum threads and gathering up info on who was running what, I decided to go with the Reeflux 10k's. I'm pretty happy with them. I have continued to get good growth, but have more of the white light that I want with much less yellow. It is funny that the glow I get in the room is that pink color they seem to be known for, but looking at my tank I really don't notice it. I run them with VHO actinics. Much cheaper bulb with good numbers. Kinda wish I had more room to squeeze another bulb in over the tank 'cause I'd probably put a 20k up there somewhere to get more blue, but oh well. At any rate, so far so good with these. Corals have pretty good color under them.

[breutus]

so is there a reason why I wouldn't go with just a 20k over the tank with some back up ODNO 10k and actinic? Is the par on the 20k not good enough typically?

[Shooter7]

Again, most of the guys I've seen running just 20k's are running 400 watters.