Need info on MH

Thanks Steve...I will read it. Here is a sample of what I want...just want opinions on brands, color temp...etc. I think I want 20k..more towards the blue spectrum. I will be supplementing with t-5 actinics.
Buy 400 Watt Dual Retrofit Metal Halide Aquarium Lighting Here!

 

I have been reading reviews and things about different brands of 20k's..half of them say "it's too blue!" and the other half say "not as blue as my 14k" so I don't know what to think.

 

The thread Steve sent me was pretty good...Now it is making me wonder if 2-250's would be enough instead of 400's. Still want to know about the brands.

 

CnidarianReef: Lamp Tests

250Watt Bulb Comparison

the 2nd one takes ages to down load - but you will be pleased you waited

Steve

 

That second one is an awesome link..Kind of made me think twice about the 20k..it looks somewhat washed out..14k has more contrast

 

That is cool as hell....I think I like the Hamilton 14k

 

I like the SPS and my second choice at 400 is the new X-M's I ran 14K sps and 15K X-M's long ago I would rater stay with the 20K and I run 2 UVL super actinic VHOs

As for Ballast I would not use ice crap on anything over priced junk really I have sevearl different types of ballast here electronic But I like my old 45.00 iron core transformers they do just as good and last yrs and yrs the Sunlight supply Blue wave is nice simple workhorse ballast soild not fancy just tough. As for an electronic I have the Galaxy is a really good electronic that now has a select a watt feature like a 175 to 250 a 250 to 400 and a 400 to 1000 watt so you can get a 250 and if you find that weak turn the dial and move up to 400 w lamps .And they also have the standard Galaxy all in a determined wattage

The you have the Lumatek line they are in dual wattage and are dimmable by 50% they come in the same wattage values as the Galaxies

Then you have the blue line and sun systems simple iron core and ruggued ballast that will run for decades . And if it does die in 10 yrs pop the case open and replace the transformer with a 45.00 one

P/M for more info You can get ice craps but its your money Just remember I told you so ..:-/

There are several options for reflectors all depending on distance you will have from water line .