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rkizer06140
01/22/2007, 12:13 AM
i have been all over the net and forum and cant come to a conclusion . i have 175x2 m57 . and i need new bulbs . i currently run two 20k reef grow bulbs. i want a goob bulb with good par readings, i also like the blue look so i need somethign with good colors.. any suggestions would be great!!

starmanres
01/22/2007, 12:53 AM
I use www.Hellolights.com and I would look in the 15,000-20,000K range for that Blue Look. I use XM's but keep in mind that they fade VERY quickly at the 12 month time frame. You really have to date the bulbs and change them annually. You'll pay about $60 a bulb plus S&H.

HTH

Robert

jobob
01/22/2007, 01:25 AM
I run XM 10k, but with actinic sup. But honestly, you dont really notice the actinics are on. The XMs are a little yellowish in the beginning, but after a month they burn into a nice crip white. I love them. I wouldnt recommended XM's 15k they are horrible with their PAR numbers. Im not sure about 20k, I think the PAR mite be a little higher.

AZDesertRat
01/22/2007, 08:55 AM
I have been very happy with my XM 10k bulbs but am going to try Reeflux 12k this time for a bit more blue color. I also supplement with VHO actinics.

JRod
01/22/2007, 09:54 AM
If you want blue you need to stay in the 15K or higher spectrum.

You could always run Radiums on an HQI ballast which will give you a nice blue, but at $80 a bulb and 6 month life span, not for me.

If you want the PAR, XM 10K are great but as mentioned the white is really there. If you want the blue, heavy actinic supplement as I do and many others do.

The PAR on pretty much all 15k - 20k bulbs sucks, so its either blue or white, slow growth or fast growth.

rkizer06140
01/22/2007, 11:09 AM
what about the hamilton 14k bulb. any users of this bulb. is the par rating ok?

michaeldaly
01/22/2007, 11:11 AM
The BLV 14000K bulbs are also very nice.

GSMguy
01/22/2007, 11:34 AM
no iwasaki 14k huge par

scumonkey
01/22/2007, 12:05 PM
check out this page.....it might help you decide?!
I use XM 10 k's - from Hello Lights - LOVE THEM!!
http://chrismorris.ca/250wcolour/Colourtest2.swf

frederickk
01/22/2007, 08:11 PM
I'm using them (hamilton 14k bulb) on 3 x 250w. I loved them very clear not too blue. Intensity is very good.

4everwet
01/22/2007, 08:32 PM
Frederickk- Are you using electronic ballast?

frederickk
01/22/2007, 08:53 PM
Yes I am on the three of them.