250W MH SE Bulbs

[poolshark181]

I'm using an ARO ballast and am wondering what the best bulb there is for me. I dont have any supplemental lighting for my tank, and am currently using an XM SE 250W bulb, however, i think it's on its last legs.

[ccCapt]

Here's Sanjay's Lighting Site. You can search bulb and ballast performance. With no supplemental lighting, you want at least 14K. The Phoenix HexArc 14K and Aquaconnect 14K have good numbers.

[poolshark181]

unfortunately, my ballast is not listed on the site, it says Aro Electronic Metal Halide Ballast

[ccCapt]

I talked to Sanjay about electronic ballasts. He said there is very little difference between them. There is some difference, but not the drastic difference like between magnetic and electrtonic.

[poolshark181]

i hear the radium 20k's are good for both zoas and sps, would you recommend these?

[ccCapt]

20k is real blue, if you like that really blue look. I personally like 14K. I want my sand to look white, not purple...lol.

[Bifferwine]

Corals will grow very slowly under 20K lights. They grow the fastest at 10K, but the colors don't look as great. 14K is a happy medium between growth and looks, but you have to decide what kind of bulbs you want based on the main purpose of having your tank: do you want quicker growth or prettier looks?