Need some input on lighting

[condiman]

Currently on my 26 gallon flatbackhex tank I have 250 watt 6500k Iswaki with 130 watts PC acintic. I recently got a hold of a 175 watt MH setup. What I was thinking is this:
1. 250 watt 6500k iswaki with the 175 watt MH 20k
2. 250 watt 20k with the 175 watt MH 10k

Which setup do you think will look the best? Or if you have anyother ideas I am always open.

[Reptoreef]

IMO, option #1... now that's some intense light!!!

[dakar]

We're sold on the 'sakis here, the blue of the 20K should offset a fair amount of the yellow from the 6500. BTW what are you using to drive the Iwasaki?

[davejnz]

175w20k are dim.Keep the saki,and if you have to use the 175w,dont go over a 10k,they're just too dim.I would sell the 175,and add 2-4 VHO/T5's (IC660 drives them all)the T5 blue+ bulb is a 20kbulb that peaks @450nm.The saki peaks @420nm so it is a better choice IMO to balance out that yellow saki'.4 of those would make that saki look like a 12k.I currently use the 250saki w/ a pair of T5's[1 blue+,1act03(dimmer than the blue+)]My tank is a crisp white w/a slight hint of blue.I'm only driving my T5's with a WorkHorse5,the IC660 on my other tank drives them(39wT5) at around 63w.They are noticeably brighter on that ballast.Bulb life has been tested by IC and the actinics get 18months.I really feel for your tank(26g),there is no need for 2 halides,2-4 T5's are the way to go IMO.

[condiman]

I do agree that two MH would be a bit much so I was thinking of getting the new XM 15k that just came out. I want the color but I also want the growth. Its such a hard desision sometimes. I want whats best for my tank. If I do get the XM I was thinking of keeping my PC acintics for transition when my lights first come on and when my MH goes off.

[dakar]

If you decide you want to ditch the saki be sure to drop me a note :) Looks like I'm going to be needing a couple more 250's here shortly.