metal halide bulbs

[CKreef]

I have a 58g oceanic its 24" deep. I would like to know what kind of bulb to use in my mh.I currently have a ushio 175w 10k in it. I want a bluer bulb. would a 250w 14k be better? I would like brand namesalso please.

[CKreef]

Do I need to run actinics with a 250w 14k bulb?

[c_stowers]

I would say that you don't have to, but it may be good to throw in some 10K in pc's to balance out the 14K from the MH.

[picture the reef]

Phoenix 14K 250 watt double end. They are a crisp blue/white color. I run them with no actinic supplements. Still get good growth and I used to run 10K with actinics.

[fishdoc11]

If it was my tank I would add another 175 Ushio and add 2 36" VHO URI atinics. IMO you will have a hard time getting the spread you want over a tank that size with one bulb.
Chris

[boofer]

I run the Phoenix also w/no actinics. I love the color. It is like Picture the reef states.
I also ran the Aquaconnect, which is basically a higher priced version of the Phoenix with less par. I think the Aquaconnect has a SE, but the Phoenix is only in DE at the moment. I ran a Hamilton 14k DE for a while also, but it was alot dimmer than either the AC or the Phoenix. I like the bluer look, so I dont feel a need to supplement with anything when running a 14k or 20k.

[CKreef]

bump

[TitansFan]

I am finishing up the build of my 65 gallon. Its that same deminsions as yours just abit taller. I went with 2 175 watt 14k ushio and 2 T5 actic plus bulbs all on icecap ballasts. I added the T5 as it allows me to run lights later at night to still enjoy the tank and to do the dawn/dusk thing. The reasoning behind the T5 was they are smaller than VHO. I am looking forward to the new ushio super actnic the same famous bulb they make a vho version of. When those bulbs come out I will prolly spend the extra cash for the new Iwaski 14k 175 bulbs. They are abit pricey but everyone is raving about the color, par, and brightness of them. As fishdoc recommened I would agree with 2 bulbs over one. He helped me with showing pics of covergae of one bulb. I have fired my bulbs over my tank and think I am getting great coverage with 2 bulbs plus no problems with the middle brace.
-Yes my tank has abit more blue than some but I like it.