I recently changed my 250W Geisemann bulbs for Aquaconnect and I have to say I really really like these bulbs. I also cannot suppliment with actinics and the Aquaconnect have a nice crisp white with just a hint of blue.
FWIW the XM 20000K bulbs have a very poor rating. I have tried them and they are VERY blue which is probably an indication that you are not getting very much beneficial light penetrating for your corals.

I'm sorry I don't know much of anything about HOB skimmers. You could try posting that question in the Reef section, or you can probably take a look under product reviews to get some ideas.

The Aqua C Remora is one of the better HOB skimmers, in my opinion. You'd do well do go with it. I have a Coralife Super Skimmer and it's overflowed on me at least half a dozen times. I'm always paranoid now and dial it way back when I go to bed or work.

The Remora is a good skimmer,I have no complaints about mine.I picked up a Tunze nano skimmer last week,and have to say its impressive the crap it takes out,not really a HOB skimmer tho,it mounts intank/sump.But if the larger Tunzes skim as well as the nano,I would say maybe a Tunze 9005 or a Remora would be good for a tank that size.

I have a Remora pro and I really like it. As for bulbs, I run a 175watt XM 20kk and I love it.

Also look at the Deltec MCE-600. It's like twice of the Remora the price but it's like none other.

i changed my 10k to a 20k about a month ago i to just run a 250w MH with no actinic supplement brings out nice color heres a before and after pic just to give you an idea

before
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o...9/IMG_0194.jpg

after
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o...9/IMG_0275.jpg