That time of year... New Bulbs

[lookout888]

ok so my bulbs are about 1 year old. From what I have read it is time to get new ones. I have..

2x Coralvue 10k 250watt on icecap ballasts (SE)
2x superactinic fr48t12/vho

I have looked at Sanjay's Metal Halide Bulb Reviews

And from what I see the xm 250 10k SE has the best Efficiency. I have read and still don’t fully understand how the whole light spectrum works. Anyone provide any info would be awesome.

I really did not see much info on vho's.. any suggestions or info would be appreciated.

Thanks
Mike

 

[myakkareef]

Mike, I understand your confusion...So here is my thoughts. I know your tank and your corals grow well, you have even brought back half dead corals to life...I would say this a major plus to bulbs you have been running. Do you like the looks of your tank when lit? If yes, it would make alot of sense to replace with what you have been running. I thinks alot of people get to wrapped up in the oh and ah of tests. Why maybe shock your corals with a different spectrum.. But if you do not like the looks, then I guess you need to change..Be interesting to know if your bulbs really need replaced. I thought VHO had a longer life?
This is jmho, but your tank does well with what you have. Old saying "don't fix what is not broken"....

 

[lookout888]

Scott I 100% agree with you, BUT I have only seen my tank under these bulbs. I am not sure if it is what I like ( if that makes sence). I am not sure about the vho life span. I know they provide most of the Blue spectrum. It is a shame it cost so much or I would not mind trying a few diffrent ones.

Mike

 

[gobyone]

Mike
I tried 10 k xm but too yellow for my eye so went to 14 k hammy
which I liked real well. Now I am trying 20 k xm also pleased with the color. Also using 3 uri 6 ft. superactinic and 1 6ft 50/50 wht.
Good luck
Rick

 

[stevemc]

I use 2 - 250 XM 20k, 1 - 175 XM 20k- I used to have a 175 10 K XM, and didnt really like the yellowness of a 10 K in with 20K, so put in the 20K, plus 4 110 watt actinic VHO and like the looks. You shouldnt have a problem putting in another 10K bulb in place, but the corals may change color slightly, maybe brighter colors, maybe not at all.