Question about lighting?

I know this is weird but i am always on a constant search for a good light for my tank. I thought i was finally satisfied with my 18000k
http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2754094&lmdn=Product+Type
but recently i got a dual bulb 48" fixture for my 75g, and i absolutely was blown away with the difference, currently i am running my 18000k and 4800k:
http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2754096&lmdn=Product+Type
and although i like it, i dont really like the yellowish tint the 4800k puts off. i like the blueish white color the 18000k puts off and i was thinking i would use two of those until i decided to try the factory bulb that the light came with:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+8066+12850&pcatid=12850
So this bulb is a 8000k but somehow looks almost identical to my 18000k and is somehow brighter even though it is 8 watts less. So my question is how do i get the color i am looking for and brightness? I obviously could use two of the all glass aquarium bulbs, but they are cheaper and less watts and that is just weird to me. Also i have a peacock tank, most fish are around 2 inches and just getting there color so obviously the most imporant feature is to show off the blues, reds, yellows, etc colors from my beautiful peacocks. Any help and or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

This is the color graph for the 8000k 32 watt bulb:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/images/adinfo_Trichromatic.jpg

And here is the one for 18000k 40 watt bulb:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/images/power_glo.jpg

This rises another question for me, shouldnt the 18000k not only be brighter but show more color?

Try using an aquq glo and the power glo and you will see not only color of your fish come alive, but takes the yellowish tinge from the water. To me, It makes everything in my tank look like a million bucks!!! In the past I have tried all kinds of combinations and finally came up with this one and never looked back!!!! Try it!!! its amazing!!!!!!

Trying to stay on topic here - is there so some of limit on lighting for mbuna? How much is too much lighting? And how do I determine if I have too much>?

jlpowell77 wrote:

Trying to stay on topic here - is there so some of limit on lighting for mbuna? How much is too much lighting? And how do I determine if I have too much>?

Are you referring to lighting when breeding? Or just in general? I've always based my lighting on the size of the tank... 10 hours of light with a 18000k bulb works great. Just make sure your fixture is getting light to all corners of the tank. This is merely one man's humble opinion based on personal experience or course :) hope it helps

Your humble opinion is most welcomed here!!!!! How are you and welcome again.