Metal Halide bulb advice?

[schipwreck]

So I have a 48 inch fixture for my 112 gallon, and my fixture has 2 250watt MH inside it, I know they need to be replaced. What is the differences between the bulbs? I know some make colors look different but don't know which ones do what? Any advice? I would like to grow SPS, and have clams at some point. Thanks in advance.

 

[schipwreck]

I forgot to add, the fixture also has 4 PC bulbs as well, all of which are currently 65 watt actnics.

 

[KMP]

are they double end or single end? 10K is on the white side, 14K is bluer, 20K is bluest.

 

[schipwreck]

They are double ended bulbs. What would make a good combination of bulbs?

 

[KMP]

phoenix 14ks are highly recommended. that'd be my pick.

 

[fastrd400]

phoenix 14ks are highly recommended. that'd be my pick.

+1

Great bulbs

 

[marioensf]

+2 on Phoenix

 

[mayjong]

shipwreck-, i don't remember if my MH's were on when you came over, but i use phoenix 14k's, too...

 

[Paulca916]

phoenix 14ks are highly recommended. that'd be my pick.

+3 1/2 Great color and great growth and you can get them locally.
I have been curently running Radiums but they dont do DE in 250 W but frankly I like Pheonix just as much and I believe you will get a little better growth rate with the 14k's.

I'm curently thinking of doing Pheonix 250 W SE next time I change my bulbs out.

 

[tcoral]

are they double end or single end? 10K is on the white side, 14K is bluer, 20K is bluest.

I've found 10K to be pretty yellowish, with 14K whiter. What type of ballast? Radiums are some of the best bulbs out there, but the color would depend on the ballast (can run bluer or whiter) OOPs, just saw they are double ended with every bodies responses. OK, then Phoenix if it has to be double ended .

 

[schipwreck]

Alright seems like Phoenix's it is then. Where is the cheapest place to buy them locally?

 

[Paulca916]

I know YOUR REEF carries them in Roseville other than that Im not sure who else.
HTH

 

[HV1990]

Phoenix bulbs are made in japan.

 

[Paulca916]

Phoenix bulbs are made in japan.

And which bulbs are not ?
You would be suprised how many bulb manufactures use HKS lighting in Japan.
Heck Chevrolets are not all made in the USA anymore.

 

[HV1990]

Just putting it out there that it will be scarce.

 

[schipwreck]

I found some online, getting them ASAP so hopefully it wont be an issue

 

[Underwaterparadise]

Just putting it out there that it will be scarce.

I don't think that will start to show for a couple of months. Most suppliers in the US I'm sure have cases sitting around. I think Japan has more to worry about right now

My vote is Phoneix as well for DE all though It's all personal and pocket book preferences ;o)

 

[KMP]

Ushio 20K is another good choice. I started w/the Phoenix 14K and then went to Ushio 20K. I couldn't really tell a difference. Either the Phoenix is that blue or the Ushio is less blue. Phoenix will be my pick from here on out.

 

[Borchers]

Have any of you tried the Elos 20k bulbs. I have one in my fixture and puts off some very nice blues and brings out reds well. They are a little much on the pocket book. $80.00 a bulb

 

[KMP]

Shawn, I was going to try Elos until I saw my fixture in a LFS running the Ushios. Liked the look so didn't take the gamble...