Best MH Bulbs Without Actinics

[jaybfresh]

Using Phoenix bulbs now and like them alot, but looking for a little more pop. Thinking of switching to XM 20k's. Cant use Radiums with my setup.

Any suggestions?

 

[Conesus_Kid]

SE or DE? What ballasts are you running?

I was going to recommend Phoenix 14k (which I just switched to and LOVE). I'm running 2x150 on m81 ballasts and 2x250 on a dual Galaxy e-ballast.

I supplement with Powerbrites.

 

[jaybfresh]

Icecap e-ballasts, 250w DE bulbs. I've used phoenix bulbs happily for a few years and was just thinking about a change.

 

[block head]

my friend just got icecap 14k de 250 bulbs given to him, really blue tint. if your into that look ,u might want to take a look

 

[kase]

250 20k radium bulbs.

 

[jaybfresh]

250 20k radium bulbs.

Cant use Radiums with my setup.

Would if I could, but it would take all new ballasts

 

[arredondojason]

I am not sure if Hamilton makes DE bulbs but I am running 3 250W SE 20Ks and love them

 

[Conesus_Kid]

Hamilton makes DE bulbs. I've run 14K's for the past year an a half. I liked them, but I like the Phoenix better.

I guess this is kind of like asking "Which beer is best?". :lol:

 

[jdoenumber2]

That ballast will fire radiums. Just not as good as a m81 ballast would. Problem is there is no DE radium bulb. Why not is beyond me.

 

[jaybfresh]

That ballast will fire radiums. Just not as good as a m81 ballast would. Problem is there is no DE radium bulb. Why not is beyond me.

Will burn them out in a matter of months from what I hear. Although as you said, it would also mean new reflectors.


I wasnt trying to poll people for their favorite bulbs ... curious as to what halide bulb will best make up for the lack of supplimental actinic lighting

 

[sedor]

XM 20k's are what i'm going to get next.

 

[superkat]

man....wish i remembered what Steve had on his tank when i was over there this week. SWEET. 250's i know...but forget the k.

 

[oneradtek202]

cough cough......radiums......cough cough


too bad you dont have the right ballast, but u could find one!

 

[Johnny C]

A 250w Icecap Electronic Ballast should fire 250w SE Radiums just fine...

 

[jaybfresh]

Could be that I am looking in the wrong places, but I have read that running Radiums on electronic ballasts ruins the color, kills the par, and shortens the lifespan.

I'm leaning toward trying XM 20k's since they are available cheap and people seem to think they perform well without supplimental lighting. Trial and error is probably the best way to go about it