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Originally Posted by Skimmer King
Hey Mindy the Reflectors are lumen arc i have 2 of them and so I would have to buy another one. for supplement lighting I was thinking of 2x vho's I still havent decided yet on that.
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Oh good, I was hoping you were using big reflectors. DE or SE? You will get the best spread with SE bulb and usually greater output (depending on ballast). HQI setting on SE bulb will overdrive the bulb getting greater output (using more electricity), but you would need to replace bulbs more often than usual. I honestly don't think you need anything more than 250w electronic ballasts with SE bulbs. I think those switchable ballasts you're looking at aren't necessary, and you could be wiser with your spending.
Unless you want to use a low output bulb like a XM 20K...in which case I think 400w might be a better choice. But wow, that's a lot of electricity.
I would suggest a good quality bulb for better output , and one that isn't too blue to help the tank look brighter. I would suggest four 48" VHO or T5 running the length of the tank one on each side of the halides for the most even look. Fluorescents can be off while halides are on to save power. Do you prefer a whiter or bluer look? What halide bulbs are you currently using? Do you like the color? Would you like to use the same bulbs?