Help pick new 20k bulb

[ctripi]

Hi guys.

Which 20k bulb should I get? XM? Ushio?

Thanks in advance.

 

[jeff209]

Radium

 

[KMP]

SE or DE? 150w or 250w?

I have DE 150w Ushios - like them. A Pheonix 14K has the same color best I can tell - which I've also run and like alot.

 

[bwade209]

Radium

+1 hands down

 

[ctripi]

de 250's.

 

[jeff209]

Yup radiums they make de now

 

[JoshuaG]

Mike runs this bulb, I think they look amazing!

http://www.tbaquatics.com/evc-250w-metal-halde-hqi-de-bulb-564.html

 

[Bamm Bamm]

I run radiams they are awesome and last along time.. You have to run them on an electronic ballast though... I've ran XMs 20ks and was not impressed with the color or life

 

[hugo209]

The Pheonix is a good choice for a DE bulb... Great color and growth.

 

[mike332211]

Yea me and smokenax both run DE EVC's, very happy with them. Fell free to come by anytime and check my tank out. I don't think you have seen it with the new bulbs.

 

[smariner]

Yes, the EVC's are a great lamp. Glad you like them as much as I do!

 

[eldiablosrt8]

I love the ushios but only the 20k plus.... not 20k

 

[ctripi]

I decided to go with the 14k phoenix bulbs. Only because my new tank is 24" deep rather than 18". It will be stocked with anemones. So I opted for the higher PAR and penetration.

 

[Bamm Bamm]

Got any pics? I ran a 14k over my 62 for awhile and it looked about the same as my 20k radium I couldn't tell the difference radium was maybe just slightly bluer looking

 

[ctripi]

I'll post a pic when the tank is up and running. Probably two months from now.

 

[newbie916]

I've run Phoenix, Radiums, XM, and Ushio's, but the best 150 watt DE 20k bulb I've ever had was the Aqualine Pro series. It's a whiter 20k, but the growth and colors of the corals it brought out was amazing. I bought it from a reefer who never used the bulb for $70, but new they're pretty pricey in the $100 range.

Next time I change out my 250 watt 14k Phoenix bulbs is going to be back to the Aqualine.

 

[smokenax]

Yea been very happy with the 20k evc de
Crisp look.

 

[plankton]

For 250W Phoenix 14K changed every 6 mo or so. In 400W maybe radium 20K.

Have you setup the new tank in Danville yet? Scott

 

[drdoolittle]

Chris, i havent ran Phoenix bulbs before but in my experience. Radium, Reeflux 12K, and EVC are my favorite bulbs. All three seem has the crisp look, the Reeflux and EVC lasted a little longer than the Radium before you start to see the color shift change followed by algea bloom.

 

[ctripi]

Thanks for all the bulb insight everyone.

Scott, I'll dig up the build thread for the status reply.