power compact bulb

[gps]

Is there any different in term of quality for buying brand name vs generic power compact bulbs? Please advice. thanks

 

[ReefMeister2]

I can't comment on the actual light output, but there is definitely a difference in quality of construction. Some of the cheaper bulbs from China are made from glass so thin they break just looking at them wrong! Especially at the bridge piece that connects the two tubes.

"Hamilton is a mid-grade bulb that you'll see on sale quite often, but is fragile.
"Coralife" puts out a good quality PC bulb but they are expensive

"Hellolights" is the best-bang-for-your-buck from my experience. Especially their true 03actinics. They now have will-call pickup for those of us who are local in Orange County

http://hellolights.com/index.html

 

[DRC69]

I agree. Current bulbs are very nice to, well made.
I bought and use Hellolights, there PC bulbs seem to be good no problems with them.

 

[tmplge]

I always used coralife on my fixture but the last time i decided to buy current. They are good, but no as good as the coralife. After about 5months they malfunctioned and one stoped working. I rather pay the extra $5 and get the coralife.

 

[tmplge]

Almost forgot, what i do like about the current actinics is that they are in 420 and 460 wavelengths which i dont belive anyone else has. It gives good color

 

[rockindacheeks]

Coralife also makes a Dual Blue actinic lamp. One tube is Actinic 03 420NM. and the other tube is 7100K blue 460NM. they are pretty cool but i think the 7100k tube drowns out the 03 tube.

 

[Corriander]

I have to give HelloLights the thumbs up too. They offer a good product at 1/2 the price of picking one up in a LFS. Even better, they are located Orange so you can pick your bulbs up will call and save on shipping.

 

[gps]

Thanks all for the replies. I will try the Hello.