Sorry Albert if there are suggestions other than yours. He is looking for more options than he has already tried. You are far from a innocent 3rd party making suggestions, he is one of your customers and you are trying to sell him more equipment.

Meh, for some reason, I suspect that a perfectly functional $100ish 14k bulb upgrade has a lot more appeal than a poorly engineered $500+ pendant.

In anycase, it's pretty rare that Aaron picks up anything from me since he has other means to acquire equipment. My suggestions were made using the same problem solving I'd use if it were my own scenario.

This is exactly what I was trying to do, while I knew that the "10000k " Ushio would be more yellow than I really wanted I thought I could live with the comprimise of something with that CCT so I would have better PAR for the clam. I was really disapointed to find out the 10000k label was worthless but I suppose I really shouldn't have been surprised.

The Iwasaki 14k is an interesting idea, I do have a M57.

The PFO pendant is a good suggestion but early on I decided not to buy something like that because of the issues Albert pointed out above. I should have mentioned that. Also, if you ever find yourself looking at similar systems take a look at the Aqua Medic stuff, much nicer IMO and a little bit cheaper.

I also appreciate you trying to keep from getting taken by a retailer but there are a couple things you don't know. I do occasionally buy a few things from the store Albert works in but I actually work for one of his competitors part time. He's offering his advice even though he knows it's only a 50/50 that he would end up selling any item to me, he's a good guy.

Anyway, back to the original issue I actually found something that makes a huge difference, I pulled the glass top off the tank. I knew that no matter how much I cleaned it I would loose some light to the glass but I never figured it would shift the colour that much. I suppose it makes sense, if it's going to block anything it will be the shorter wavelengths of the blue light. I better get off my arse and build that ATO system. I still have the glass cover on the pendant.

So new question: Have other people noticed a significant colour shift with / without a glass top? I made the top out of a chunk of scrap we had kicking around at the store, I don't think there is anything unusual about it. Maybe I will have to make one out of Starfire or acrylic if I decide I need it.

Oh and one other thing I should add, I am in no way annoyed with the guy that sold me the bulb, it is exactly what he said it was and it's my fault for not making sure it is exactly what I wanted in the first place.

I'm surprised the Ushio 150k is disappointing, I've used their 175's before and been happy with them. I'm running an Ushio 14k in the 250W/DE size over my ritteri tank, it's not too bad either. If you're ever in the deep south come pay me a visit if you like and check out what the Iwasaki 14k (and the Ushio 14k-250W/DE) looks like in person.

I did post some pics of the Iwasaki here: http://canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=25588
not the greatest pics for seeing the overall effect but they kinda show that it's a whitish colour.
I really am a fan of this bulb so I hope that Iwasaki smartens up soon and 1) makes it easier to buy their product and 2) introduces that lamp in other wattages.

Now that I've been away from the tank for a while and come back removing the galss top really made the difference. I had a buddy over and we sat there for a few minutes playing top on / top off and it really is the galss. I'll take some pics of it.

I'll be damned.

If I get a chance I'll take you up on that Tony.

Dosent HQI lighting need the glass over fixture to block UV?

Yeah I left that alone, I had a glass top on the tank as well. Screwing around with UVC is an interesting way to commit suicide.