250w mh on a 29g?

What K value would y'all recommend if I were to buy a new bulb?

 

Bump

 

I like the spectrum of the 14k better.

14000K Metal Halide Bulb - Phoenix, Mogul Base

My two top choices are the Phoenix by far and next the Radium. I have not tried the Ushio yet.

 

If I use 14k will I need actinics?

 

Nope.

Yes I know that I am partial to Mh, but I have had T5, PC ( never serious LED ) and for me, in attempting to keep Acropora the Mh is the best bar none.

The 250 w Phoenix is going to give you a sharp blue and white. The Radium not as blue and maybe a little bit yellow.

This is the way I rationalize it. Since your new to this you can keep just about anything under your current lighting.
If you want to go hard core frag or acropora you always have the Mh. And that deal I would snap up so fast. Just make sure the ballast is working.
It is never a bad idea to have a backup good lighting system. You just have to make sure you acclimate to the new lighting when you change it.

If you look at my pictures you can see the blue of the Phoenix

 

Thanks corailline, you've been a huge help. How much heat will these things put off? Being 12" away from the tank will I see that much of a difference?

 

Is this an open lid system ?

And it depends on the ambient room temperature as well.

I live in AZ, keep the air conditioner at 78 dgrees in the summer. My tank is a closed lid with a 150W about 4 inches off the water. At it's peak the tank runs 84 F. I run a chiller and keep the tank at 82.

If your tank is open and the light is 12 inches away and your ambient room temp is say 80 I do not think you are going to run much higher than me. Keep in I mind I do not run a heater either, just do not need to. But if I have to I would keep it at 78-80 to avoid large swings.

Evaporation is going to increase with the Mh. You can always use fans as well to cool the tank. A couple small fans placed in the right spots should keep the tank cool enough. IMO.

 

Yes its open lid, I keep my house ac on at 78. I've been running my heater lately bc here in houston we have had a few cold nights. My tank stays between 78-81, most of the time its right at 80.