mh poll which one?

[demonboy369]

I have a 29g and a 250w DE fixture and a magnetic ballast. I like a blue color. which bulb is better for color and growth.

I want it to look clean, bluish, and corals to shine yet I want good growth... remember the tank is 18 inches deep and sps will start about 10-12 inches from surface.

there are no supplements.

if you choose other please explain with experience of at least 1 of the choices.

[das75]

Here's my comments just added to this thread (http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1686347)

Couple of days ago installed the 14K Phoenix and finding a little blue, even considering was trying out 20K XM for a couple of months prior.
14K Ushio I find yellow but the Hamilton 14K I like the best (nice crisp white, touch of blue).

As for growth figure the Ushio and Hamilton similiar, didn't really run the 20K long enough to fairly comment and just put in the Phoenix but would imagine real world, all 14K about the same.

Never tried the Helios or EVC 20K but if anything like the XM, for my tastes would think to much blue (almost purple).

[reef_doug]

I've tried different bulbs and always go back to the Phoenix 14k with my IceCaps. The Phoenix should look even better on a Magnetic ballast.

[demonboy369]

any more opinions?