MH bulb for COLOR only

[H@rry]

I have SPS tanks and I am not at all interested in growth. I want COLOR! Tell me your experience with 400W SE MH bulbs for COLOR only!

Thanx

 

[Spiderwoman]

I've used 400W Radium 20k and the color was beautiful. Even added actinic support with true blue and reef blue bulbs. The only problem with Radium's is that they last maybe 6mo and then the color starts changing. I actually now love the bulbs I have, which is EVC 14k with actinics. Also tested AquaConnect, but didn't have good luck getting bulbs to me. I only have 1 bulb of those.

 

[H@rry]

I forgot to mention, I also have VHO actinics.

 

[SaraB]

I too love the color from the 20K Radium bulb!

 

[Werdlone]

I heard the 400watt 20K XM bulbs are excellent. I use 250watt HQI personally, but have seen some nice tanks with 400 20K XM bulbs!

 

[Hypertek99]

If you want color then go Radium 20k

 

[Hypertek99]

Haha i forgot this was a poll. I was like how in the world does this thread keep going to the top of the page??

 

[cee]

Kinda depends on what types of coral and what colors you're trying to enhance. Reds in particular tend to color better under lower Kelvin spectrums, IME. However, I agree that Radiums are a great bulb choice and reds should come out well for you if they're under 400 W bulbs. However, for the best color, you're going to want HQI ballasts with those 400 watter Radiums.

 

[EliteReefs]

slap a 400 radium on a meanetic pulse start 220 ballast and your going to be in heaven.
(this is the ballast type they are made to run on)
that is all i run and have ran for more then 7 years. i try new kinds every now and then but nothing makes the corals look better then the above mentioned combo IMO

 

[Dace]

If you go with de, Try The icecap 400w De 20k. they rock

 

[TJ15]

For color, definitely go with Hamilton 400 watt 14K. Especially if you have VHO bulbs already. Great combo.

 

[Neon Reef]

IMO, the best combo for color is Galaxy electronic ballasts running 250k Radiums with Lumenmax Elite reflectors.

 

[jjmcat]

I have been running Blueline bulbs for the past 2 years with no actinics.I would think if you already have vho supplements then most bulbs in the 14k to 20k range would work.When I first stated this hobby I ran 5500k hamiltons with 4 vho actinic bulbs and loved the color and growth.

 

[MikeB]

Where is the 12k Selection. IMO the best color

 

[jjmcat]

Where is the 12k Selection. IMO the best color

How many different 12K bulbs are even out there?I thought there was only 1.Than again I have never see a SE 13k before.

 

[MikeB]

Reflux makes a 12k

 

[jjmcat]

Reflux makes a 12k

I think that's the only one.

 

[H@rry]

IMO, the best combo for color is Galaxy electronic ballasts running 250k Radiums with Lumenmax Elite reflectors.

250K Radiums?

 

[ss7]

Keep in mind that many of the bulb recommendations come from users using 250W systems. There is a significant difference in the appearance of these bulbs when compared to 400W ballasts.

I have used ushios, radiums, and XMs on 400W.. all 20k, as well as 12k reeflux. I have been most pleased with the radium. I am not convinced the bulbs caused the coral to color up, however, I have seen corals moved from lower kelvin systems appear much more contrasted and colorful under higher kelvin bulbs.

I currently run systems with 20k rad and actinic supplimentation and am well pleased.

SS

 

[Dejavu]

Also keep in mind that each bulb will look different depending on the ballast they are being run on. Bulb/ballast combination is key.