Anyone have pics to share????

[spw4949]

So I'm trying to get an idea of which 250W halide bulbs to go with, I'm leaning towards phoenix 14k's but am not sure if I want 14K or 20K. I just got a current outer orbit 2x250W w 4 actinics....so I'm thinking I'll run 14K's & if it's not blue enough I can supplement with the actinics....does anyone feel like posting some tank pics with 14k & 20K & let me know what brand bulb your using? I'd appreciate the input & would like to see some pics before I drop $150 for bulbs.....thanks in advance.....

 

[Toddrtrex]

I have the same fixture over my 75. I have had it for about 4 months now, and I am still using the 10K bulbs that came with it. However I do have two Phoenix bulbs sitting around (( brand new, so not burned in yet )) that I could put in a take some pictures.

However, you should note that pictures aren't going to give you the real "picture" --- the white balance could be off, your monitor's settings could be off, etc. So I wouldn't make a judgment solely on pictures.

 

[mojo~]

the 14k phoenix burns pretty white on my tank. not al washed out. I am not sure hat your ballast will do. if it under powered it runs more blue as do most bulbs.
I am running a single 250 with 2 t5 actinic + bulbs. like ati blue +

 

[spw4949]

Good point Todd, after more research I think I might do XM 15K's & like I said, I can supplement with actinics if I don't think it's blue enough....decisions, decisions!!!

 

[Toddrtrex]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15590725#post15590725 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by spw4949
Good point Todd, after more research I think I might do XM 15K's & like I said, I can supplement with actinics if I don't think it's blue enough....decisions, decisions!!!

Personally I would go with a different 14/15K bulb if you like that color. The XM15Ks have fairly poor PAR, their 20Ks have the same if not more PAR -- depending on the ballast. I have used the 20K XMs (( SE )) and was really happy with the color and growth.

When I do change the 10Ks in my fixture I might go with the Ushio 14Ks, I have used them in the past and was pretty happy with them. I used to like the Phoenix bulbs, but I now find them to monochrome. They can be tweaked with supplemental. If used by themselves, I really don't care for the look.

 

[spw4949]

Funny you mention Ushio's, they were my first choice when I was thinking I'd do 20K but I changed my mind, maybe I'll give their 14K's a try.....

 

[spw4949]

I can use electronic ballasts for the ushio 14K's right? They have on fleabay that you have to run magnetic ballasts with these bulbs......

 

[Toddrtrex]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15590852#post15590852 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by spw4949
Funny you mention Ushio's, they were my first choice when I was thinking I'd do 20K but I changed my mind, maybe I'll give their 14K's a try.....

And it will come down to if you want a bluer tank or not. And if you go with the 20K you could always swap out one of the actinic T5s for something whiter.

 

[Toddrtrex]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15590889#post15590889 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by spw4949
I can use electronic ballasts for the ushio 14K's right? They have on fleabay that you have to run magnetic ballasts with these bulbs......

That is a good question. I know when I used them in the past (( DEs )) I had an old Hamilton Mag ballast. I did try them on another tank (( SEs )) with an old Hamilton E-ballast and had some flickering issues.


EDIT --- not sure about your Outer Orbit fixture, but mine are mag ballasts.

 

[spw4949]

I do like the blue look but not overwhelmingly blue that's why I'm thinking 14k.. I have seen tanks in person with 14K's & like the amount of blue so I think I've finally made up my mind, thanks for the input.....I 'm okay to use the elec ballasts right?

 

[spw4949]

Didn't see your response, sorry.....

 

[450reef]

i had ushio 14k they seemed yellow-white to me, then went with phoenix 14ks there better but im gonna try ushio 20 k next

 

[reefEng10]

Phoenix 14k with a little bit of supplement rocks !

 

[spw4949]

Thanks for the responses, anyone else out there using Ushio 14k's & care to chime in?