Need HQI 150W MH Bulb recommendation

[mike1962]

Well, I wasn't able to make Sanjay's presentation, and I am at the point where I need to switch-out my 150W HQI MH 14K bulb as it's been about 9 months now.

I have the JBJ 28G with the standard bulb (a JBJ) I also mod'ed the tank with some 2-18W actinic's which come on in the morning and in the evening.

I thought I'd keep the Kelvin rating at 14K, unless someone can convince be otherwise. Anyone have any suggestions?

 

[mike1962]

I should have mentioned that I have SPS growing at the top of the tank and some softies at the lower levels. All are growing well.

 

[iairj84]

I went with the 14k Ushio from Hellolights.com and I really have liked it so far. The burn in period isn't complete yet but its a nice color range and I'm happy with it. It's a little more 12k than other 14k's I've seen but that's fine with me as I have actinics as well. I almost went with a 15k XM but in all the pictures it was more blue than I was looking for.

 

[kdblove_99]

Radium 20k or Phoenix 14k

 

[buzzbombtom]

i have an xm champion 20k and love it.

 

[iairj84]

The phoenix 14k's are really nice as well I second that reccomendation also

 

[Mikey Donuts]

I use a Hamilton 14k and I like the color.

 

[mike1962]

Hmmm...Here I thought this was going to be an easy solution!:rolleye1: :lol:

I realize there is a subjective factor due to the coloration of light emitted, but is there a particular bulb that is more effective (better PAR reading)? Prices can be quite varied (as much as 30-40% difference). Other than different K values, is the pricing varied because some bulbs are just better made and last longer? Aqualine AB and Megachome bulbs are almost twice the cost!!

 

[funman1]

Check out sanjays site.
I think my next 150W Bulb will be a Radium 20000K
Compare it to the XM 15000K and WOW, the 20000K is WAY better!!!

I used the standard PFO M81 Magnetic ballast and no shield.

See for yourself..
http://www.reeflightinginfo.arvixe.com/select2lamp.php

 

[kdblove_99]

Why no shield steve?

Check this out

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[funman1]

that's a 250 bulb vs a 150?

 

[mikid]

bulb

bulb

om snajay sight i matched up a phoenix 14k againest the xm 20k in the 250 de range,the differance between the 2 was remarkable,the phoenix out performed the xm buy my figures,check it out,i also just ordered new bulbs for mine are 6 monthes,want extras,have 2 250de 14k phoenix coming,found them cheapest at diy in the sponser section,

 

[kdblove_99]

yeah did that on purpose Steve to show the Radium 150W alsmost has as much Par as the hamilton 250W, Thats crazy!

I use Radium 250W great bulb

 

[KMP]

i like my pheonix 14k

 

[mike1962]

I'm beginning to like the idea of the Radium 150W 20K.

Kdblove_99, how do you like the coloration of your tank with the 20K. Do you have any other lights (actinic's, T5's, etc.) on the tank?

 

[kdblove_99]

No, you don't need any atinics with this bulb or really any 20K for that matter