So I've been pondering a bulb change on my 65 sps tank. Right now I am usuing 2 coralvue 20k 250 watt bulbs. They are pretty but after my last visit to reefworks and talking about the 12k reefulx bulb and seeing it on their display I think I'm leaning that way. I want better growth and color, 20k just too dark. So question is, who currently is usuing the 12k's and what do you think? Will I see a huge difference in growth and color? Thank you!
coralvue reeflux 12k users?
- Thread starter jade2122
- Start date
lifesworksataol
New member
i will know soon (after the burn in)- i just ordered some last week :-D
Reefworkschris
In Memoriam
The bulbs in my display are the reeflux 10k and they look good. I have the reeflux 12k on my tank at home and I love those bulbs. They do start out kinda blue (like a 20K) but they burn in really nice after a couple weeks. I'm getting the same growth, if not better than I was with the 10k's, and great color. If you wanna come see my tank for comparison, let me know.
triggerfish1976
New member
I run (2) 400 Watt Aquaconnects, (1) 400w Reeflux 12k and (2) 400w Reeflux 10k all on Icecap Ballasts and I am actually disappointed with the 12k's. They have got to be the bluest 12k bulb I have ever seen and they are not as bright as they should be for being a 12k bulb. I get the best color and growth out of the AC's, followed by the 10k's and then the 12k.
triggerfish1976
New member
They are crazy bulbs. You get the blue tint of a 14k but better PAR than some of the best 10k bulbs.
markandkristen
Active member
that would be true. i have heard many comment on the price of the aquaconnect bulbs. so they moved to the reeflux ..
i would say the aquaconnects are the best bulb in the se version. you get the growth as well as colors. but at $103 a bulb its hard for some to swallow that
triggerfish1976
New member
There is no comparison. The only other bulb that comes close to the Aquaconnect is the Reeflux 10k but it is on the yellower side and should be supplemented with actinics to get decent color.
triggerfish1976
New member
Here is a side by side picture comparison between the Reeflux 10k and an Aquaconnect.
Here is a full tank shot showing the Aquaconnect (the right 1/3 of the tank) and Reeflux 12k (middle 1/3)
Here is a full tank shot showing the Aquaconnect (the right 1/3 of the tank) and Reeflux 12k (middle 1/3)
lifesworksataol
New member
i like the brightness of the reeflux i think - its hard to tell with a pic - but i love this club - ask and you will receive most of the time :-D you rock triggerfish
lifesworksataol
New member
yea =-) but in general
triggerfish1976
New member
Thanks.
As far as the pics, the reeflux seems brighter mainly because I have another one right behind it whereas the Aquaconnect has the Reeflux 12k behind it which dulls it down a little. The reflector on the Reeflux 10k is also one of the new "salad bowl" shaped ones that is a little more efficient at creating a "beam" light effect.
In all honestly, you can't go wrong with either bulb for growth I just like the bluer tint on the AC.
lifesworksataol
New member
well iam glad you said that - cause i already ordered my reeflux bulbs :-D
rigleautomotive
Premium Member
i run reeflux 12 k with a coral vue ballast and i am impressed.bright,and nice color .one of my favorites of all time.i do believe in using a coral vue ballast on these bulbs.some other ballast combos may not give the same results
I'm running the aquaconnects 12K 150w de. i have two on my tank, without any other bulbs and love the color-and my growth is good, but can't compare the growth rates because those are the only ones i've used. they do look good though.
i can try to get you some pics later if you want.
i can try to get you some pics later if you want.
