Bulb Recommendation

[whiteshark]

I'm looking for 150W HQI bulbs that would get the best color and growth from SPS corals. I know 150W is weak for keeping SPS, but the tank wasn't planned for SPS. I have heard success stories with 150W bulbs, just growth was slow. I have 10K bulbs right now, and I hate the color (yellowish white). Any suggestions for brand and K temp? I would like to keep PAR as high as possible, but also want that slightly blue look you get with 14k. Thanx!

 

[tigerarmy40]

Im in your shoes too! I think I am going to try phoenix, I have heard good things and really like the look of them over alot of other bulbs on the market!

 

[whiteshark]

Any other suggestions?

 

[besl]

whiteshark, what bulb brand do you have now. I am using Current 10K 150W DE and they are yellow white and would like to change also.

 

[whiteshark]

That would be the one I have also... I definitely don't like the look of these bulbs.

 

[whiteshark]

Any other opinions? These bulbs aren't cheap and I want to make sure I make the right diccision.

 

[SEAMONSTER]

I use 2 150W Double ended 20K halides over my 60 gallon reef. I also have 2 55 W actinics. Color is a bluish white. Very nice! Brings out the colors better with everything from the sps coral to the coralline algae! Hamiltons are the brand I use for my lighting system.

 

[SEAMONSTER]

BTW if ypu plan on putting 150s over your 90 gallon it's not a good idea. Go with more wattage (2 250 watts, 14 or 20k).

 

[SEAMONSTER]

BTW if you plan on putting 150s over your 90 gallon it's not a good idea. Go with more wattage (at least 2 250 watts, 14 or 20k, with 2 55w pc actinics, equals to 6.7 watts per gallon). I know that lights and ballasts are expensive, but it is the most important componant to a successful reef! (Except for water quality and flow). DO NOT SKIMP OUT ON YOUR LIGHTING! Take care!

 

[parothead22]

Megachrome or Phoenix!!!!!14000k

 

[acropora nut]

try 1000k or 12000k reeflux bulbs

 

[whiteshark]

Seamonster... I don't use WPG becuase I don't think it is as important as penetration power, ect...

Also, if you read my post you would see the situation i'm in. Anyway, at least thanx for bumping my post.

Everyone else, thanx for the suggestions! I think, right now, I am leaning towards 14K Phoenix. Does anyone know how the PAR of these bulbs compares to that of the reeflux or megachrome?

Lastly, does anyone have a pic of a tank with 12k reeflux bulbs? I would like to see the color of them.

 

[acropora nut]

take a look at my gallery!

 

[whiteshark]

Thanx acropora nut! Your sig says you have 10ks over that tank. Is that whats in the pics? Oh, and very nice tank! Did you post any pics of it here?

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=858131

 

[acropora nut]

those pic's have a combo 10000k and 12000k .Now i am only running 12000k because I want more intense color and less growth. I am sick of clipping corals everyday. The reeflux 10000k looks crisp white with a hint of blue and the 12000k still have the crisp white but more blue in them. With these bulbs you don't need to run VHO's or T5 to cover up the yellow..BY FAR THE BEST BULB ON THE MARKET!!!!! I have tried them all.