250W MH DE recommendations

[NCNBilly]

Looking for new bulbs to replace the 15 month old XM 15Ks. I really like the color, but the par sucked from day one. I'm looking for a crisp white with blue tinge. So far I've narrowed my list to the following:

CoralVue Reeflux 10K
CoralVue Reeflux 12K
Phoenix 14K
XM re-designed 15K
XM 20K

They'll be powered by an ARO 120-250 ballast, so Ushios are probably out. Lights will be supplemented by 2 54w ATI Blue+, a 54w ATI Aquablue Special, and a 54w UVI Actinic White. Ultimately I'd like something thats going to get the reds and yellows to pop - I tend to use the MH as my noon-time light.

I'm leaning towards the Reeflux 10k, but there are some ballasts that make it look pretty yellow. I think the ARO electronic is pretty close to the CoralVue ballast which is known to produce an accurate white 10K.

Opinions?

 

[2turtles]

Opinions?

Yes, but may not go with your current setup. Go T-5 or better yet LED. IM humble O it will not be long till Halide is equivalent to the 512k floppies

 

[NCNBilly]

Yes, but may not go with your current setup. Go T-5 or better yet LED. IM humble O it will not be long till Halide is equivalent to the 512k floppies

I'd go all T5 if I could fit 4 more bulbs in there, but that would mean completely taking apart my canopy and might make the boss suspicious.

I'd love 2 more ATI Blue+, a GE6500K, and a Fiji purple and put the 4 blue+ in a dawn/dusk type thing.

Dangit, now you have me thinking. I don't think LEDs are quite there yet.

 

[NCNBilly]

Hmm, Grim Reefer suggested 2 rows of 12 3w CREEs. Researching....