Best Metal Halide Bulb?

[chefer]

I AM SURE THIS QUESTION HAS BEEN ASKED BEFORE BUT WHAT IS EVERYBODY'S FAVORITE. THE TANK OF THE MONTH USES REFLUX BULBS AND I BOUGHT SOME BULBS OFF OF EBAY 10 AND 12 K FOR 40 BUCKS A PIECE THEY WERE WORKING GREAT AT 1ST AND SEEMED TO TAKE A DOWNFALL. WHAT IS THE MOST BANG FOR THE BUCK? ANY TAKERS? THANKS MIKE

[Johnsteph10]

Please don't type in all caps. :)

What kelvin (color) are you looking for? What wattage? How many? Supplemental lighting? What is in your reef?

[chefer]

Sorry the button was stuck on caps and really wasn't concerned about it but appreciate the response. I would like 10k-12 k bulbs like I bought they have a nice color to them. I want good coral growth and presentation. Can't believe nobody else has any ressponse to this. I figured people would chime in on their favorite bulb. Thanks for looking Mike

[chefer]

Sorry forgot to mention that I have 3 250w bulbs which says in my profile down and would like to be able to put what I want for corals in my tank. Mike

[chaseracing]

Here is my experience:

Coralife 10K - Very White. Smaller bulbs which is a nice benefit if heat is an issue. Not great for color.

Hamilton 14K - VERY blue. Darker. Not so bright but very good for color. They have a warm dark blue color to them. Actinics make the water more purple than blue.

XM 10K - Bright white. Large bulbs and great for growth. These had a very high par rating when used with ARO ballasts. I like these but they had a tendency to make the water look like it had a green tint. Maybe they made the floating matter in the water stand out more than others.

Reeflux 10K - These are my favorites. Light blue in color. Great for waking up the colors in the coral. Bright bulbs with good coloration.


Maybe your bulbs are older than you think?????


-=E=-

[chefer]

I aways write the date on the bulb thread when I put them in so I know. I have used xm bulbs sunburst bulbs and a few others I can't remember but I have not use ham or iwaski bulks because I think they are way over priced and everyone seems to be getting results from the "chinese" bulbs. Thanks

[Rouselb]

I run aqualine 10k's and supplement with 4 T5's actinic plus. You might want to go for a bluer color if you dont have anything to supplement.

[chefer]

bump

[AquaReeferMan]

I like and use XM 15k's not sure if thats what you are looking for but I think they are wonderful. Nice mix of white and blue.

[fishysteve]

I use Ushio 10K. Very white and I get the colors and growth that I want.

[AMIFL]

I got some phoenix 14k DE 150w and love them. They have great output and a bluish tint.

[clutch]

phoenix 14k DE 250 watt also and luv them

[samherston]

I also have 3 250K bulbs and I have 2 20K radiums and a 10K reeflux bulb and WOW... I have EXCELLENT growth and color!!

[kysard1]

I honestly don't know why anyone would run anything but a 175W Iwasaki 14k and an electronic ballast.

You can't match its output in the >14k class with anything under 400 watts.

[mike888705]

Right now I'm using the 400 watt 12k coralvue bulb love the color has a nice blue tint to them. The next one I'm going to try is the coralvue 12k reeflux.

[frederickk]

I really like the Hamilton 14K I feel it's giving a rich colour.