20k bulb for best SPS growth

[fishfanatic06]

What do guys think is the best 20k hqi bulb for sps growth? I am leaning towards Helios 20k or XM 20k. I can't afford Radiums though.
Thanks!:)

[drouner]

What wattage?

[Medicine Man]

I have 20k Radiums and have switched them out for the Helios 400 watt bulbs. I didn't really care for the XM 20k personally. The PAR on the Helios 400 watt 20k are actually higher than the Radiums.

[fishfanatic06]

I have a 2x150 watt hqi fixture. How is the color with the helios?

[Atomikk]

Isn't that an oxymoron?

[OranguTang]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11475222#post11475222 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Medicine Man
I have 20k Radiums and have switched them out for the Helios 400 watt bulbs. I didn't really care for the XM 20k personally. The PAR on the Helios 400 watt 20k are actually higher than the Radiums.

You prefer the Helios? It is also a cheaper bulb. I have the XM and I like the color, how does the Helios compare?

[Medicine Man]

The 20k 400 watt Helios bulbs are closer to a 14K Phoenix 250 watt only brighter. Crisp white with blue accent. The colors from my SPS under this bulb are amazing. I'm also using lumenarc III reflectors which I feel makes a world of difference. The XM bulb was more blue than "crisp white" in my setup.

Just FYI, according to Sanjays website the 400 watt 20k helios has more par than a 400 watt radium as well.