Geissmann MegaChrome 250W HQI

[Waxxiemann]

Anyone use these? I'm looking at the 14500K bulbs. Are they worth the extra $$? I really like the Geissmann t5 bulbs I have.

Thanks for any opinions.

Cheers.

[Waxxiemann]

Here is a link BTW:

http://www.jlaquatics.com/phpstore/store_pages/details/bulbs.php?product_ID=lb-hg2514

[JonTarutis]

I run the Blue (20k) and have run the 12.5k in the past. I think they are well worth the extra $$$... well built and dependable. When fired on a magnetic balllast (SLS BW7) the 20k is a bright blue... not dim like some of the other 20k's and needs no supplementation. The 12.5 was a bright (and I mean BRIGHT) white... little too harsh for my eyes though!
Good luck!
Jon

[Ayanami]

I have a pair. They seem just a little brighter than a 20k. I like them alot.

[whatcaneyedo]

I'm using a 20K right now and I think its a little too blue for what I like. The next bulbs I buy will be the 14500K.

[Andy O]

I have been using the 14500K with my two Nova II and have been very happy with their performance and look. All of my corals seem to be healthy and growing very well. I will definitely buy them again when it is time to replace.

[Fliger]

I personally think the 14.5K bulbs (I think they're called Coral) are my favorite 250W bulb. They are very white, with just a touch of blue. My Eco 230 came standard with the 13K and they were too yellow so I switched them out and LOVE them. Lately I've been running the BLV/Ushio 14K and I'm finding them to be just a bit too yellow - will switch back to 14.5K soon.

HTH!

[whatcaneyedo]

I know what you mean about the 13K. Too yellow, it didnt bring as much color out of the corals that I like to keep. However my squamosa clam almost looked green under them so it wasnt all bad.

[Waxxiemann]

Could it be that you are running a tar style ballast? I heard that they can make some lamps look more yellow? What do I know though.

[Waxxiemann]

I was thinking of running then on the Blue Wave IV electronic ballast from Sunlight Supply. I am having trouble deciding on a ballast.

[Fliger]

I've always run HQI ballasts. To my knowledge HQI and e-ballasts are the only ones that will fire DE bulbs. But yeah - generally HQI will make the same bulb more bright/lower kelvin than e-ballasts.

I guess the most important questions are -

What are your tank dims?
What do you plan on keeping?
Do you like blue or white lighting?
Will you run fluorescent?

[Waxxiemann]

Tank is a standard 90 (48"X18"X24"Deep)
I want to keep SPS and clams
I like White with a tint of blue
I am running 2X54 watt 48" t5 HO's 1 20K and one Actinic Blue.

[Waxxiemann]

Currently with just the t5's the tank is WAY more blue than I like.

[Fliger]

I think you'd be very happy with the 14.5K Corals if the price doesn't scare you off. They look great with blue T5's. I think there are other bulbs that might work just as well but I've tried a lot and always go back to that 14.5K bulb. I would also recommend you get the BlueWave 7, they really are designed to work with HQI ballasts. But thats personal preference, there are other advantages to e-ballasts.

Sounds like a nice set-up!

[Waxxiemann]

Fliger, thanks for the help (thank you everyone)! I think I'll try and go with the Blue Wave VII. Seems like a perfect match. I'll post up some pics when I get it going.

Cheers.