MH bulb preference

[dodger745]

What do you use if you have halides? I'm running 250w 20k. It's time to change bulbs so I'm seeing what opinions are out there

 

[Tennsquire]

I ran AB 10Ks for years (althought they're supposedly more like 13-14K), but they're butt expensive. I've had Pheonix 14ks on an old frag tank, and am switching over to them at my next bulb change (which will be soon).

 

[dodger745]

I ran AB 10Ks for years (althought they're supposedly more like 13-14K), but they're butt expensive. I've had Pheonix 14ks on an old frag tank, and am switching over to them at my next bulb change (which will be soon).

Yeah I've heard lots about the phoenix bulbs. Any experience with xm bulbs?

 

[Rob.D]

When I ran MH my bulb of choice was the Phoenix.

 

[fishdoc11]

SE or DE and what type of ballast are you driving them with?

 

[dodger745]

DE hqi. It's an aquamedic fixture.

 

[Dowtish]

Phoenix are a good option at 14k.

 

[bknapp]

I've ran both the XM 15K and Phoenix 14K and liked them both. I've got an old (used around 7 months) XM 15K DE you can try out if you'd like before you purchase, you could also look at my tank that is running the Phoenix 14K right now.

 

[dodger745]

I've ran both the XM 15K and Phoenix 14K and liked them both. I've got an old (used around 7 months) XM 15K DE you can try out if you'd like before you purchase, you could also look at my tank that is running the Phoenix 14K right now.

Cool deal! I have the aquamedic aqualine 20k right now and I don't use any actinic when the halides are on. I like the colors but I just can't spend $140 per bulb! Lol

 

[Dowtish]

Are you kidding me? is that really what they cost per bulb?

 

[dodger745]

Are you kidding me? is that really what they cost per bulb?

Everything I've seen yes. Lol I bought my fixture used and it had those bulbs in it already. They need to be changed so I've been trying to make a decision. I have no clue why the aqualine bulbs are so much

 

[fishdoc11]

I have never run DE personally but from what I have seen Phoenix 14 K would be my choice as well. Looks like they are $50 each at Premium Aquatics.

 

[vetteman]

Phoenix are a good option at 14k.

What I'm using... Only 150 W

 

[dodger745]

What I'm using... Only 150 W

Do you find that even with the 14k you still get a blue look to your tank?

 

[solar]

I loved the phoenix 14k bulb on my old tank. It was a good balance of blue and white.
Im actually thinking about selling my leds and going mh/t5

 

[Dowtish]

I personally would have to run some blue T5's with 14k MH to get it to the color I like.

 

[dodger745]

I personally would have to run some blue T5's with 14k MH to get it to the color I like.

Kinda what my thoughts were. That's why I like the 20k. That way I don't have my actinics on at the same time as the main lights. Saves a small amount of energy. Lately I've done everything I can energy wise to try and get my electric bill back to normal lol

 

[Dowtish]

As my 2 400watt 20k Radiums come on to accompany the 4 ATI 54watt T5's....I just always remind myself that I didint get into this hobby to save money...obviously.

I got into this hobby to grow big beautiful corals. Just putting that out there.

 

[dodger745]

As my 2 400watt 20k Radiums come on to accompany the 4 ATI 54watt T5's....I just always remind myself that I didint get into this hobby to save money...obviously.

I got into this hobby to grow big beautiful corals. Just putting that out there.

Lol I agree with you. Between my halides and return/skimmer pumps I'm using a good amount of energy each month. I can only imagine the 400w halides