Got my Tank Lights Today! but have a question

[John_A]

Well I checked out my MH retrofits I got today and the bulbs that came with these are HUGE almost as big as 2 liter coke bottle lol 400w bulbs are not this big are they?

 

[eyebedam]

If they came with tour lights I'd assume so.

 

[John_A]

This is what i got
http://cgi.ebay.com/Metal-Halide-Retro-3X-400-Metal-halide-aquarium-light_W0QQitemZ300332405025QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item45ed34d121

 

[John_A]

maybe because they are 14k bulbs I ofcourse will not use these I plan on buying new ones but I was thinking wow lol

 

[eyebedam]

Why would you not use 14k bulbs? Is it just because you dont like the color? The Kelvin rating of the bulb doesnt affect the size. Thats just how big 400w SE bulbs are.

 

[poolkeeper1]

It's not the Kelvin rating but more so the brand of bulb, Most likely not for the Aquarium Reef Hobby! Those are most likely for warehouse/ Super store lighting type bulbs. Best to get bulbs made for Reef use. JMO
Bill

 

[John_A]

yea most of the ones I seen on hellolights are not this shape kinda looks like a bowling pin

 

[poolkeeper1]

Some of the older MH bulbs were that shape but I'm talking 20-30 years ago!
Bill

 

[John_A]

Well i still think I will be safer just changing them out! Anyone got good suggestions for some 400w bulbs?

 

[poolkeeper1]

bulbs

bulbs

Well i still think I will be safer just changing them out! Anyone got good suggestions for some 400w bulbs?

I had a 400W over a tall 58gal and I ran a Ushio I think 14K but It could have been a 20K just can't remember. But a great bulb all by Itself It needed no Actinic It was just perfect by Itself.
Bill:beer:

 

[John_A]

Great Thanks Bill!

 

[eyebedam]

I ran 2 14k Hamilton 400w se bulbs when I first setup my 180 with luminarc reflectors. They looked really good. I've since switched to HQIs but the 400watters looked fantastic & was a very pleasing color.

 

[artemus]

These in no way will out perform most "name brands" but I have used them and are very nice budget bulbs and good customer support:

LINK