How much actinic light needed to supplement MHs

[utahsaltreefer]

For a new tank I'm setting up I want to go with 2 250 watt MH 12000 Sunburst bulbs. Its an 80 gallon aquarium 72"x16"x16". Since its a nice long shallow tank I think the 250's will be plenty of light. However I am particular to the bluish tint for asthetics. I was trying to figure out it 2 96 watt PC actinics are enough or some people say that the actinic VHOs are better looking. Any comments are welcome. In the long term, I'd really like to try out some SPS frags in the tank.

 

[Len]

Personally, I think Sunburst alone are very blue. Two 96W PC actinics (true actinics) will noticably add more blue and I think it will suit your tastes. If not, you can always add two more. I'm one of those who prefer VHOs to PCs, but it's not a huge difference. VHOs fluoresence corals better IME and give a deeper violet blue. Both are capable of providing good light for your corals.

When the Sunburst's life are up, consider XM 20000K bulbs. To be honest, I haven't had great success with Sunbursts, but I know some people who have.

 

[ChrisRD]

You might find this site useful:

http://www.cnidarianreef.com/

click on "250 Metal Halide Testing"...

 

[utahsaltreefer]

Thank you for your help. I haven't purchased the lights yet because I wanted to get informed feedback first. I'm glad I did. I'll go with the XM 20000K bulbs and use VHO's for actinics and for morning and evening lighting. Thanks again.