Metal Halide bulb preferences?

[Mako Shark II]

My (2 each) 250w XM 20,000k bulbs have served me fine, but now I'm thinking about replacing them with a warmer 15,000k.

What other Brands do you Like & Why?

What's your favorite temperature / color?

Anybody with multiple bases running mixed temp / colors?

Here's why I need to buy them:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1842145

 

[Mako Shark II]

Hey! That was my 2,000th post!

(Man, I need to get a life.....)

 

[shirley386]

i've tried 6.5K, 10K, 13K, 14K, & 20K over the years. I've always come back to ReefLux 10K for growth, color, and visual appeal.

I think bulb preference is a Ford/Chevrolet issue. You can't depend of people's recommendation. You need to just try them for yourself and see what you like.

 

[aab3rd]

When I set up my 30g I tranded a pump for some Metal Halide bulbs. One of them was an AquaMaxx 14k (175w). I ended up using it as I really like the color...not too blue...not too white.......Goldylocks would like it.:inlove:.

They are less expensive than XM, AB, Hamilton, etc. as well.:thumbsup:

 

[OneReef]

AquaMaxx 14K and you get good color and good par and good price.

 

[SNAKEMANVET]

Hey Jay,After getting other reefers input I went with pulserite bulbs, alot of them have used them for several years.I got 2 250 watt 20k bulbs for $48.00 shipped.Many have had good coral growth with their bulbs.

 

[neuroslicer]

I have not tried the PulseRite bulbs but am tempted. For several years now I've used Hamilton 14000K bulbs... very nice color.

 

[Grendel0501]

http://www.cnidarianreef.com/lamps.cfm

 

[Mako Shark II]

"OOOOoooooh!! Good INPUT Stephanie!"

 

[Blindside]

New Phoenix 14k 250 watt a buck a piece but I love them!

 

[friedrice2841]

I currently use the 250 watt, 14K Aquamaxx and I couldn't be happier with the appearance. I have tried the 10K Ushio and it seemed to be almost yellow in color, and it really accelerated my algae growth.

I have some 250 watt, single end bulbs that you can try. There are about 8 or 9 different bulbs. Give me a call and you can come get them.

 

[Mako Shark II]

TIm, how old are the though? r ar you saying just to test colors?

 

[friedrice2841]

not sure of the age of the bulbs, I was just offering you the bulbs to test the color spectrum.

 

[Mako Shark II]

Sweet Tim. Lemme see if I'll need to do that. I really think I'm leaning towards the 14-15,000k temp range, but I'll let you know mate. Thanks!

 

[jeffalight]

New Phoenix 14k 250 watt a buck a piece but I love them!

How much did you pay. I got my phoenix bulbs here and paid $49 each.

http://www.soslightbulbs.com/aquariumbulbs.aspx

 

[Mako Shark II]

I Agree. I got Aquamaxx 14,000k 250 Watter for $45 from the LFS!

(Same design and former Partner with Phoenix)

 

[Blindside]

Actually looked at the box and paid $74.00 have used aquamaxx before and just didn't give the same look imho.

 

[Mako Shark II]

Thanks Carlos.


I'm diggin' mine and I'll be buying the other side shortly. (I only replaced one of two)