USHIO 15K or XM 15K

[jgb23]

I am getting ready to replace my MH bulbs. From a price perspective, I really like the Ushio and the XM bulbs. Anybody have any pointers on these bulbs? Good, Bad, etc?

Thanks,

Joe

[King-Kong]

I have the Ushio 14k -- i'd consider it a 10k bulb.

I'd also consider the Ushio 10k as something with a lot of yellow still in it.

Appearantly the Ushio 14k actually has more output than the 10k, so I dont understand that.

[jgb23]

any other takers?

[MasiisaM22]

I have not used the bulbs that you listed. What type of look are you going for?

[yamaha racer]

if u want a nice blue color get a phenix 14k, but thats only for DE, but i heared that the 15k XM has really low par
check this out
the phenix is the second bulb from the left
http://www.cvreefers.org/v/CVR_members/whodah/FullTankShots/FullTankShots_240G/fulltankshot.jpg.html?g2_imageViewsIndex=1

[jgb23]

What is DE?

[hahnmeister]

double ended bulb

[theatrus]

Hamilton 14k is the closest analog of the Phoenix in single ended. Well maybe not THE closest (thats for the Aquaconnect 14k), but the Aquaconnect is basically impossible to find.

[sparks56]

10 k ushio in NO WAY YELLOW ! imo:lol:

[King-Kong]

It's in no way a 10k bulb, however. I have run both, and the 10k without actinic supplements is more yellow than it is white, to me.

The 14k stands as a good 10k crisp bulb.

[Saldarya]

I am currently running an XM 15K bulb. Very nice color, not to blue, very soft and subtle. That being said, the par is on the low side. Growth may be slower, but that is in trade for a nice color.
Just my opinion. Here is a pic of my 30g with the 15K bulb, imagine it a lil less blue, I'm still tryin got figure out the white balance on the camera.

Bobby

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v643/Rudro1/CIMG2066.jpg

[jgb23]

So the hamilton 14K has higher PAR? Is it the better bulb to go with?

[raynist]

Try the Iwasaki 15k

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2005/12/review/view

This bulb blew the others away in this test.

--Ray

[hahnmeister]

Those are 175watt bulbs though... 250s and 400s are a different story usually. For instance, the hamilton IMO blows in its 250watt de version, but in its 400watt version... its one of the best 400watt bulbs made.

[jgb23]

I am running 175s on my tank now.

[mdt178]

which ballast?

[jgb23]

Electronic, Hamilton's I believe