Another "Which Bulb?" Thread...

[Joe Knows Reefs]

It's almost time to change bulbs on my Hamilton 2x250w Single Ended MH fixture. It also has 2x110w VHO which I just changed out last month (UV Super Actinics)

The ballast will not push Radium 20K bulbs as those would probably have been my first choice...

It's a 75g SPS dominated tank, with some LPS and zoas

The current bulbs are Ushio 14K and they're ok, but I know there is a better combo.bulb out there...

I've considered Hamilton 20K and Phoenix 14K. I'd like nice colors coupled with decent growth. Suggestions?

 

[Joe Knows Reefs]

Anyone?? Bueller...Bueller....

 

[Paul_N]

Are you looking for more of a deep blue or an icy blue look to it?

Since you said Radiums would have been your first choice, I'll assume a deeper blue look. You might try XM20k. The Phoenix will give an icy blue look which is a little more white.

 

[Joe Knows Reefs]

Are you looking for more of a deep blue or an icy blue look to it?

Since you said Radiums would have been your first choice, I'll assume a deeper blue look. You might try XM20k. The Phoenix will give an icy blue look which is a little more white.

Thank you! I might try the XMs...

Anyone with Hamilton bulb experience?

 

[Paul_N]

I am in the same boat right now. I used Phoenix DE 14k 250w and have since switched my setup to single ended bulbs so I am using the Reeflux 20k but they are more icy blue similar to the Phoenix 14k. I am going to try the xm 20k when I have to switch these out. I would like the Radiums also but not real crazy about the $90 price per bulb. I saw mention somewhere that the aquamaxx 14k hit the same spectrum as the Radiums so that might be a great option also since they sell for $60 per bulb.

 

[Anthony Calfo]

shallow water sps or deeper water or garden mix? Gotta reckon the needs of the animals before you pick or we advise on a bulb

Also...are you looking more for color or growth?

 

[Joe Knows Reefs]

Garden mix I guess...a 75g with SPS in the top half and various LPS and polyps in the bottom half...I'd like a good combo of color and growth

 

[Dasani]

I just got some Iwasaki 15k, i'm still aclimating but they look great. I will be running them full power in a couple of days. They are supposed to last atleast a year. Right now I am really happy with them. Perfect color. I was going to get some t5s to go with them but I like them the way they are. Mine are 175 watt on a Hamilton ballast.

 

[Joe Knows Reefs]

I'm thinking XM 20k or Hamilton 20K....anyone else?

 

[RogerWilco357]

XM 20K Bulbs no doubt about it they are A great bulb at A fraction of the other price ..I like em ...

 

[Anthony Calfo]

a 20k K will be way too blue if you want any measure of shallow water corals. Now if the tank featured large button Palys and Mussids (Acans, Blastos, etc) then I'd be all for it (Scolys, Cynarina and many Fungiids too).

If you want max options for a mixed reef, you'll need to lean as far towards 10k K as you can. Supplemental actinic blues are absolutely not needed, though do add them for aesthetics if you like.

I'm inclined to say +1 for the Iwasaki 15k K for the coolest bulb req

 

[iReefer]

I will say XM 20k,

 

[Joe Knows Reefs]

a 20k K will be way too blue if you want any measure of shallow water corals. Now if the tank featured large button Palys and Mussids (Acans, Blastos, etc) then I'd be all for it (Scolys, Cynarina and many Fungiids too).

If you want max options for a mixed reef, you'll need to lean as far towards 10k K as you can. Supplemental actinic blues are absolutely not needed, though do add them for aesthetics if you like.

I'm inclined to say +1 for the Iwasaki 15k K for the coolest bulb req

I'm a bit confused by your comment - the bottom half of my tank has only polyps, acans, and other LPS already.... does that mean no 20K or yes 20K ??

 

[crazydays]

I bounce back and forth between XM14K and XM20K (i think is the best bulb for the price), I run 4 400w halides 4 t5ho and 2 6ft VHO all over my 500gal. im getting ready to buy new bulbs again myself... i really like the crisp blue look... i due supplement with vho's( to add white) and 4 t5ho (all blue)
Im still up in the air whether to get 20k or 14k....decisions..lol