SaltwaterAdict
07/18/2010, 11:45 AM
It's coming to that time where I need to change out my MH bulbs. What would be the best output of spectrum/intensity for a MH bulb? I'm not using any supplemental lighting because the cost associated with it is not worth a little more crisp blue look. I was thinking about 2x 160W URI VHO super actinic bulbs, but an extra 320W is not worth it IMO I had these bulbs in mind; XM, Ushio, Iwasaki, and Icecap. 10k would probably be too white and 20k too blue, so maybe 14K would be ideal in my application. Not sure really. I know growth is a major concern in my eyes and the 10k bulb would be nice, but wouldn't I need to add supplemental if I went this route? Do you guys have good growth with 14K bulbs? FYI, I have a Hamilton ballast which supplies 2 175W single ended bulbs and a ARO ballast which supplies 1 175W single ended bulb as well maybe this will help on which bulb to get? Any advise is appreciated!