Actually I was more interested in the power bill costs than the initial
setup costs, I really have no way to change the lighting of my tank, and in
all honesty no desire to do so.

"Christopher" wrote in message
rthlink.net...
can I ask how you guys afford thousands of watts of lighting over a tank,
not to mention the costs of running pumps and other accessories?

"James" wrote in message
...
Jeff,

Thanks for your comments/info. Since I am going to be using the double
ended bulbs, I thought there were less bulb choices then they normal
Mogul type screw in.

As far as being to yellow or to blue, I have a 500Gallon reef tank
with 2000Watts of 20K and 10K, Now that is blue.... I don't need to
use my atanic bulbs any longer on that tank....

For the plant tank/fresh water i would rather it more on the
white/blue then yellow. I realize my primary concern is for the plants
and tanks, but also needs to be pleasing to the eyes. So I think with
your comments I will start out with the 6000K and then go up or down a
little depending upon what I see (which really doesn't count) its what
the wife sees.....

Again, thanks for your input on this.....

James






On Sat, 03 May 2003 19:28:05 GMT, "Jeffrey Girard"
wrote:

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