Kessil

Metal Halide Bulbs

A_Lee

A_Lee

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I am currently using a 150w Phoenix bulb over my tank. I will be needing to replace the bulb in another three months or so, and I am considering the use of a 10k bulb. My reason for wanting to use a 10k bulb, is to primarily get my corals to grow as vigorously as possible for a little under and a year, and switch back to a 14k bulb. If I go the 10k route, I know the tank isn't going to look "spectacular" when it comes to colors and "popping" as I do not use any actinic supplementation over my tank.
So my question is, say I go with a 10k bulb in a couple months. Things will look a little more drab, and more yellow. But when it comes time to replace the 10k bulb, with a higher kelvin bulb, will my corals fluoresce like they do now under a 14k? Or do corals really "lose" their color under a 10k bulb, and need time to regain their colors after being placed under a higher kelvin bulb? Or is the color change only what my eyes perceives? I have a hunch that after going from a 10k back to a 14k the corals will still have the color they do now, but I am not 100% sure.
Thanks again
 
Right now I have one Plusrite 20k and one Lumenarc 20k I have sets of both and I'm using the two that don't burn violet :D

I'll be getting Radiums later this week. For 150w DEs my favorite are Ushio 20ks supplemented with 460nm actinics.
 
Do anyone have any recommendations for a 150w HQI in the 12-14k range, besides the Phoenix bulb?
Maybe something that gives good growth without compromising looks?
 
IME for a single MH bulb without any additional supplementation, the Phoenix 14K with an electronic ballast gives one of the better combinations of growth with the desired "blue" coloration.

Again, depending on the ballast type you are using, you will have to trade off on one or the other. I have an old Ushio 10K 150W bulb lying around that you are welcome to borrow if you want to actually see what the colors will look like, and then decide from there what you can live with.

There are some circles who feel that the Radium 20K bulb on a magnetic ballast gives a comparable combination of growth with the associated color.

You could also consider lowering your existing light a little closer to the surface to increase the PAR in the tank. It may not help too much, but worth a shot if you can try it out.
 
I am using an electronic ballast, and I just may just stick with the Phoenix ... just seeing what other people like :)
 
Reef Brite 14KK. I'm using one on each of my tanks and I LOVE this bulb. It's not on the market yet but it should be in the next few weeks.
 
Marinedepot is having a sale on AquaMaxx bulbs BOGO free are they any good? For 30~35 think might be worth it.
I'm running a Phoenix (don't know the K but it states blue) on my cube and colors are nice, no actinics, took down the canopy for maintenance repair and place a DIY bracket/PFO reflector with a 250W CoralVu dimmable ballast.
I like Hamilton's 14K and want to try 20K some day; Aqua Medic 12~13K are too white for my eyes
 
I'll see if I can get the spec sheets. I have the MSRP at home so I'll post that tonight. MD should have them in stock soon. If any LFS read this feel free tom contact me for the company info.
 
Sweet Gresham, thanks I'd greatly appreciate that. Do you have any pictures of your tank with the the ReefBrite 14k on it? :)
 
Do you need a code for those AquaMaxx bulbs to BOGO them? It's been a while since I've looked at what's available and... good god Anthony Calfo Signature Series of bulbs?? $)

I need a decently priced 175w bulb for my softy tank... I know the reeflux bulbs on there must be dim as hell, or I could use a 150W DE bulb... but I have the reflector for the 175w ... so I'll probably stick with that.
 
Hi Gresh!

So I assume it's an introductory kind of offer?
I recall MD having Radiums around $65 !! were the cheapest Radiums on the net but of course offer and demand plus a great bulb seems and they went up.
 
Don't know about any deals, sorry. I posted about the new company a few months ago and at the time the were Advanced Lighting Solutions. Since then they have restructured and now are Reef Brite. Tullio is still highly involved as is Joy Meadows and the inventor of the Dual Arc MH bulb.
 
sfsuphysics said:
Do you need a code for those AquaMaxx bulbs to BOGO them? It's been a while since I've looked at what's available and... good god Anthony Calfo Signature Series of bulbs?? $)

I need a decently priced 175w bulb for my softy tank... I know the reeflux bulbs on there must be dim as hell, or I could use a 150W DE bulb... but I have the reflector for the 175w ... so I'll probably stick with that.
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You don't need a code for the offer just on the check out I think they might have this special too NOCALTAX so you save a little more.
To save the tax enter that code. I know it's awkward to try to save (skip) the tax issue but the purchase stays in California, right?

...sorry, forgot the direct link to the bulbs http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_searchItem.aspx?searchText=mb46161%20mb66161%20mb86161%20mb26621%20mb66621&parsed=1
 
tuberider said:
Sooooo, is this a real 14k bulb Gresh? I'd give my left *** for a good 14k with decent output...
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Actually the scientist involved is working on a new system to determine the true color of a bulb (simple enough for hobbyists to use). Current methods are a bit shaky he said. What wattage you looking for? I've only used the DE so I can't talk about the SE version.
 
250w single ended, I need some punch to get to the bottom of my new tank, 20ks don't cut it and I ain't goin' to 400s that's for dern sure.
 
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