input on de 250w halide bulbs

patrick · Mar 31, 2011

I have a outer orbits halide/t5 fixture. I recently replaced the t5s with a bulb combo of,
Front to back,
ati blue plus
ati blue plus
kz fiji purple
ati blue plus
I have been running 2 20k de xm bulbs and hated the color of them from the start but ran them for life span.
My question is I would like to go with a 14k bulb. Thinking of either a phoenix or a ushio.
What are peoples thoughts on the two? I'm trying to get a little more growth and still maintain nice color.
Here is where it gets a little complicating.
The fixture sits about 4 inch above the water level and because of that I have been hesitate in the past to run anything but 20k bulbs in fear that anything else would fry my corals. What are you guys opinion on the matter?
Tia,
Patrick
Another thought I have is to run 22k giesmann megachrome bulbs and switch a few t5s to daylight bulbs. Problem being is I really cant find a review on the color of the megachromes to even see if its a good Idea.

patent · Mar 31, 2011

It might help to know what kind of corals are you working with, and how deep is the tank?

jdreef · Mar 31, 2011

I have 250 watt hqi's 14k on my 220 but are Hamaltons and I love them also I love the giesmann T-5 creates a great color combo... Good Luck

ashton · Mar 31, 2011

I run 14k Phoenix and I've ran the Ushio 14 & 20k but by far I prefer the Phoenixs. They are a good mix of White & Blue so you get a real nice coloration. My corals also seem to respond better to the phoenixs.

secretreefer · Mar 31, 2011

+1 for phoenix 14k 250w DE. that's the only bulb i'll ever run!

patrick · Mar 31, 2011

Sorry forgot dementions doh! 36"wide 18"f2b and 24 deep. I have a mixed reef with most lps on the bottom and sticks middle to top. I'll load a pic a little later of the tank so you get the idea.

patent · Mar 31, 2011

Can you raise the lights? It does sound like alot of light to me. At that height and tank depth it could be a bit much at first, going to newer and lower K bulbs all at once, but if you could raise it a bit for awhile and then lower it back down when the corals get used to it, it might work fine. Maybe get one bulb and try it before getting both, use it on whichever end you think could take the light the best.