Which 250w SE bulb for growth?

[ryddo]

I am looking for a 250w halide bulb that will promote a lot of growth. I have a bunch of T5 actinic but I am now looking for the perfect bulb for growing... This is for my display tank, so I still want it to look nice but promote healthy growth. I am keeping a mix of sps up high, lps down low, and some zoos/palys. Thought you might need to know that as well. Any ideas???

Ryan

[reef_doug]

For growing I would go with XM 10k. I've heard Ushio 10k is good too.

[schoolisbad1]

i had a 20k radium, 12k reeflux and now a 10k reeflux, growth is FAST, or at least way faster than with the other. It's really bright and pretty good color, but ill probably go back to the 12k reeflux after this

[grigsy]

Reeflux bulbs are very low PAR bulbs.

If you really want a 250 watt bulb that will promote A LOT of growth I would suggest the Iwasaki 250 watt 6500K bulb. I dont think you will find another bulb out there that will give you better growth than that bulb.

The downside - it is a warmish white/yellow color but, that can be offset with the T5 actinics you have.

[Amphiprion]

XM 10000K lamps have comparable PAR to even Iwasaki 6500K lamps. They emit a whiter light, so they can look a bit better depending upon what you are looking for.