250 MH bulbs

[rayn]

im lost as usual on bulbs. I try reading and searching and learning about bulbs, but a lot of threads get into personal preference quick. I suppose that's what I'm asking here, but more in reference to my specific tank.

120 5'*18"*24" tall. Running dual MH bulbs on dimmable drivers. Can be 250-400. Not planning sps at this time. I would be able to supplement with a dual T5 fixture as well.

What would be a good combination of bulbs?

 

[bobman]

Single end or double end bulbs? For single end I always like the radiums 14-18K and ushio for double ended bulbs same color spectrum

 

[rayn]

Single end. Thanks!

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

I had twin Ushio 10000K single end metal halide bulbs in my old tank. They performed very well, in my recollection.

 

[hybridazn]

Single end or double end bulbs? For single end I always like the radiums 14-18K and ushio for double ended bulbs same color spectrum

The 250w radium only comes in 20k.

 

[rayn]

The 250w radium only comes in 20k.

That's what I found after a quick search. Seems everyone likes the color from it though.

 

[Akida17th]

Phoenix 14k was my favorite but I had a Giesemann fixture t5 combo so not just MH

 

[hybridazn]

That's what I found after a quick search. Seems everyone likes the color from it though.

It's what I run over my 180, I love them. A nice crisp blue, not overpowering like some other 20k bulbs. Imo the best 250w bulb on the market, as long as you have the proper ballast for it

 

[rayn]

It's what I run over my 180, I love them. A nice crisp blue, not overpowering like some other 20k bulbs. Imo the best 250w bulb on the market, as long as you have the proper ballast for it

Elaborate please on the proper ballast please.

 

[hybridazn]

The 250w radium is built to run on a m80 magnetic ballast which is 330w. But it will also be effective on a hqi electronic ballast which is 274w

 

[rayn]

I have lumetek electronic ballast that go from 250 to 400 plain or hqi. These work?

 

[hybridazn]

Yes if they have the hqi setting it will work

 

[ClearRain]

I run 250w phoenix 14000k and I love it. Show pics to guys at work and they asked how a 14000k looked that blue.