70w HQI - bulb options

[jacksonpt]

I've got the 70w sunpod fixture over my 12g AP and it's getting time to replace the bulb. Are there options other than the 14k bulb that it came with? I'd like to try a 20k if I can find one.

Thanks.

[Illuminati]

I will probably order this one and keep the stock bulb as a spare when I setup my 12g:

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=20K-70HQI-AB&Category_Code=mh70-150


Also this 14K might be a little more blue than the stock 14K and is cheaper:

http://www.hamiltontechnology.com/shop/index.php?task=show&cat=70W+Metal+Halide+Replacement+Bulbs

Let us know what you go with and how it turns out, I'm sure with the recent sale of the 12g HQI Aquapods this is going to be a popular topic.

[InLimbo87]

I also just ordered the combo, and will most likely be putting the Sunpod over my Nanocube 12. What brand bulb comes with the light? How does it compare to other 70w HQI bulbs?

[Illuminati]

I imagine it's a current brand bulb as that's what came in my 20" Sunpod 150W fixture. It was way to white for my tastes and I think it was a 14K.

[jacksonpt]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11188849#post11188849 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by colinadam
I imagine it's a current brand bulb as that's what came in my 20" Sunpod 150W fixture. It was way to white for my tastes and I think it was a 14K.
It is a current bulb and I agree that it is very white. Did you replace it? If so, with what and how do you like it?

After some additional research, I've found a few 20k options, including XM and Ushio.

[Illuminati]

I replaced my 150W bulb with a Phoenix 14K and love it, still undecided on what 70W bulb I will get for this tank but it won't be the stock one. Leaning towards the Hamilton 14K.

[Rosseau]

I have an aquamedic 14K bulb on the way. I'll let you know how it goes. I think I should have gone for a 10K.

[InLimbo87]

Anyone know how well the stock bulb (14,000k powerpaq) performs?

[unbreakable]

interesting thread, i like the blue tint and was also looking for a bulb as well for my sunpod

[Telecaster]

Bulbs will be bluer since they'll be running on electronic ballasts. I prefer running bluer bulbs(14ks-20ks) on magnetic ballasts to run them harder and whiter.

[Eklikewhoa]

I really like the Astralux 14k, had a Ushio 14k before which was nice but more whitish compared to the Astralux.

[InLimbo87]

Just got the Sunpod fixture today and I must say the bulb is pretty white. Little too white for my tastes, but we'll see how the bulb really burns in. Here's a pic (obviously can't really tell from the pic).

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n18/InLimbo87/Nanocube%2012%20Gallon/111707FTSwFixture.jpg