Hamilton 14k, alternative?

[richfavinger]

As I revive my system it's time for new lamps. I run a PFO 48" hood. So I douse 48" VHO 03 lamps... I have ran XM 10k lamps in the past, and they where very nice. Moved to 14k Hamilton's and loved them too... Any one have a suggestion for another lamp to try?

XM 10k 250w SE = Love
Hamilton 14k 250w SE = Love just a little more...
... New suggestions? I use IceCap 250w EB's...

 

[richfavinger]

Bump

 

[billwill]

I'm running XM 20K with actinic only before/after MH for morning/night. Color looks pretty good, but I can't handle the heat of both running together all day. I've been researching a bit myself and plan to go to the Phoenix 14K next myself (without actinic supplementation). Playing with Sanjay's lighting guide on Manhattan Reef forums (using Aquaconnect SE 14K, maker of the SE Phoenix bulb I've read), these appear to be far better than the Hamilton for PAR.

 

[meat1974]

I had XM 10k and switched to XM 15k. I like both of those. Running both with actinic.

 

[jwoyshnar]

If you like Hamilton try Plus rite from 1000bulbs.com. they are $13 each and look identical to Hamilton. In my fixture i have 1 Hamilton and two Plus Rite and no one can tell the difference.
http://www.1000bulbs.com/product/8023/MHS-02502404.html

 

[richfavinger]

Well, no offense to people with suggestions. But I'm not about to try bottom dollar bulbs... and all reviews on the XM15k's show they are about the worst bulbs made in regards to output and PAR... sad, thinking the XM10's are some of the best...

I do like the Phoenix 14k idea... and using the 03's only for dusk/dawn might not be too bad. Might save a little electricity (and heat)... I do like the 'white to light blue' look. I do not like the ultra blue look of most 20k's...

 

[HippieSmell]

I'm partial to 250W Ushio 10k, but I use the DE version on an HQI magnetic ballast. Nice and white, which would look great with a little actinic supplementation.

 

[sirreal63]

Rich, you will be hard pressed to find better PAR than the XM 10K, the Phoenix is a good alternative but on an IceCap it will burn very blue, more like a 20K. IIRC the SE version is also an HQI spec bulb and will be very under driven on electronics. They are cheap enough to try though.

 

[JRoweNole]

I have been running a 250W Aquaconnect 14K on an Icecap electronic ballast for PAR and color and love it. Just this week I wanted to replace the lamp (age) and found out this bulb is no longer made. Premium Aquatics suggested the 14.5 Giessman Megachrome as an alternative if you can spend a little more $.