Which would you prefer?

I like the helios better. But I think you should try the reeflux again. I know your thoughts on the bulb but I think its the perfect compromise between 10-20k. And trust me they are not always pink. You might need to switch to E-Ballast though.
 
I like the crisp white look of the top pic personally. But either way, always inspired by your system blue/white or otherwise. :)
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9715220#post9715220 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by prodman
I like the helios better. But I think you should try the reeflux again. I know your thoughts on the bulb but I think its the perfect compromise between 10-20k. And trust me they are not always pink. You might need to switch to E-Ballast though.

I agree with you on that, I would say that those are my two favorite bulbs its gotta be the 12k Reeflux on Electronic ballast and the 20K Helios on the HQIs.

So you still out in Napa? got any nice pieces? hit me up its been a while.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9715220#post9715220 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by prodman
I like the helios better. But I think you should try the reeflux again. I know your thoughts on the bulb but I think its the perfect compromise between 10-20k. And trust me they are not always pink. You might need to switch to E-Ballast though.

I agree with you on that, I would say that those are my two favorite bulbs its gotta be the 12k Reeflux on Electronic ballast and the 20K Helios on the HQIs.

So you still out in Napa? got any nice pieces? hit me up its been a while.

Later Paul!
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9715220#post9715220 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by prodman
I like the helios better. But I think you should try the reeflux again. I know your thoughts on the bulb but I think its the perfect compromise between 10-20k. And trust me they are not always pink. You might need to switch to E-Ballast though.

I agree with you on that, I would say that those are my two favorite bulbs its gotta be the 12k Reeflux on Electronic ballast and the 20K Helios on the HQIs.

So you still out in Napa? got any nice pieces? hit me up its been a while.

Later Paul!
 
Its close the 20k is alittle to blue for me. I have right now a Phoenix 14K on left and Ushio on right. I personally like Phoenix\

Picture004-1.jpg
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Yeah, that looks pretty "white" compared to my phoenix......unless its my monitor or pics.......its amazing how much the bulb will change by the type of ballast from tank to tank......perhaps it was the flash that is making the difference....

In comparison:
9.jpg


On my monitor and with the exposure this is what mine looks like.....even though I have Actinic.....they don't add "that" much to it. Older pic, probably have seen it already.

This is in the making for a good tank show and tell thread......but with an theme......:)
 
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Not sure if I could get away with the Reeflux 10k without adding actinics (which I don't want to do). Plus, they're too well known as a 'funny' bulb:p

I guess I'm still trying to find the right standalone bulb between 10k and 20k. I love how the 20k just makes contrasting colors explode.

Here's how the Orenji looked under the Ushio:
orenji.jpg


Under the Helios, the Orenji just looks insane:
orenji1.jpg


On the flipside, my blue pieces have become background noise.

Here's the Icefire under the Ushio:
icefire.jpg


Now, it's hardly visible with the Helios:
icefire.jpg
 
all of you have beautiful tanks! :D

kdblove_99 what size is your tank? I like the Phoenix better on your tank. what is your front to back deminsion?
 
karl, looks like you've got some good growth regardless :).
i do like the look of the ushio14k vs the helios20k but lighting is so subjective. i've noticed i switch bulbs/spectrums about every year just to try something different :(. (ushio10k, xm10k, ac14k, xm20k, iridius20k, reeflux12k)
 
I'm likely going to stick with the Helios. It's incredibly bright for a 20k. Plus, it helps keep the nuisance algae in check.

Not sure what I'm going to do in 6 months. Kim was telling me about her Solaris today. I'd eventually like to try out the 400W/equivalent version.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9735953#post9735953 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Unarce
I'm likely going to stick with the Helios. It's incredibly bright for a 20k. Plus, it helps keep the nuisance algae in check.


I have notice that I have seen more algae since my switch to the pheonix 14k. I wish it would just go away.
 
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