What's you favorite bulb to use?

[nbd13]

Well it's time to replace my MH bulbs, so far i have been using Hamilton 14k DE. I am happy with the color that i am getting, but the growth is not ideal. This is for my 275 gallon SPS tank, that's why i am posting here.

So i need some reccomendations on a 14k DE bulb.

I have been considering 14k pheonix, but some people on here said they have had problem with color with these bulbs, then other have reported excellent color.

I have also been considering the BLV 14k, but i hear that is a more white color.

I am like the color that the Hamiltons are, it's very pleasing to my eyes. I want something very close the the color that the Hamiltons give off, but want to try somethign different. Maybe something that will help with growth alittle more...

anyway any suggestions guys?

oh BTW i have ROIIIs now, but am switching them to the new LumenMax 3 from Sunlight Supply as soon as they come out. I am running Bluewave 7 HQI ballast....

so give me some pros/cons to the bulbs i should consider.

i also have 4 VHOs (03s) and am trying to figure out how i can squeeze 3-4 more VHOs or T5s in the already cramped canopy, haha...

anyway just want to try something different, but keep close to the same color on my acros, just boost the PAR to get better growth.

thanks guys!

Nick

 

[twon8]

aren't lumenmas se reflectors?
if so i would go with aquaconnect 14ks.
great bulb with great color and great par.

 

[Ti]

go phoenix

 

[nbd13]

twon8- sunlight supply is coming out with DE versions...go to their forum here on reefcentral to read about them, supposed to be out very soon.

Ti- any reasons why?

thanks

Nick

 

[clkwrk]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7148779#post7148779 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Ti
go phoenix

This is my reason why

I get awesome color and growth.

 

[nbd13]

What are you supplementing with?

thanks

Nick

 

[clkwrk]

what do you mean?

If you are talking actinic? Thats 2x95 super actinic vho which only do good when all the halides are off. It makes no difference at all while the halides are on.

 

[nbd13]

That's what i mean any actinic supplementation...

i may try the pheonix, not many other options out there...

Nick

 

[Harlequinreef]

I went from 14k single end 250 watt hamilton to 250 watt DE 14k phoenix and i love them. Brighter, but still enough blue, at least for me. No actinic supplements

 

[prodman]

If you like the color of the hamilton then you wont like the blv14k. I say switch to the pheonix you will be happy. My friend just switched from hamilton to pheonix and its been a good thing for her.

 

[nbd13]

prodman- what does she think about the color she is getting from her coral after the switch?

thanks

Nick

 

[prodman]

Check this out http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=820928 this is her tank

 

[Purple Haze]

Pheonix

 

[nbd13]

Thanks guys i decided i will try pheonix out!

clkwrk- so you think these bulbs have about a 8-10 month life span?

thanks

Nick

 

[clkwrk]

Yes 8-10 month max. After that there fine for softies ect but not sps .

 

[marine_freak]

clkwrk...... Uh very nice.......fragging any stuff in the future??? Oh I would also go with Pheonix....