lighting questions

[undertcontrolj]

Socurrently I am running 2X175 ushio's Se MH over a 65gl tall. I am looking to upgrade to 25O MH. I am really wanting to do new reflectors and everything. So what are the suggestions on here for reflectors, ballasts and bulbs. And if anyone is selling these items let me know maybe we can workout some trades or something. And has anyone had any luck DIY reflectors. Just a thought let me know.

Thanks,
Justin

 

[NeveSSL]

What kind of look do you like? More blue? More white?

Personally, I like my Phoenix 14k bulb a lot. My first choice, though, would be Radium 20ks, but they're almost twice as expensive as the Phoenix 14ks, so I just can't justify the cost.

Brandon

 

[GPhiAce]

You can do a google search for Sanjay lighting tests. He tested a lot of different bulbs, ballasts, and reflectors. Since it is a tall tank, I would look into LumenMax Elite (ridiculous par and penetration). I am a fan of IceCap ballasts and Aquaconnects (although I am planning on switching to Radiums soon). Good luck

 

[poolkeeper1]

What kind of look do you like? More blue? More white?

Personally, I like my Phoenix 14k bulb a lot. My first choice, though, would be Radium 20ks, but they're almost twice as expensive as the Phoenix 14ks, so I just can't justify the cost.

Brandon

Brandon, I just bought a 250W HQI (AquaMedic) W/14K Pheonix bulb and take my word for It, It beats the Radium 250 Mogul bulb by a mile for color and brightness IMO. I put It on my Solana and It's like day and night compared to the stock fixture. Radium does not make a 250W HQI only Mogul 20K's FYI...:thumbsup:
Bill:dance:

 

[zef004]

Brandon, I just bought a 250W HQI (AquaMedic) W/14K Pheonix bulb and take my word for It, It beats the Radium 250 Mogul bulb by a mile for color and brightness IMO. I put It on my Solana and It's like day and night compared to the stock fixture. Radium does not make a 250W HQI only Mogul 20K's FYI...:thumbsup:
Bill:dance:

If you like pheonix 250w14k hqi. try the new xm250w15k. I used pheonix 14k and 20k for 2yrs now and did the switch 2 weekago. And love the clear blue light it puts out my corals do too.

 

[undertcontrolj]

I would probably go with a 10k bulb trying to spur some faster growth. Any ballasts recommendations guys?

 

[NeveSSL]

Brandon, I just bought a 250W HQI (AquaMedic) W/14K Pheonix bulb and take my word for It, It beats the Radium 250 Mogul bulb by a mile for color and brightness IMO. I put It on my Solana and It's like day and night compared to the stock fixture. Radium does not make a 250W HQI only Mogul 20K's FYI...:thumbsup:
Bill:dance:

Good to know, Bill! I do really like my Phoenix 14k. I'm thinking about adding some DIY LED actinics, though.

All in due time, though.

Brandon

 

[ameares8]

I am running a M80 on my 250W DE Pendant. I am currently running a 14K Ushio and I think it gives great growth and color. Actinics are needed for that blue pop, but it still makes the growth above average. I will more than likely be getting rid of this setup when I get my new tank in a few weeks. My new tank has 2x 250W SE Bulbs, so I will more than likely not need these items anymore.

 

[NeveSSL]

If you like pheonix 250w14k hqi. try the new xm250w15k. I used pheonix 14k and 20k for 2yrs now and did the switch 2 weekago. And love the clear blue light it puts out my corals do too.

What do they look like compared to the Phoenix 14ks?

Brandon

 

[jhutton]

question, is there any truth to what ballast to use with certain bulbs, i too have started running pheonix 14k on my 90 gallon and i am looking at upgrading to 250, relectors or ballasts

 

[ameares8]

Certain bulbs are only meant to run on magnetic ballasts. You can run them on electronic ballast, but it will shorten the life of the bulb. I personally have all magnetic ballast, because that is what I prefer, but I know that several people here run electronic ballast and do not have any problems.

 

[jhutton]

thanks my concern was certain brand ballasts with certain brand bulbs?
wasn't sure if there is any truth to it

thanks