Aquamaxx MH bulbs.

[E.intheC]

Does anyone use (or have you used in the past) this light bulb?

http://www.marinedepot.com/250_Watt_14000K_Metal_Halide_Bulb_AquaMaxx_Mogul_Base_250_Watt_Single_Ended_Metal_Halide_Light_Bulbs-AquaMaxx-MB4616-FILTBUMHSETW-MB6616-vi.html

[superman100]

I actually bought 2 250w de. They are suppose to be 14k, but look more like 20k. I actually had them next to a phoenix 14k 150w. The 150w was brighter IMO.

[stanlalee]

I use the 150w version now and am very happy with the both color and output (not that I have a PAR meter just based on previous bulbs). I replaced 20k ushio's and I agree these could be considered a 20k bulb (no more so then phoenix 14k) but the aquamaxx are hands down better looking lamps then phoenix. If you are considering phoenix, radiums and these have NO reservations getting these. I cant say these will match those two on a PAR meter but the eye-o-meter says they are a match for the ushio and radiums in coloration, better than phoenix and have decent enough output. they arent dim at all compared to typical 150w 20k bulbs.

[E.intheC]

thanks for the input. I'm looking for a crisp white with some blue look, if that makes sense. stanlalee, from your description it sounds like the aquamaxx will be fine PAR wise because I don't need to be growing SPS at the bottom of my aquarium so I don't need super strong bulbs. I liked the phoenix but thought they were too blue. A bit too monochrome. I also am a bit leery of the 20,000K bulbs being 'too dim' looking, although I do like the Radium 20,000K. (They're an expensive bulb though)

[moondoggy4]

I have a magnetic Hamilton dual 175 and the bulb only lasted 3 months not good on mech ballast need electronic ballast.

[E.intheC]

VERY good to know, thanks. Jeeesh, who would have thought picking a pair of MH bulbs would be this tough??

[moondoggy4]

Marine Depot gave me credit on the bulb so I got a XM 10k 175 bulb. I like this bulb very much,crisp white.