Time for new MH bulbs

[oz]

I think it's time for new MH bulbs for my fixture.

I have the Aquamedic 72" 5MH fixture running 3 x 250's and 2 x 150's with the 150s on for a couple hours before and after the 250's. 150s - 5hrs a day and the 250s - 6 hours a day. 150s have a blue tint.

Fixture: http://www.aqua-medic.com/oceanlight_metal_halide.shtml">http://www.aqua-medic.com/oceanlight_metal_halide.shtml</a>

I have been reading the Phoenix bulbs are really nice but since I haven't bought bulbs, I was curious what you guys would run.

 

[james s_]

I am using a Phoenix 14k in my 250 watt aquamedic fixture. I love it.

 

[ralph atl]

I like 13k-14k myself with a little added blue from another source like your 150's or my T-5 actinics.

 

[sailfish]

I 2nd this for 250 watt double ended this is all I will ever run unless radium starts to make one. They do make a 150 watt version.

46bfinga;235234 wrote: I am using a Phoenix 14k in my 250 watt aquamedic fixture. I love it.

Joe

 

[mockery]

i love my phoenix 14k

 

[raisingtwo2006]

phenix 14ks here- will never use another kind. The blue color is beautiful. We ran 20ks until this replacement cycle and we could not believe the difference.

 

[johnr2604]

+5 on the phoenix. great bulb

 

[oz]

Seems to confirm my plan, Phoenix all the way.

Now how do you know when it's time to replace your bulbs? yellow tint? Is that it?

Right now I have no yellow tint but the bulbs are definitely over 8 monts old now.