Choices Narrowed To...Well, Dozens Actually.

64Ivy · #1 03/24/2007, 05:07 PM

I am a month away from upgrading my lighting to a trio of Sfiligoi Twin 400W XR-4s with the ACLS electronic ballasts. These will all be SE. I have narrowed my lighting choices to Ushio (or AB 10Ks), AquaConnect 14Ks, 20K Radiums, or any combination of the three. Right now I'm leaning toward all AquaConnects. There will be no actinic supplimentaion. Opinions please and thanks in advance.

Oh yes; the tank is a 500g heavily SPS dominant reef 96x36x36.

Entropy · #2 03/24/2007, 09:42 PM

I think the Aquaconnects would be your best best stand alone. I think the Radiums are way too blue, and I haven't see a 10k bulb in any wattage that looks good stand alone.

64Ivy · #3 03/25/2007, 12:06 PM

I'm not above doing a little mixing to achive the right look though. Does anyone think going with the 14s alone might not be blue enough? This would be my first time going without actinic supplimentation (which I like a lot) but I'd prefer to NOT have to add it to the new system as it would become a logistical nightmare.

RichK · #4 03/25/2007, 03:59 PM

I actually use 3 XM 400W moguls over my 125G SPS tank and they look great solo. I have them set up like: 10K 20K 10K. I use no actinics and the colors look great and growth is excellent. I find the mix of 10 and 20K bulbs is very pleasing to they eye.

Aquaticman74 · #5 03/25/2007, 04:53 PM

Any reason why you looked past the Giesemann 14.5k's?

They are an excellent stand alone bulb with very good par. The only drawback is the price. I'm running them and I say give them a try.

64Ivy · #6 03/25/2007, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Aquaticman74
Any reason why you looked past the Giesemann 14.5k's?

None at all. There are just so many excellent choices out there, I didn't want to get any more distracted than I am already. I'll take a look though.

nakama · #7 03/28/2007, 12:47 PM

Who sells aquaconnect bulbs online? What is it about this bulb that would make it abetter choice than Ushiio or AB?

JazzMan · #8 04/07/2007, 07:43 AM

Sorry, I can't offer any first hand advice on the bulb selection.......but your site has not been update in over 7 months and I have been stuck reading reruns for the past few months.

BTW...is the pseudochromis really dead? I had one that was an absolute #@$@#!$@$, so I feel your pain.

JazzMan · #9 04/10/2007, 09:52 PM

I just noticed that you mentioned you were not going to supplement with actinics, I am afraid the 10k may be a little on the white side and not enough blue. I personally like the blue tint but not towards the 20k side. Either way, let us know how the upgrade goes, I am interested to see pics since I am in the market for new bulbs.

Jim