Getting Back in

First you should match your bulbs or the tank will look sort of strange. Next, we need to know what you want to grow, LPS, SPS or softies. Different manufactures bulbs are as different as peoples preferences. In general I recommend 10K Reeflux Bulbs for 250W SE systems. Good par, good color and good price.

 

I would start a refugium right away, that is easier than adding it later.

 

iwsaka makes a good bulb thats what I have

+1 on a refuge right away

 

Where are you located there is a guy on craigslist in ames selling dry LR for $2 a LB.

 

I would agree start the refugeem right away I wish I had

 

Hey Ben welcome back to the hobby, I'm in the Waterloo area, If your looking for LR let me know, I have some I just took out of my DT, it's ready to go---I would guess there is probably 70 lbs.
It's various size's (2" to 10") and very established----It was in my tank for about 1 1/2 years---I'll let it go for $2.50 lb.

John

 

Welcome back Ben! /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default//emoticons/smile.gif

To the OP who suggests a refugium, why?

 

How deep is your tank? 250 watts may be a little much for lps and softies expecially if you are going to be using 2 bulbs. I Know in my old 55 i had 2 150 watt bulbs and because of the depth of the tank many of my coral needed to be kept in the shade.

 

I think 10k gives all spectrums, I could be wrong. Only thing i do not like about 10k bulbs is it makes the water look some what yellow and 20k is very blue.

 

10K gives corals everything they need spectrum-wise. I have 3 10k's on my 135. My water doesn't look yellow and never has. If you want a blue look, go to the 20 K's.