MH bulbs

[clines4]

Does anyone know if there is a significant difference with these bulbs? The one on the left is a Hamilton 250 watt, right is a Sylvania 250 watt Metalarc Metal Halide. All I can tell is the shape. They both are the same wattage and input voltage (120 to ballast)

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/580/115601th_bulbs.jpg

 

[reefscape15]

I'd definately go with the hamilton which is a very trusted name in our hobby. I've never heard of anyone using Sylvania for aquarium lighting, and i'm not even sure that they make bulbs in the spectrum that we prefer. Yes they will work exactly the same. The Sylvania is just the US style MH single ended bulb. The Hamilton is the German style MH single ended bulb

 

[orangekush4]

Sylvania is a nice brand, but not for reef.

 

[jayk198030]

i use some bulbs i get from china. i get them in 150w MH HQI DE, 250w MH HQI DE, and 250w mogual bulbs each bulb cost about $30ea with the shipping. I have used them for 3yrs and cannt complain. They may not be the best but they are by far the best bang for your buck, hands down!

 

[clines4]

Right! Sylvania bulb not the right spectrum. It is very bright but very white, looks crappy.

 

[reefscape15]

I came across a ballast and bulb package at my work which was made by Sylvania so i thought i'd use that bulb till i could get my new XM 20k. WOW was it ever ugly! Come to find it was rated at 4100 degrees. It made everything look yellow and washed out, and i ended up not even using it while i was waiting for my new bulb