Which 250de to buy for 20 hex w/out actinic supplement

[joreef]

Well the title pretty tells all. I dont have room for actinics on my 20 hex and am looking for a bulb that has a nice blue tint to it but also is pretty bright. I don't really like dark look that some 20k's give of but I would like a bulb that would maximize the color of my corals which are mostly lps and softys such as echinos, acans, rics and zoo's with a few monty's and a few acros which I currently keep towards the top. All input will be greatly apreaciated and so will links to the product if you have them...pictures would be great to if you have them.
Thanks,
JoJo

 

[Entropy]

http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=MB6664 should do it for you.

 

[joreef]

Thanks entropy I have heard alot of good things about the pheonix 14k. Anybody have any input on the aqualine 20k or xm 20k's?

 

[joreef]

I was considering purchasing this unit http://www.hellolights.com/ocli25hqiame.html
and the only choices it comes with are the xm bulbs at no additional charge or the aqualines for an extra $25

 

[scbauer]

I second the 14,000K Pheonix... I would, however, suggest an HQI ballast.

I run my bulb on a 250W E-ballast and it is a little more blue than I would like. A true HQI ballast will overdrive the bulb and make it a crisp white with a hint of blue. On the other hand, if you're looking for the blue (actinic) look, an e-ballast may give you what you want on this bulb.

-Scott

 

[-=DieselDave=-]

Hey Jojo,
I would recommend the
"Reef Optix 3"
The reflectors are the one of the best and the build quality is excellent.
Iââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢m looking at bulbs now as well and the one that interests me is the Ushio/BLV 250w DE 14ââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢k the output is that of the 10k BLVs that I currently run. Our tanks are different mine being mostly SPS with a hand full of every thing else. To bad I did not get to see your tank when I was over on Thursday night.
Good luck,
David

 

[Don Berry]

I think either the AB 20k or the Phoenix 14K are good choices. The AB bulb is going to burn a little bluer than the Phoenix, but the Phoenix has more intensity. I would say the Phoenix burns white with just a little blue on an HQI ballast.

 

[manderx]

i'd say it depends on what kind of ballast you want. the AB 20K is a prettier bulb than the p14, though you gotta run it on HQI or else it looks purple. despite what the numbers say, i've seen it grow just as well as the p14. the p14 is brighter(on paper) but it is more monochromatic than the AB, and it looks much better on icecap than on HQI in my opinion.

on a 20, you have intensity to spare. don't worry one bit about numbers on paper.

 

[scbauer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6564164#post6564164 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by -=DieselDave=-
Hey Jojo,
I would recommend the
"Reef Optix 3"
The reflectors are the one of the best and the build quality is excellent.
Iââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢m looking at bulbs now as well and the one that interests me is the Ushio/BLV 250w DE 14ââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢k the output is that of the 10k BLVs that I currently run. Our tanks are different mine being mostly SPS with a hand full of every thing else. To bad I did not get to see your tank when I was over on Thursday night.
Good luck,
David

Again, I have to agree. That huge fixture you're looking at only has a tiny reflector inside. I would go with the SLS ROIII+. You can't go wrong with that reflector/pendant.

-Scott

 

[joreef]

Ya I think I am going to go with this one.......
http://oceanencounter.com/Merchant2...de=OE&Product_Code=2HMHS599&Category_Code=MHS
The reef optix is an option upgrade that is free. Now the question is wich bulb looks best with the evc ballast?