MH bulb recommendation...

[wally]

What brand do you guys recommend for MH DE bulbs. I am going to buy 250W 20k, but there are a few companies and I'm not sure who to go with.

Thanks in advance,


Wally

 

[hud3339]

I have a 250w DE also and I run a phoenix 14k and I love it

Edit: I have a 250w DE also and I run a phoenix 14k and I love it

 

[wally]

I was told Phoenix is the way to go from the guy I bought the light from. Wondering if others have tried any other brands. All the LFSs carry Coralife I wondering how those are and XMs and Hamilton's.

I truly support my LFSs, but prices for bulbs online cannot be beat. I'll have money left from my tank allowance to buy corals if I buy bulbs online. Any sites to recommend?


Wally

 

[schwaggs]

14K Phoenix here. I tried a 10K originally but did not like the color of the coral under 10k. I would love to try a 20K but am afraid they won't provide enough par for my system. The 14K Phoenix on magnetic ballasts (over driven) penetrate to the bottom of my 30" deep tank well enough to have LPS on the substrate.

 

[pufferchris]

20k ushios or 20k radiums are my choice love the blue hue

 

[itsamyheff]

20 k radiums all the way for me.

 

[lilrobb]

For the price of 3 Radium bulbs you might as well go LED...

 

[rbredding]

I like the Radium lamps as well.. 20K


I have also seen XM lamps, and I like their color too..

 

[landon]

Do XM bulbs really make a difference..

 

[skriz]

Wally;682863 wrote: I was told Phoenix is the way to go from the guy I bought the light from. Wondering if others have tried any other brands. All the LFSs carry Coralife I wondering how those are and XMs and Hamilton's.

I truly support my LFSs, but prices for bulbs online cannot be beat. I'll have money left from my tank allowance to buy corals if I buy bulbs online. Any sites to recommend?


Wally

Get a quality German made lamp. Ushio & Radium are my top choices. Phoenix is a good lamp. XM's are very inconsistent; decent colour when you're lucky.

If you're considering Coralife, save some money and install a potato in place of the lamp. You'll have a better lamp that way.

 

[itsamyheff]

If you're considering Coralife, save some money and install a potato in place of the lamp. You'll have a better lamp that way.[/QUOTE]
To Funny. But true. I ran xms before going back to the radiums. The light were uneven, brighter on one side than the other.

 

[tgray3]

I really like the Ushio 20K. I have them mounted 18" over a 21" deep tank and have no problem keeping LPS and encrusting monties in the lower 1/3 of the tank. Never checked the PAR numbers though.

I tried the Phoenix but they weren't blue enough for my tastes.

Radium doesn't make a 250w DE bulb to my knowledge. Only 150.

 

[mph84]

tgray3;682942 wrote: I really like the Ushio 20K. I have them mounted 18" over a 21" deep tank and have no problem keeping LPS and encrusting monties in the lower 1/3 of the tank. Never checked the PAR numbers though.

I tried the Phoenix but they weren't blue enough for my tastes.

Radium doesn't make a 250w DE bulb to my knowledge. Only 150.

i don't think they make a 20k 150 either... I had phoenix 14ks in my old 150's and liked them a lot. I run single ended 250's now with radium 20ks AWESOME is all I have to say about them!!

 

[wally]

Thanks for everyone's advice. Probably gonna go with Ushio. Right now I am not using the MHs on my tank since one bulb is out and the other is past it's time. I am FOWLR until I get these dang bulbs. I should be buying them this week and look forward to being able to coral shop.

Thanks again...You guys Rock!


Wally