MH light bulbs

[william1]

I wanted to have a poll on this but what the heck. I wanted to know what everyone is using for MH bulbs (brand and k rating). I am going to get some MH soon as was wondering what everyone uses. I really think I want 20K's on my tank I like the color. So come on give it to me already!

 

[derek_s]

Well, I just ordered a 400W Reeflux 12k after seeing Ankur's tank. You will swear it's a 20k. I currently have an 250W Oddesea 14K, but it is very yellow and IMO ugly.

 

[flyingarmy]

I have had experience with EVC 400W 10ks, great PAR and growth but too yellow IMHO. I just picked up 2 Blue Life SPS 14Ks, I'll let you know once I get them up and running this weekend.

 

[skriz]

Ushio 14k and XM 20K

The xm are dim compared to 10 & 14K bulbs. I haven't seen or used the reeflux, but have heard they're great.

I think the best bulb on the market (SE) is the ushio 14K if you can supplement BLUE, not actinic, but blue.

 

[glxtrix]

I run Iwasaki 15K 175W SE's They are whitish with hints of blue. Really great growth for a 175W, but thats also because they pack a mean PAR rating. If I had the money to do something different, I'd prolly go with the 400W Reeflux 12K with the coralvue ballast. Amazing color and nice growth.

 

[haninja]

Lee, what ballasts are you using?

 

[william1]

Come on only four people with MH I know you guys are out there! Come on!

 

[schwaggs]

Phoenix 14K DE 250W. Good Par and I like the color.

 

[purplegorilla]

What colors are you looking for? I have PHoenix 14k 250w..They look blue, so if you are after the blueish color I would recommend them.

 

[roland jacques]

i like the looks of the reeflux 12k on a magntic ballast, it seem to be the best MH only light IMO. but you almost have to use the 400 watt-er to have the same PAR as the 175 Iwasaki 15K

 

[william1]

What seems to be the best 400 watt bulb for 20K? With really good par. My tank is about 22" deep its a 90 gallon but I want 800 plus watts. Crazy I know but I just cant stop thinking of that color it would be and I could have anything I wanted in there.

 

[william1]

I would do t5's but it seems that the retro kits are 139$ roughly for 2 48" (54 watts each doesnt seem like much) I have two 265 watt pc's now and I want more watts. I know I can configar a bulb combination for the color I'm looking for but the shimmer off the MH would be nice on my corals.

 

[william1]

I did not know that! Im still new to the whole lighting thing. So if I went withhttp://www.aquabuys.com/miva/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=cur_t5ho_retro_48&Category_Code=d1a&Product_Count=22
4 of these sets so there is 8 bulbs that would be more light or (better light) than my 2 PC's?

 

[william1]

 

[victor626nj]

will this is much better and only like a few dollars more after you buys bulbs trust me it is what i use

 

[william1]

Hey Victor what do you think about this. Its got 8 lamps t5 ho?

 

[chicagoman_35]

ushio 10K

i have a couple 250w ballasts f/s, pm me if interested...

 

[jaustin]

I run Iwasaki 15K 175W SE's They are whitish with hints of blue

me too, I have two of them.