Photos of 400W Combinations
 

Two 5500K lamps - one new, one old
http://www.members.shaw.ca/reefmaster/55-55.jpg
One 5500K - one 20,000K
http://www.members.shaw.ca/reefmaster/55-20.jpg
One 6500K Iwakasak (non R) - one 20,000K
http://www.members.shaw.ca/reefmaster/65-20.jpg
Three 5500K
http://www.members.shaw.ca/reefmaster/3x55.jpg
20,000K - 5500K - 20,000K
http://www.members.shaw.ca/reefmaster/20-55-20.jpg
5500K - 20,000K - 5500K
http://www.members.shaw.ca/reefmaster/55-20-55.jpg
we have decided on the last combo as being the most visually pleasing. the animals seem to do fine either way. each of these 400W setups cost us in the $200 range complete with lamp, and in addition to the MH there is only 40W of NO actinic for the dawn dusk effect.
hope this is of interest to some. shane

Photos of 400W Combinations
 

That looks REALLY good Shane.. REEEALLLY good.

[img]images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

Great pics as well. Demonstrates the difference in kelvins for people who haven't seen or used MH's themselves. [img]images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img] Good post.

I do like the looks of it. [img]images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]

Photos of 400W Combinations
 

From what I can see and from discussions on other bulletin boards the 5500K are a tad whiter than the 6500K. I wonder why nobody uses them anymore. I suspect they put out less par than the Iwasaki's.

Photos of 400W Combinations
 

Very cool shane! You should share that with the folks at reef central too. I'm sure many would appreciate it.

Photos of 400W Combinations
 

FYI, I just had the pleasure of seeing this tank with only the 55k bulbs running and 1 NO actinic. It looked really good!

Photos of 400W Combinations
 

Hello BCReefer,

Yes one of the options available for the new Canreef site coming is an archive for great articles, great photos, whatever.

Photos of 400W Combinations
 

Great post. This is something we should keep in the archives for future use.

Is this option available Titus?

I prefer the 2nd to last with the bluer look.

Photos of 400W Combinations
 

Just a comment for those who don't know. The picture of the 6500K is non R this is the incorrect Iwasaki that you would most likely use, unless you made a mistake. This incorrect bulb looks horrible in the picture above plus he left the light on for that one photo[making it look just that much worse]. The real 6500K+r looks much better no where near the green in that photo[looks like heavy green algae everywere]. If I didn't know any better and saw this picture I would NEVER buy this bulb!!! ;)

Photos of 400W Combinations
 

Trigger, it is also on a MH ballast instead of a MV ballast. that makes a big difference also.

Steve

Photos of 400W Combinations
 

Is it only the 6500k bulb that doesn't work well on the MH? Was debating if it was worth going going to the 10000k as my bulb needs replacement in the next few months. But I'am also going to use that overdrivin 40w Actinic, maybe that will take care of the slight green?!? Thanks StirCrazy ;)