James,

I would think that even 6000 K would be a bit too blue. The 175W MH bulb I
have in my tank is 5500K and it's just about right. I have 4, 400W MH bulbs
in my shop (non aquaria) that are 3500K or 4000K. They're rather yellow (as
you would expect), but also somewhat greenish. Since it's just general task
lighting, it's no big deal. However, 10000K is very blue - you could be
deficient in red light. I'd strike a balance and stick with the 6000K (or
even a bit lower). I've been using 5500K Coralife MH bulbs for nearly 10
years now and they work great for me.

Jeff

"James" wrote in message
...
I am replacing my JBJ lighting system that currently has 6 96Watt 10K
PC bulbs, to a larger one fixture system that will hang above the 6
foot tank. This new fixture will have 3 250Watt Double ended bulbs,
and 2 58Watt fluorescent bulbs.

Can you tell me what the best K bulbs I should use. My understanding
is that I can get anywhere from 5800K - 6800K MH bulbs, but I think
the only one that comes in the double ended style is a 6000K bulb.

SHould I mix it up with 2 6000K and 1 10K bulb?
I think if I used all 10K MH Bulbs it would be to bright/white. If I
use all 6000K bulbs will it be to yellow?

I also wonder what Fluorescent bulbs should I get? They are approx
6 feet long but thin. I don't the rating on them other then they
handle 58 W bulbs.

Any help you can provide on this would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
James