Replacing DE Phoenix 14k bulb...

[ReefCowboy]

It's time to replace it and although I like the color temp Phoenix puts out, wanted to ask what 20k DE bulbs available are closer to Radiums?
I am inclined to get a Hamilton 20k but wondered if it it is indeed "bluer" than the Phoenix 14k?

 

[Caravanshaka]

I have heard that hamilton redesigned their 20k DE bulbs to be much closer to Radiums. Probably worth a try.

 

[Mike de Leon]

i find Hamiltons to be dim.

 

[Ocean envy]

The 14k hamiltons are a more pleasant blue than the phoenix 14k in my humble estimation. Either way they are both good bulbs.

 

[jjvanb]

I have been running Phoenix 14k for many years and have always been happy. If you decide to try the Hamilton's I would love to hear any feedback you might have on them.

 

[kevin_e]

Is using the radium not an option for you?

 

[ReefCowboy]

Thank you all for the inputs, i have ordered the Hamilton's, should be able to install it this coming week...will keep you updated of results

 

[ReefCowboy]

Is using the radium not an option for you?

Unfortunately Radium only makes mogul ended 20k bulbs...its amazing they wont make DE ones by now. Even with Leds these days, MANY people still buy MH's and im sure they would sell plenty

 

[kevin_e]

They make DE ones, but I'm guessing you're looking at 250 watt?

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

 

[ReefCowboy]

They make DE ones, but I'm guessing you're looking at 250 watt?

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

Yes, 250watt. Got the Hamilton in today, will plug it and post results here. Guess it will need to burn a few days for the actual color to come up

 

[kegogut]

tagged. Im interested to see how these turn out as well. I like the phoenix but would like another option just in case.

 

[biecacka]

I run the Hamilton 20k. Just put it up a few weeks ago, I find it very similar to the radium visually.

Corey

 

[jjvanb]

Are any of you that are using the hamilton 20k also using supplemental lighting?

 

[biecacka]

No, I am not. I am considering them though. But more to extend my viewing time. Not because I don't like the halide color.

Corey

 

[ReefCowboy]

Ok, so plugged in the 20K and it definitely changed the overall look. Im quite happy with the switch, some of the greens are popping more, and i find the color temp to be very close to Radiums. For former T5 owners, it would match a combo of blue+'s/coral+'s/purple+'s.
The new 20k was only on today for a an hour until its timer went off so it might be still off its permanent color temp.

The Phoenix might seem brighter to some maybe due to the human eye perception to yellow being higher than the violet/lower nm from the 20k''s temp?

I have three Reefbrite XHO blues supplementing. The tank is a 57gal(36" long).

Im curious how this switch will affect the sps on long term. Here are some pics. Sorry the Ipad camera is very bad for blues, in person it seems way more vivid. Im quite glad with the new look

Phoenix 14k


Hamilton 20K


Phoenix 14k


Hamilton 20k

 

[Member No. 1]

Interested as I run 2 14K Phoenix with 2 54W T5 Pure Actinics. I really don't like a "blue" tank per say, and like the color the Phoenix give.
Would it be possible to get 2 FTS from the front with only the MH lit? I know you've already switched out the lamps, sorry.
Might be a better comparison.
I'm due for new lamps and still on the fence.
TIA

 

[jjvanb]

Would be cool to see one of each bulb running at the same time...

 

[golfish]

I have ran 14K Phoenix bulbs on all my failed tanks in the past 10 years. I switched to 2x26 Hydra and a single 20K Hamilton. I really like the Hamilton bulb, its crisp white with a hint of blue, almost as good as the 400 watt 20k Radium color

 

[moondoggy4]

I was excited to switch to MH and I bought a lot of Phoenix 14 bulbs both in 250 and the 150 but I have to say the color temp seems to be too much yellow. I am using a M80 ballast for my 250's. So I will try the Hamiltons next.