[DJ88]

Here is a list of ballasts (names and designtations) and the common bulbs(easily obtainable here in canada) that are supposed to be used in conjunction with that ballast. These are recommended ballasts by the manufacturer. Some may run on other ballasts of the same wattage but not as efficiently. There are more bulbs out there but may not be as readily available here in Canada. ie sunbursts etc etc.

150W M81 (150W HQI)

150 Ushio 10,000K
150 AB 10,000K

150W M102

150 Iwasaki 6500K
150 Iwasaki Aqua 50,000K

175W M57

175 Venture 5200K

175W M137

175 Ushio 10,000K
175 AB 10,000K

250W M58

250 Venture 5200K
250 Ushio 10,000K
250 AB 10,000K

250W Mercury Vapour H37

250 Iwasaki 6500K

250W M80 (250W HQI)

250 Ushio 10,000K
250 AB 10,000K

400W M59

400 Venture 5200K

400W M135

400 AB 10,000K
400 BLV/Ushio 10,000K

400W Mercury Vapour H33

400 Iwasaki 6500K

400W Son Agro

400W Radium 20000K

Hopefully that helps. It will let you decide what you are interested in running as far as ballasts and bulbs all in one shot.

As far as what you will like... That you will have to decided with your own eyes.

As far as intensity goes. Do reasearch on Reef Central, reefs.org, Fishnet and to a degree on here for information regarding intensity and color spectrums.

Clear as mud?