which bulb help?

[cbcostanza]

I am going to start using a 250watt HQI for my lighting. I am trying to decide which color bulb to use and which bulb. I am not concerned about par value since my tank is so shallow, but I am concerned about visual appeal! I was wondering if anyone could give me their opinion and maybe some pics of your tanks with different bulbs from 14k to 20k? Thanks

Chris

 

[itZme]

Wow Chris... 250w for the 15g? If you get that too close to the surface you will have heat issues for sure. There is THIS THREAD in the lighting section of RC that has color comparison pictures. I really like the look of the color from the Phoenix 14k 250w bulbs. Lots of people like the Hamilton but I think they are a bit too white for my tastes. I have been using 20,000K but decided to get 14,000K when I bought my new bulbs.

It's mostly personal tastes that help you choose. The one good thing about a 250W MH pendant is that you can upgrade your tank and not have to upgrade the lighting. There are 70W, 100W and 150W MH that may be better suited to your needs and use significantly less electricity (which I know is not cheap up there)

Just my 2 cents... hope it helps.

-- Kevin

 

[Caryliss]

I had a 250W HQI pendant over a 15 gallon for a while (had a spare tank in the closet . . . and a spare light . . . hey, let's set up another tank!). Heat wasn't a problem as long as I kept the light a bit higher off the tank. I also had a clip on fan blowing across the surface of the water (open top).

As to brand of bulb, I had a Hamilton 14K first, now have a Phoenix 14K. I think I slightly preferred the Hamilton but I have always preferred a whiter light. Either is a good choice. I borrowed a 20K briefly to try it out and felt that it was too blue and dark.

My bulb choice was affected by the location of the tank as well--in my home office/computer room. It felt odd working in a room with 20K lighting. The 10K was actually quite pleasant in the middle of a dark Cleveland winter. 14K is tolerably blue.

 

[cbcostanza]

Do you happen to have a pic of this tank?

 

[Caryliss]

No, the 15 g has since been upgraded to a 29g (with the same lighting). The 15 now holds a pair of seahorses waiting for the 125g. I'll see if I can get a photo of the 29 g with the Phoenix bulb for you.