What 175w MH bulb

dwdenny

New member
I was wondering what everyone is running for their tanks? Iw as looking at possibly the new Iwasaki 15kk. I was also looking at the EVC 14kk or possibly the Hamilton 14kk. I like a blue look but not the tidy bowl blue look. If at all possible I would like to run just MH but if I have too I would run VHO super actinics.

Doug
 
The Iwasaki 14k has more of a 10k but it has some great par ratings. I am running the EVC 14k and the blueline 10K+. The blueline has more of a blue look than the EVC. I can't really say anything about par with those 2 bulbs but i am getting pretty good growth with both bulbs. Someone else should be able to chime in with some other info. Ben
Oh yeah those bulbs are on my 40 breeder. I am running 250's on the 46 bow.
 
Ben thanks for the comment. I know the Iwasaki has great numbers and from pic it looks pretty white just a tad of blue color. I was looking at the EVC 14k because I read that it does a good job in making the colors pop. I would like to get good growth but I want color more. If it is a little slow that is fine. Search for EVC 14k pics as well as hamilton 14k
 
I have been using the Hamilton 14k 250 watt, it has an Icy blue/white light, I also suppliment it with a 110w actinic white and a 110w super actinic 03. If you look at my pics in the gallery it does not show to be real blue at all. With out the VHO it is bluer but not a deep blue.
 
Azurel those are some great looking pics. I know people say the more the better but on a 40g breeder I think 175w will be more then plenty. I am going to go with one for now then if I need to add another I will but I want lower light levels on the sides for some mushrooms that my wife likes. Thanks for the advice. I dont think I can go to worng with any of the bulbs above just wanting some experience from those that might have used them.

Thanks again
Doug
 
The lights I have are on a 40g long.....I think you would be good togo with which ever you chose.
 
i got one of the iwasaki aqua2 bulbs to try out. i have it set up over a 30g (36x12x16), same as a 20g high but longer. this is just a temporary set up before i move though, which is why i only got one to try out.

one thing is for sure, the bulb is VERY bright. I cant imagine the bulb by itself though, without actinic supplementation. i am supplementing with 220w of super actinic URI VHO.

if you like zoas/lps stuff that gives off a good flouresence, you might not be too pleased with the color results from your corals with this bulb by itself. it is less than flattering for most of my zoas.

the XM 10k is much more yellow. i cant see any yellow from the iwasaki, it is pure white. although, after i put it in, it definitely showed off any diatoms/algae on the glass and other areas.

i'm sure the people who love the white look, and not the "bluer" looks, would love this bulb (i.e. sps people, or people with deep tanks). i kinda favor the more blue looks myself, but not too much blue as that tends to wash out alot of color.

very impressive bulb though. i look forward to seeing growth/color results in a month or so. hopefully it will make the sps go crazy.

its all personal preference. you just gota try stuff to see if you like it. then when you find something you like, just stick with it.
 
That is why I am leaning toward the EVC or the Hammi at this point. I would like to keep from running actinics unless I fell that I need to. Will have to try different bulbs and see what I like.
 
the icecap rep said that iwasaki was bringing out a 20k version (175w) sometime this spring, early summer. who knows what that means as far as actual date its coming out.

but if its as bright as the aqua2, and judging by how white the aqua2 is, i hope its no bluer than the XM15k. that will be the bulb i'll be most interested in having.

but again, its really personal preference. i'm sure people run XM10k's, with no actinics, and *think* their zoas look great. :mixed:
 
Yeah I know what you mean. I am looking at running the EVC tech 14kk they have a little more PAR then the hamilton 14kk but little bluer as well. If I dont like it I will switch to something else. Hey never know that Iwasaki 20k might be out by then. lol
 
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