PC's or VHO's??? Oh, MH bulbs too...

[ct_vol]

So, as stated in another thread, I'm heading up to Premium Aquatics... I'm looking to change over from my Phoenix 14k's to some thing a bit more white for growth... I'm running 3 x 250w DE, thinking I'll probably do 10k's... Any suggestions for bulbs???

And since I'm changing to the 10k's, I'd like to supplement with some sort of Actinics... Which do you guys think are better, VHO's or PC's??? TIA

Randy

 

[cee]

Stick with the Phoenix 14k's is what I'd do...

 

[ct_vol]

No Actinics at all??? Or in addition to???

 

[salt newbie01]

If you decide to supplement actinics go vho. The vho blue is much better than the pc's. IMO It just seems more intense. FWIW

 

[Pandarian]

Do you already have a ballast Randy? I would also consider T5's.

 

[ct_vol]

Nah, was going to buy the whole kit and kabootle so to speak...

 

[ReefRacer]

I would not try to supplement with PC's. I had 10k de 250's and bought 2 actinic 03 bulbs (130 watts total) and could not even tell they were on when the halides are on. I guess I needed like 2 four foot vho's or something.
I now have phoenix 14k's and still can barely tell when the actinics are on.
The evc 10k de have major par but it seems like a lot of my non SPS shrunk away from the light.

 

[seased]

where is the best place to buy Phoenix 14k's?

what is the PAR difference between the Phoenix 14k's and the XM10k's for a 175W bulb. Thanks

 

[cee]

I don't believe there is a 175W Phoenix 14k, as they are a DE bulb only. See Scott's old thread for direct comparisons of 175W bulbs on a M57 ballast from about 2 weeks ago.

Dave

 

[ct_vol]

Ok... Looks like I'll keep going with my Phoenix 250's... Time for new bulbs anyways...