mh bulb quality

[beadlocked450r]

Ok so I have been shopping ebay for my mh bulbs and of course I have been buying they cheap bulbs. So my question is,is there a differance in coral growth with the expensive bulbs? I am using 175w(2)20k and (1)14k so any input would be great

 

[zy112]

In my experiences like many things, you get what you pay for. I'd make sure the bulbs you buy are from a reputable brand. Bad bulbs can end up causing more problems than saving a few bucks. We pay all the money for a great light set-up then buy poor quality bulbs, just not worth it. IMO, better to get it right the first time.

It's hard to evaluate exactly what bulbs you are talking about without knowing the brand and specifics, but in general bulb quality can greatly effect coral growth.

 

[beadlocked450r]

Can anybody tell me what the differances are with differant mh bulbs and what you have had good success with.I have some encrusting monti,pink birds nest,favia,challice,acans,duncans,anemones,mushrooms and some palys,I like the 20k look,

 

[beadlocked450r]

Nobody?

 

[georgiadawg]

I've been using the pheonix 14k bulb and I am happy with it.

 

[shifty51008]

I tried the plusrite bulbs on ebay and although they grew coral fine they would crap out after 2 months of use (7hr a day) I have sence went back to using XM20k bulbs and like them alot.

 

[DownwardDawg]

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2008050

Luis won TOM in 2008. He used Reeflux back then but uses $20 Plusrite bulbs now and his tank is beautiful.

 

[tdwright1971]

i use the $11 plusrites change them every 6 months seem good imo.