good 20k 250w DE bulb..

MarvinsReef · May 7, 2007

I'm in the market to get a 20k bulb for the tank.. I think the 14k Phoenix is just way too much for the tank considering it's only a 18" deep tank... I've enjoyed the 14k Phoenix for almost 6 months but I really think some of the corals are receiving way too much light so I'd like to tone it down a bit...

I also believe that using a 20k bulb will give more fluorescence to most zoas, micros, and lords... since those are the corals my tank will be built around, I thought I'd give them what they need..

I'm in the process of ordering the 20k Ushio's to try out.. I've also heard good things about 20k XM's so I might try that in 6 months or so...

anybody can give me any insight on those two bulbs mentioned or any other ones you guys have had good experience with.. pics of your tank and corals under those lighting would be greatly appreciated...

Thanks in advance..

twon8 · May 7, 2007

are you running a hqi ballast or electronic?

revhtree · May 7, 2007

I am running a 14k hamilton DE hqi and I am happy with the look.

MarvinsReef · May 7, 2007

here's what it says on the ballast...

pookstreet · May 7, 2007

I have used the Ushio 20K but only the 150W, not 250W. It was a bit too dim for me even using an HQI ballast. But it's always worth a try. Everyone's tastes are different.

Hope you aren't throwing that Phoenix bulb away. I might be interested if you want to sell it

mbunaman · May 7, 2007

Try the Helios 20K DE I think fragfarmer has them instock. Helios looks like a Radium single end bulb.

MarvinsReef · May 7, 2007

thanks for the input guys...

keep them coming...

chadfarmer · May 7, 2007

20k xm

if you were close i would let you borrow one

twon8 · May 8, 2007

id try a 12k reeflux

twon8 · May 8, 2007

or this one, pretty good price
http://www.aquacave.com/detail.aspx?ID=1040

ZooYorkUnderworld · May 8, 2007

I am running 150w ushio 20k, used to have phoenix 14k-honestly I wish I hadent switched! the ushio I have little to no growth-the color is ok, but I notice the corals just dont pop the way they used too...FWIW

ricordianut · May 8, 2007

use the the 20 k radium u will love u get good groth and aswome color

Hopkins · May 8, 2007

I have an Aqualine Buske 20k, and I'm thinking about switching to a Phoenix 14k. I just hope it has a nice blue color as I don't have any actinic.

da6d2003 · May 8, 2007

ricordianut said:
use the the 20 k radium u will love u get good groth and aswome color

Where do you get a 250w HQI/DE 20k radium bulb?

The Fragmaster · May 9, 2007

Realy? I use the 20k 250w Ushios now and I notice HUGE differences in color and growth for the BETTER.

Rickyrooz · Sep 24, 2009

Fragmaster, do you have pics?

Amici · Oct 1, 2009

Why dont you try out the EVC 20kk's? They are supposed to be the same as the helios lamps and I had some AMAZING results with that bulb. They are cheap too! Only $55.