Twin Arc Metal Halide Bulb?

[Aquatron]

Is anyone using or has used a twin arc MH bulb I see they have 8k/10k plus others? Feedback is welcome

 

[AcroporAddict]

I have seen these, and know they gave been around for several years, but you never hear them discussed, which would lead me to believe they are not all that popular, vs Radiums, which are always talked about and recommended.

 

[Aquatron]

I hear you BUT no bad reviews also...lol

 

[AcroporAddict]

I hear you BUT no bad reviews also...lol

True, but no real positives speaks as well. They just seem to be there, hehehe!:lol:

 

[sirreal63]

I have been looking at those with a quizzical eye for a few years now. I can see the benefit over a very large and tall tank where you may need the maximum punch, like a public aquarium, but for most hobby level tanks, it seems unnecessary. I have hoped to see some kind of testing or at least viewing with my own eyes, but to date have not. If I need more power, I up the par instead of the wattage whenever possible.

 

[Tweaked]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it thought they switched between each arc prolonging bulb life. Both are not not at the same time.

 

[AcroporAddict]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it thought they switched between each arc prolonging bulb life. Both are not not at the same time.

You are correct....they alternate arc tubes with each cycle. They don't burn simultaneously, although that would be cool if you could do that for a midday sun effect for an hour or so!

 

[Aquatron]

Talk about a sick in the head reefer I just bought a dual Cebu fixture with plans to run a LED fixture on each side. So after several months of LED research it was time to buy my LEDs................So what LEDs did I get? None I ended up buying (2) 400 watt ReefBrite pendants so while I run Radium's in my Cebu was thinking of running TWIN ARC bulbs in the pendants
Still want to run some leds but now afraid I will buy more MHs....lol :headwally:

 

[sirreal63]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it thought they switched between each arc prolonging bulb life. Both are not not at the same time.

Right you are, I was thinking of the fixtures that housed two SE bulbs side by side. I just looked for them briefly but did not see them. I wasn't even thinking in the ReefBrite direction. They are another one I have not seen in person,mor read much about.

 

[JohnV8r]

The guy who runs Melev's Reef uses and recommends the Reefbrite Twin-Arc 10/20K. His reef tank does pretty well...or appears to.

I just ordered two 250W 10/20K bulbs for my mixed reef and will report back after a few months. I have a display that is 30" tall (full dimensions below). I have long wanted the growth of 10K with the aesthetics of 20K. I have been reluctant to make the move to full led and this may be the magic bullet for me. I can't believe I had not heard of these before.

I'm really looking forward to giving these a try. I'll report back in a few months.

 

[ct_vol]

I have a pair of 20/20's that were given to me to try. Haven't gotten around to it yet, but it's in the plans...

 

[shifty51008]

so with twin arc bulbs are they supposed to last twice as long or does the heat from one arc still limit the lifespan of the other arc?

I do like the idea of haveing a 10/20k bulb so you get the best of both worlds though, be weird seeing it switch everyday though.