| Great thread! Just now diving in as I'm researching lighting for my new 180.
I was thinking about going with 20K XM bulbs and skipping the actinics for now. But after seeing the difference in PAR values, It seems like the 10K XM would be much wiser. My question then... I seem to remember (not positive) Borneman asserting that 10K (and even 6700K) MH bulbs don't need actinic supplementation, we provide it mainly for looks. It was a while ago... how do you all feel about that statement?
I'm asking because I'm very low on funds, I want to get the 180 up and running for my softies and LPS now with 2x250 and then upgrade the lighting (another 1x250 and actinics) down the road several months, after the system is ready to become a full-fledged SPS tank. |