Halide bulbs... brand specific?

[CThomas609]

I recently spoke to an aquarium expert who frequents the store I am employed at (you have heard of him, and probably own one of his books, but I dont want to mention names because I doubt he wants to be associated with "brand bashing") about replacing halide bulbs. He felt that Coralife halide bulbs were horrible and lost effectiveness within a couple months. I have the 150 watt Coralife halide pendants, and was wondering if anyone knows if another brand bulb will fit? Help is appreciated.

[outy]

any 150 bulb with same socket [mogul based ect] should work

[theatrus]

Since they're 150W bulbs, they're probably HQI double ended, so any bulb should work.

In mogul based bulbs you need to worry about Pulse or Probe start, but not in DE.

[CThomas609]

I know that they are HQI. Thanks for the help guys. Any suggestions on good brands and/or placed to buy?

[theatrus]

Depends on what look you're going for. Phoenix 14k bulbs are the current favorite in the "somewhat-blue" department.