Top rated 14K 150W Metal Halide

[drosen]

Looking to replace my bulbs on my reef tank, need opinions on the best or favorite 150 watt 14K metal Halide bulbs. Any advice would be appriciated.

 

[staninct]

I like the Phoenix. For the price, you can't beat the color and bulb life. If money is no object, look into the Giesemann PowerChrome bulbs, they are beautiful.

 

[drosen]

I thought the PowerChrome was a T5 bulb. Is there a MH version? Where can that be found? Thanks.

 

[drosen]

Anyone had experience with the Current PowerPak 14K bulbs?

 

[picassoman]

Probs worth it to spend more and get the phoenix. Current make some decent stuff though. My 14K coralife was a terrible color so stay away. SE or DE?

 

[Fig]

I've ran the Current 14k,Phoenix 14k and the Iwasaki 50k (between 14-20k really) The Phoenix still was the best. Color,price and par are all great with that bulb.

 

[drosen]

DE on HQI M81 ballast - Curent light fixture

 

[aquadog11]

Out of trying many bulbs through the years.
Phoenix is it!

 

[LesMartin]

Giesemann MH bulb is called 'Megachrome'. !2500K version is Megachrome 'Marine'. 14500K version is Megachrome 'Coral'.

 

[gcarroll]

I have tried many and I continue to rank them:

#1 Radium 20k
#2 Iwasaki 50k

Although I am still waiting to try the Iwasaki 20k which is supposed to be bluer and brighter than the 50K

 

[scottyh]

Are you running the 72" orbit with 8 39 watt T-5 and 3 150 MH?

That is what I have and I am currently using 12K Reeflux which has beem great.

I am also going to be replacing bulbs soon and would like recomendations on the 39W t-5

 

[drosen]

Yes, I have the outer orbit fixture with the T5s, not the PCs. I want a little more color pop and to be frank even with the 150MH I am getting huge growth. I was worried at first that I would need 250s or even 400s. But everything seems to be happy - except that all the new growth is whiter.

 

[Garage1217]

Most do not get it that a 150w 10K usually has more par than a 250w 20K.

I did a lot of research on output as I was going to go with a dual 250W outer orbit with xm20K's. I was just as happy with phoenix bulbs so I compared the output of a 150w phoenix to a 250w xm20K and the phoenix actually had better par & I still loved the color "I do like the xm a tad better"

So overall, going to dual 150W phoenix bulbs was the smart decision for me, and will definitly show on my power bill.

 

[drosen]

Thank you all for the input - I have found it helpful and appreciated. Last thing, anyone ever tested the SPS bulbs?

thanks

 

[scottyh]

How high is your fixture from the water? Also have you ever had to replace any T-5 ballasts?

I have already replaced 2 and now have to replace 2 more.

 

[markandkristen]

im running the phoenix on my viper and love it my 12 gallon is running awesome and the colors are getting better everyday..

another good bulb is the radium 20k

 

[drosen]

Fixture is on the legs - so like 5 - 6 " from the water surface. My unit was cracked in shipping and I got great support of a free MH and T5 ballast. I did not need to change out the MH ballast or the T5 - turns out one of the bulbs was bad. I have had the unit for almost 1 year and its been rock solid.

 

[DarG]

Unless the 150 watt Outer orbits now come with external magnetic ballasts, the ballast is an internal electronic, not an M81.

Regardless ... Iwasaki 50000K.

 

[Garage1217]

All 150W orbit & outer orbit models except the 16.5" come with internal ballast.