Favorite 150 watt DE bulb

[reefer1024]

I need some help choosing my first metal halide bulb. The light will be a 150watt DE in an aquamedic pendant with a magnetic ballast over a 12" cube with no actinic supplementation. Im not really concerned about PAR because I will have 20 watts per gallon.:D I want a blueish bulb that makes the corals fluoresce without washing out the colors that dont fluoresce. I have seen some 20k bulbs that look really good I have also seen others that wash out all the contrast. I have seen some 14k that look good and some that look to yellow. What brands are your favorites as far as looks go? Help is much appreciated im a metal halide noob. Feel free to post some pictures.

Thanks for your help:bum:

[reefer1024]

here are some of the bulbs im looking at
http://206.188.205.168/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=437

[reefer1024]

Come on folks dont keep your lighting secrets to yourself. Sharing is caring:beer:

[TwistedTiger]

Phoenix 14k or the xm 20k. I've used the phoenix and it's a great bulb, xm also makes some nice bulbs that bring out good color.

[reefer1024]

yay somebody answered me. Thanx twistedtiger. After reading through 7 million post and looking at a bunch of spectral charts i have narrowed my decision to 3 finalist. drum roll............................. ..................... .......................................... .........................

1. Iwasaki 50000k
2. Phoenix 14k
3. Radium 20k

please place your vote.

[grundig5]

The Pheonix is a nice bulb but can definately wash out colors. Mine looked very blue and not much else.

[TwistedTiger]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10549181#post10549181 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by grundig5
The Pheonix is a nice bulb but can definately wash out colors. Mine looked very blue and not much else.
I had pretty good luck with the phoenix, but if he is looking for a blue bulb I would be mighty tempted to try the XM, I've seen some great color on tanks using the XM 20k.

[MeuserReef]

I have (2) 150W Phoenix MH bulbs on my 30 gallon and I LOVE them. I have been reading, however that the PHX dont have a really good spike in the 420nm range, giving me the impression that they DO need to have supplemental actinics.

[DarG]

Iwasaki 50000K . My favorite bulb. Best on magnetic HQI ballast.

[reefer1024]

thanks grundig. I noticed when looking at spectral charts that the phoenix made a whole bunch of blue light and very little light in the 420nm spectrum (purple). Thats the spectrum of actinic lighting that causes most corals to fluoresce. Does this mean corals dont glow under the phoenix bulb? The other 2 bulbs put out alot more light around 420nm. Then again there are like a bajillion people who think the phoenix is the greatest bulb ever. What do i know?

Im leaning toward the radium 20k or the iwasaki 50k (radium has more PAR). Anyone use one of these without actinics? Anyone got pictures? What would you pick out of those 2?

thanks for your help

[reefer1024]

MeuserReef and DarG you guys snuck your post in wile i was replying to Grundig. What you say confirms what i have been reading. thanks for your help.

TwistedTiger i checked out the XM and it has really low PAR compared to the others but i have will not rule it out especially if it looks better.

[DarG]

The Iwsaki has a good deal more output in the actinic range. That nice, broad spike at 420 and below is visible in the spectrum. The Iwasaki doesnt appear the typical 450 - 470 nm blue. It's got much more of an actinic/blue appearance. The difference in par between the Radium and Iwasaki is not very signifigant. If I were using electronic ballasts, I might pass on the Iwasaki without alos using supplemental floruescent lighting. But with magnetic HQI ballasts, it's on par (I couldnt help myself) with the blue bulbs you are looking at. It's a unique bulb, not the typical monotone blue. A much richer look in my opinion with good actinic output.

If you go with it, give it the full 100 hour burn-in time.

[reefer1024]

"it's on par":lol: :rollface: :lol:

[GSMguy]

ushio 20k corals glow colors are awsome, compared to the pheonix that is monochromatic. and less par.

the 50k i have not used

[reefer1024]

I think DarG has sold me on the Iwasaki 50k but i would like to hear a few more opinions before i plop down $80 on a light bulb. Anyone know were to buy this bulb cheaper? thanks for your help everyone.

[DarG]

80 bucks is high. In think you can find it for around 70 bucks most places.

It's in the lower 60 buck range at Coral reef ecosystems. Coralreefecosystems dot com.

Tell Steve that Des sent you :)

[reefer1024]

dank you sir