Okay, so what's the deal with the Phoenix 14k?

[roper512]

I've been reading tons of awesome stuff on the phoenix 14k bulbs.. So much so that I'm planning on getting one for my 30gal I'm planning...

Problem is I like seeing my tanks natural colors.. Some pictures I've been seeing of the phoenix look SUPER blue, others look much more white and natural.. Some tanks I've seen in pictures (I know pictures aren't really a good representation of color unless the photographer really knows what they're doing) have just looked SO blue that its hard to tell the real color of fish or corals! While some people like this look, it's just not for me...

In the bulb comparison pictures in this forum the best looking to me was I think the XM 10k w/ actinic supplementation, a very nice balance while still being able to see all the natural color of everything in the tank.. I'm just a bit weary with getting an XM bulb as I've heard many issues with them.

I have heard that magnetic ballasts make the bulb shine a lot less blue than e-ballasts. I've also heard that different ballasts give different results in color..

So, that being said, for all of you that have the Phoenix 14k bulbs, please list your current pendant/ballast and how blue (or not blue) it makes your tank appear without other supplemental lighting..


Thanks!

 

[TwistedTiger]

Aquastarlight pendant, magnetic HQI ballast, white with a touch of blue. Definitely bright and not very blue but enough that I don't have to suppliment.

 

[roper512]

Cool, what brand is the ballast?

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6508222#post6508222 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TwistedTiger
Aquastarlight pendant, magnetic HQI ballast, white with a touch of blue. Definitely bright and not very blue but enough that I don't have to suppliment.

 

[swashbuckler]

Aquamedic oceanlight m81 magnetic HQI ballast (150W DE)

phoenix was a crisp white with a tiny touch of blue....not very blue at all....more like a sterile white..which i didnt like personally..

so i went XM 10k with VHO actinics and fell in love.

 

[roper512]

Interesting.. How do you like the XM 10k?? How does it look on it's own and have you had any issues with it?

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6508814#post6508814 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by swashbuckler
Aquamedic oceanlight m81 magnetic HQI ballast (150W DE)

phoenix was a crisp white with a tiny touch of blue....not very blue at all....more like a sterile white..which i didnt like personally..

so i went XM 10k with VHO actinics and fell in love.

 

[swashbuckler]

well, the XM 10k is a yellowish bulb (this is DE, SE is a very different story), especially before burn in (100 hours or so) but now its very whiteish, but still has a tint of yellow when its on by itself...however, the VHO's really make the light setup complete...such a great combo of having the bright white/yellow clash with the cool blue/violet of the VHO actinics..

taht being said, i dont like just having the XM on.....corals colors dont look as pretty.

 

[Zoalander]

I just got the phoenix 14K 150 watt DE. I like the color but the par is extrememly high. I can't put anything on the top half of my 42 gallon hex or they will shrivel up. I believe the bulb is made more for sps. I have everything on the bottom half of my tank and they are doing great and the growh is great also.

 

[NewSchool04]

swashbuckler, I've been researching the VHO actinics. I see the VHO actinic and then Superactinics. Are there any differences between the two bulbs. How far do you have your VHO's off the water? Thanks!

 

[TwistedTiger]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6508427#post6508427 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by roper512
Cool, what brand is the ballast?

Not sure what brand ballast it uses because it is built into the pendant and would have to be taken apart for me to look at and I bought it second hand, but I do really like it.

 

[swashbuckler]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6509052#post6509052 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by NewSchool04
swashbuckler, I've been researching the VHO actinics. I see the VHO actinic and then Superactinics. Are there any differences between the two bulbs. How far do you have your VHO's off the water? Thanks!

I use the most universal actinic that "most" other RC members use- and that, like you mentioned is the SUPERACTINIC.... this has the name of UV lighting company stamped on it, but almost everyone still calls it URI brand.

VHO actinic is just the term one uses to describe the "family" of bulbs. b/c there are many VHO actinics out there, just URI seems to have the best ones. its colors just surpass other brands as it makes your corals explode with color- especially green pigments.

i have my VHO's about 4 inches from water.. pretty damn close, but thank goodness for water proof endcaps!