10,000k MH bulbs on Ebay

[cgh38]

I need to replace my MH 250W SE bulbs soon just wondering if anyone tried these bulbs that are compared to XM's but way cheaper, the way this economy is I'm tempted to try them or I shouldn't?
http://cgi.ebay.com/250W-250-WATT-A...66:2|39:1|72:1205|240:1318|301:1|293:1|294:50

 

[Wrench]

I've had good luck with ebay bulbs. Based on PAR readings they last well over 12 months. I was experimenting with 14k and 20k bulbs from many different sellers and they all were white with a touch of yellow. I would hate to see what a 10k bulb would look like from them. Probably very yellow. I have a box full of these bulbs leftover drop me a PM if you want them.

 

[cgh38]

Thanks Wrench,I will let you knowI just found them today and was wondering if people had used them, how do you like your 12k reeflux?

 

[SpencerG]

I got one of these and it was very yellow, about 5500K, except it was DE and running on an Odyssea ballast (I lucked out and got a good one that seems up to snuff). Trustdeals was great to deal with. I sent it back and got a 14K bulb that is like a 10-12K bulb, which was spot on for the look I was trying to get. I've had great growth with the bulb, and I keep SPS, LPS, some leathers and a lot of zoos. The zoos are going bonkers. For instance, my Tub's blues have gone from 5 to over 25 polyps in a few months. Your mileage may vary of course.

So, if you want a 10K white look, you may want to try his 14K bulb. As disappointed as I was with his 10K bulb, I was pleasantly surprised with the 14K. Maybe it will work for you. It is tough to find the exact color and look that you want. Good luck!

 

[boxer385]

hey spencerg what bulb from trust deal would you recomend for a tank with zoa/palys
for growth?

 

[Wrench]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15183650#post15183650 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cgh38
Thanks Wrench,I will let you knowI just found them today and was wondering if people had used them, how do you like your 12k reeflux?

They sucked. I got rid of them and replaced them with 20k radiums on M80's just haven't changed my signature.

 

[tkeracer619]

I wouldn't bother. The power to light the halide costs more then the bulb. Its like running race gas in a hybrid. Between livestock and energy a 60 dollar light bulb once a year is a deal.

 

[SpencerG]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15184546#post15184546 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by boxer385
hey spencerg what bulb from trust deal would you recomend for a tank with zoa/palys
for growth?

The only two I've seen are the 10K and 14K bulbs. I would imagine the 10K would give faster growth if you can stomach the yellow cast. I've gotten good growth out of the 14K bulb with a much more pleasant view. Other zoas and palys in the tank have done very well, as have the SPS and LPS corals.

I personally think the metal halide bulb pricing is suspect. This is old technology with I bet a relatively low cost of materials. These bulbs are mass produced and sold for industrial use for far less. The high price of reef bulbs is probably due to marketing, more strict quality control measures (I hope), higher quality materials (once again, I hope), and the fact that the best bulbs are made in Japan and Germany, which have high labor costs. Any thoughts?

Interestingly, there's a guy down here in Louisiana who designs and manufactures his own MH bulbs at around $45/each that he sells as Reef Optics bulbs. I've heard good things about them and will probably try one of those sometime. I think they're made in China to his specifications. Does anyone know of any MH bulbs for reef use that are made here in the U.S.?