Best 150w Mh Lamp

[pham411]

i currently have 150w de 10k ushio w-2 110w vho actinics. i was planning to switch the ushios with something that will give me more florescence. i was thinking switching to 20k xms.

are these bulbs good? should i invest in 14k instead or something else. opinions are appreciated. ive read some articles on PAR rating and im no light expert, it was like reading chinese. if you have used the 20k with actinics, how do you like them.

thanks
latez

 

[jmcmahon66]

I really like the Phoenix 14K bulbs for their color and quality. I am running 250W AB 20K bulbs, next to 150W 14K Phoenix bulbs, and the Phoenix look bluer. I was also happy with the growth using them. I have no experience with ushios or XM bulbs. JMO

 

[The Grim Reefer]

The 250 watt Phoenix lamps have nearly as much PAR as the 10K Ushio 250's. Not sure if the 150's have similar numbers or not.

 

[pham411]

so lets tally this up...
pheonix 2
xm 0

common you xm guys, are 14k xm's good bulbs?

 

[oct2274]

20k xm would probably not have the par you need for a reef tank......way less than 10k ushios

 

[The Grim Reefer]

The 15K XM was pathetic when it came to PAR, I think they were lower than the 20K's.

 

[BeanAnimal]

I have 20K XM. Pretty color, PAR SUCKS! Let me say that again. The PAR SUCKS!

Bean

 

[pham411]

really xm par sucks, so im guessing if par sucks, then it wouldnt be good the corals. what bulbs do you guys suggest to get alittle bluer color for my tank. 14k pheonix seem to be the one on this thread,
any other suggestions??

 

[pham411]

beananimal,
how is the growth in your tank?? im guessing you use the 20 for display purposes only?

 

[chadfarmer]

i got 13 months out of a 10 ushio (before algea was growing)

and got 8 months out of a xm


my vote is ushio

 

[pham411]

has ne1 owned the 14k ushios?

 

[BeanAnimal]

THe growth kinda sucks comapred to others...

No the 20ks are my only bulbs. I just ordered some phoenix 14ks. I will never buy the xm 20Ks again.