best temp. lighting for system?

[huskers]

My bulbs are approaching a year old...I have 2 150 watt HQI's 10K's and was thinking about changing to 20k's.....just wanting some input on the best k choice for colors......also are 20 k's as blue as actinics...i run 2 96 watt actinics all the time to supplement my 10 k's.....if anyone has any suggestions i would appreciate it.

[Aged Salt]

Hi Ryan, check out the new Iwaski -150W-14K-SE. They're reported to have more PAR than other brands's 250W'ers. I believe Premium Aquatics has them, Bob

[marcrothschild]

Try the Phoenix 14k, I have some of these in my aquaspacelight and they are quite blue. ypu loose alot of brightness compared to the 10k, but the color is so much better.

[huskers]

Changing bulbs

Just wondered how often you guys recommend changing the MH bulbs and Actinic bulbs?

[marcrothschild]

10k bulbs last 12-16mos, 14-20K is more like 6-8mos, and actinics are about the same as the 14-20Ks....IME the bluer the bulb, the shorter its lifespan.