Quality of PC bulbs vary?

[Ripside]

I have a (cheap) Oddyssea 4x65W PC fixture - it honestly doesnt' seem as bright as my 2x32W stock aquarium hood. There's 2 03Actinics, and 2 12K bulbs in there now.

Is there a big difference between brands of PC bulbs? I'm wondering if I'd could be getting more light if I picked up a couple high-end PC bulbs.

 

[somethingphishy]

i have experimented with three different brands of PC bulbs and it seems there is some difference in output between companies but the difference is not extreme. This is only my visual opinion.

More of concern could be the fixtures ballasts--that would effect light out-put i believe more than the bulbs.

.........Maybe try a 10k for a little brighter bulb/less blue when you replace them. I do not feel there is much need to run out and purchase new bulbs if the current ones are new.

 

[Ripside]

I think I'm going to add a higher-end PC fixture, in the near future, probably Satellite or Coralife. Then'll I'll be able to make a direct comparison.