lighting

[pro2k]

I currently use power compacts but was thinking of switching over to metal halides. Are the MH's the best way to go for reef? Will a 14K hqi bulb give a nice bluish tint? Current USA has a nice pendant 150W 14K HQI light for only $129. I was thinking of a couple of these to replace my 240W PC. It has 1 daylight bulb and 1 actinic. I am hoping that the 14K MH's will give a nice color in the tank. Any suggestions?

[peregrinus]

if you want a blue go with a 20k bulb..

[graphixx]

like said above the 20k's will definately bring up the "blue" factor but in my opinion I really like the 14k's its a nice in the middle color not too washed out and white like the 10k's and not too blue like the 20k's

[dmcrete]

i run two 250 watt 12 k reeflux bulbs,, in my opinion, better color than mx, ushio, hamilton, i have used them all this has been the best color with good r value

[iVgOnMaD]

it really depends on the ballast/bulb combination.

for example:

A 20k Hamilton bulb looks very blue on a Magnetic Ballast but look almost pure white when powered by an electronic ballast.