pheonix 250w hqi de bulbs?

[HighlandReef]

Hi All, Its time for new bulbs and have read the reviews but seems like everyone has their own opinions.
Anyway one of the online sites has pheonix bulbs on sale for 55 bucks and have read good things about the pheonix bulbs but wanted to see what everone thought?
Also if someone feels a certain bulb is alot better please post.
Thanks!
CG


edit:forgot to mention electric ballist, i have the outer orbit hqi/t5 ho fixture

 

[grigsy]

I know they are popular. Personally, I don't like the fake blue color I have seen on many tanks. Just opinion.

Personally, I like Ushio.

 

[grigsy]

I know they are popular. Personally, I don't like their fake blue color.

Personally, I like Ushio.

 

[msch1999]

I am using them , I like the color. I am not using any atinic supplement though.

 

[rc4kinu]

My corals, anemone, and I love them. just wanted to know, though, when or where do you see fake blue color in the ocean?

 

[Justdrew]

I used the phoenix 14k 250w DE bulbs for about 3 years. I "thought" they were great bulbs. That was until I changed to the Reeflux 20K. Now I did go to 400 watt, but the color is amazing. The Phoenix 14K looked so washed out compered to the new bulb. I heard someone describe the phoenix as "windex" in the water. Like I said it was a great bulb, until I found something I liked 10 times better. Maybe someday I will setup a frag tank and get reeflux 20 k 250 w DE just to compare.

Drew

 

[tacocat]

I like them a lot on HQI ballasts. I can't stand them on electronic ballasts.

 

[macreefster]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14821782#post14821782 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tacocat
I like them a lot on HQI ballasts. I can't stand them on electronic ballasts.

good point. IMO phoenix bulbs are much better on an M80 ballast and i wouldnt use them with an electronic ballast. i think thats where the discrepency on their color comes from what ballast they are run on. with an M80 i get a crisp white color with a tint of blue. on an electronic ballast they are quite blue.... too blue for my liking.

 

[eshark]

Cgrant!! where can i get these bulbs for $55? I need two!!

 

[AugustWest]

 

[eshark]

Thanks augustwest! Got two!

 

[agsansoo]

Totally agree with Justdrew ! The ReefLux 20K in DE 250w are very bright. IMO I still like them way better than phoenix bulbs (on e-ballast).

 

[Scottn29]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14821609#post14821609 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Justdrew
I used the phoenix 14k 250w DE bulbs for about 3 years. I "thought" they were great bulbs. That was until I changed to the Reeflux 20K. Now I did go to 400 watt, but the color is amazing. The Phoenix 14K looked so washed out compered to the new bulb. I heard someone describe the phoenix as "windex" in the water. Like I said it was a great bulb, until I found something I liked 10 times better. Maybe someday I will setup a frag tank and get reeflux 20 k 250 w DE just to compare.

Drew

You are comparing 14k to 20k? No wonder there was a big difference

 

[Justdrew]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14826062#post14826062 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Scottn29
You are comparing 14k to 20k? No wonder there was a big difference

Yes, but the point of my comparison is that the 14k phoenix is bluer than the 20K Reeflux. Completely opposite of what would normally be expected.

Drew

 

[bigmatt]

I ran the pheonix for 6months, I would never waste the money on one again. Running reeflux 20k's now and will never go back, great growth and color

 

[qfrisco]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14821609#post14821609 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Justdrew
I used the phoenix 14k 250w DE bulbs for about 3 years. I "thought" they were great bulbs. That was until I changed to the Reeflux 20K. Now I did go to 400 watt, but the color is amazing. The Phoenix 14K looked so washed out compered to the new bulb. I heard someone describe the phoenix as "windex" in the water. Like I said it was a great bulb, until I found something I liked 10 times better. Maybe someday I will setup a frag tank and get reeflux 20 k 250 w DE just to compare.

Drew

Drew - are you running your reeflux off magnetic or electronic ballast?

 

[Justdrew]

I am using the coralvue 400 watt dimmable electronic ballast.

 

[boxer385]

looking for a new bulb switching from the phoenis, where can i get the reeflux 20k?

 

[ssamick]

I'm just the opposite. I did not like them on a hqi ballast. I thought they washed everything out. I went with a EVC 20k and have not turned back. It reminds me of a phoenix just not as intense and washed out. It has better actinic properties too. Obvisiously 20k

 

[smariner]

Yes, I highly recommend the EVC 20K lamp as well... Very nice metal halide lamp and like ssamick said bettter actinic properties and does not appear washed out. Thanks for pointing this out ssamick!

Hope this helps,
Chad D. Bryant