need new bulbs

[daughertyja]

ok here is the question. i have a coralife mh light fixture that has 2 250w hqi bulbs are these ballasts true hqi? and i now have 2 xm 10 bulbs that need changes but was looking into the reeflux 12k or 15k or a xm 15k bulb which gives the best color and par values. i also run 2 pc lights for suplimental lights. any suggestions on a couple good bulbs.

[grigsy]

Reeflux bulbs have terrible PAR ratings.

My suggestion - get a a couple of 250 watt HQI bulbs from Phoenix, Hamilton or Ushio - all 3 of those are top of the line MH bulbs and have good color.

I have had good results using each of those.

[Michigan Mike]

They are electronic hqi ballasts like ANSI 138 , its pulse start and xm and other pulse start bulbs will fire up fine. Not true M80 HQI PROBE START like you want... You can replace it with a reeflex cube m80 ballast.

I'm in the same spot kinda, I have a outer orbit 150w hqi with internal electronic hqi ballast. It fires up the current brand bulbs well and my XM 15k. But someday I'd want a m81 ballast so I can run radiums and Phoenix double ended bulbs at the true wattage.
I like the look of XM15k but it has low PAR.

[daughertyja]

As far as i know these ones are magnetic. The are the big square box ones. One for each light. Never tore one apart but really not shure. I just ordered the phoenix 14k. Ill try them out

[Michigan Mike]

Okay so do you have the aqualight pro with the very large box looking ballast or is it more slim and rectangular?

[Michigan Mike]

Never mind...I think I found what you have.
Phoenix 14k! Whoop whoop!
lol

After that little read I think I could switchover my internal e-ballast for a m81 and try Phoenix and radium 150s

[Mark 75g]

I have used the phoenix 14k ever since I started and love them. My coral show great color as well as my fish. No complaints

[daughertyja]

i did go with the phoenix 14k and the tanks looks great compared to the xm 10k that i did have thanks guys for the help