Proper Lighting

[wickedfrags]

If you want vibrant colour, I would recommend a 20K bulb. I have used XM and Radium with good results. A 250W halide on a 30G would provide ample light.

Also remember many people feel water quality is number one when in comes to SPS colour, closely followed by lighting and then water movement. Stability is very important, and ofter times difficult to acheive in such a small system. I would try and do your best to avoid temperature fluctuation as well, perhaps see if you can get a used temperature controller for your heater(s).

[cdhollan]

Alright thanks for your help, so is the XM or radium T5HO bulbs? or are those MH bulbs?

[FitoPharmer]

it all depends on what you want again... a 20k will look niceest. a 10k will make everything grow fastest. 14-15k is a nice balance. phoenix, Xm, radium are all good brands for metal hallide. and the bulbs are sold pre-rating. sometimes you just have to try one and see how it looks. for your T5HO get actinic which is above 20K, it dosent have a number just a name.

[cdhollan]

Alright thanks for everyones help