HQI questions

[_Sooner_2]

My MH bulbs will be a year old in Feb. Is that about the lifespan for HQI bulbs? One year was when I replaced my mogul bulbs, so I planned on doing the same with these.

Main question...what bulbs are good for showing and promoting color without giving up growth? I currently have two 250w Phoenix 14k bulbs. I really don't have a complaint about them, I'm just not over whelmed by them.

I recently replaced the cheap T5 bulbs that came with the fixture with Geismans. The difference was pretty amazing. The Phoenix bulbs are on the lower end of the price range, so I was wondering if I could upgrade the HQIs and see similar results.

What's worked for you guys?

Ronnie

 

[Reefer33]

HQI bulbs

HQI bulbs

Hey Ronnie, I noticed you are wanting to change out your HQI bulbs. I was curious if I could possibly grab one of those bulbs from you if you are just going to toss them out. I am running XM 20K bulbs that are getting close to the end of their life span, I was considering switching to phoenix 14K but I have never seen any in person. You are welcome to try mine out once they are done to see if you like the look, I haven't been overly impressed with them however, I just don't think they put out too much PAR. Thanks, Nino

 

[ReeferRyan]

I am sure there are different opinions, but I used 20K Halide bulbs and a lot of VHO actinic and my SPS colored up very nicely. For growth I would stick with 14K and add actinic. JMO

 

[Reefer33]

Ryan,

Did you run electronic or standard ballasts? I think that makes a big difference in the way the XM's look. I've seen XM 20K's look totally different on other people's tanks than on mine and I run electronic. Another factor to consider when getting bulbs I would think. I hear the phoenix bulbs run really well on electronic ballasts

 

[VCoo71]

Ronnie

on the phoenix.....there my new bulbs of choice not just due to the color but mainly the par!!!! (altho i have been reading up on the reeflux 10K but seing a lotta mixed reviews)

they will blow the 20K xm out of the water on the par especially on the HQI ballasts

i will be sticking with the phoenix for now....but replacing them every 6-8 months or so ....for the price they cant be beat!

charlie

 

[_Sooner_2]

Charlie,

That's good to know on the par ratings. I truthfully don't have a complaint on the Phoenix's. I simply want the best in my price range. And the price is definately right on them. Are you using them on your reef and frag tanks?

Nino, I'll get back to you on the old bulbs after I've got new bulbs up and running. I'm not married to old equipment, but I normally keep my most recently replaced bulbs on hand in case I need a spare. Hasn't happened yet, but I like to be prepared. As these are my first HQI bulbs, I don't have any spares on hand.

More feedback anyone?

Ronnie

 

[VCoo71]

Ronnie

im running 2 of them on my main tank supplemented with 4 VHOS and couldnt be happier with the color and growth.......the PAR is what made me switch them from the 20k'S

http://www.reeflightinginfo.arvixe.com/index.htm

^ a great way to see just what your getting out of your bulbs

i am running a 10K XM on the frag tank due to a mishipped bulb but it is a great way to see the diffreances in color.....some look better under one bulb then they do under another ....

charlie

 

[Reefer33]

Ronnie,

No problem, just figured I would I ask before you decided to throw them away but I can totally understand if you want to keep spares. I guess I just need to see somebody's tank who runs those bulbs. It's what I am leaning towards anyway.

 

[ReeferRyan]

Mine were on magnetic ballasts. I don't know about par, I just liked the pretty colors!

 

[VCoo71]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9153892#post9153892 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ReeferRyan
Mine were on magnetic ballasts. I don't know about par, I just liked the pretty colors!

well when you go from XM at a PPFD of 55 to a phoenix at a PPFD of 106 you wonder where the growth and color come from!

charlie

 

[Reefer33]

Charlie,

I kind of figured the XM 20K's were low on PAR, my tank never just had the "pop" that most tanks had. I am sure it's even worse on my tank, due to the fact I am running electronic.