Cheap Ebay metal halide bulbs

[wakeboarder2342]

Ok i have been looking for new bulbs for my 180 and came acrossed the cheap reefoptic bulbs on ebay. they are 30 dollars each and come in 175,250,400 with either 10k,14k or 20k spectrum.


Im never the one to cheap out on bulbs but i thought as a service to other reefcentral members i would give these a try. I bought the following

1- 400 watt 14k
1- 250 watt 10k
1 250 watt 20k



I will post pictures and give my opionon on these bulbs when they arrive. I wish i had a par meter to check the output butsince i dont we will have to go on look and growth.

anyone else done a similar test? i searched and heard a few negative commments but none that seemed to actually come from experiance, just people saying dont buy cheap bulbs! however i remember back when you couldnt buy a bulb for under 100 bucks and a 65 dollar bulb was considered the "cheap one"

[BurntOutReefer]

wow...those are cheap...sure they're not used...?

[1package]

I used some cheap $35 EBay bulbs and thought they were fine until I changed bulbs to a common brand and my SPS colored up a bunch afterwards.

If you have SPS, if your ballast will fire the CoralVue Reeflux, they are relatively inexpensive at the Reef Stop. Key - if your ballast will fire them.

Is it had not been for the SPS, I would not have noticed the difference in the EBay bulbs.

[wakeboarder2342]

Yep they are new, i spoke with the seller this morning, says he is uses them on his reef with great results,

100 dollars shipped for 2 250s and 1 400 watt bulb, cant beat that if they are decent!!

[wakeboarder2342]

Ya i have used the coralvue ones before, i actually have coralvue electronic ballasts.


i am more buying these for testing purposes to see if there is really a difference. i think i might put 1 side of the tank on these bulbs and the other on an xm or coralvue and see if can tell the difference, i will put the same corals under each for exact comparison

[wrassie86]

Ive been using the 250w 10k there alittle yellow but not bad, i think XM 10k's are yellower.so far i have no complaints.altho they are a pulse start bulbs.and i have probe start ballast.so i'm not sure if they would look different with a more compadible ballast

[tingram]

I got the 250W 20k's to replace my 14k Hamiltons and love them. I still supplement with VHo Acintics too, but boy what a difference. I am sure to buy again, especially for that price.

[wrassie86]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8105787#post8105787 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tingram
I got the 250W 20k's to replace my 14k Hamiltons and love them. I still supplement with VHo Acintics too, but boy what a difference. I am sure to buy again, especially for that price.

What kind of ballast are you running them on?

[tingram]

Using two Coralvue ballasts...

[AquaticDreams]

The better title for this is inexpensive bulbs. I Just got my second 175w 14k bulb. Color is great! I am replacing 2 bulbs that were 14k but the color was way off. These ReefOptics bulbs are a great deal. I run 2 -175w 14k and 2 110w vho's and everything is doing great. I have always used CoralLife bulbs but that came to a halt when I tested these.
I own my own aquarium company and I will order and use these bulbs in my customers fish tanks. I have great faith in them

[wakeboarder2342]

Glad to hear a few positives on these bulbs, if they can sell a decent bulb for 35 dollars shipped then i think this will drive the price of competing bulbs way down.

Just what the hobby needs, i have always found it interesting that you can buy a 5500k 250 watt bulb for 10 bucks but the bulbs that are useful for reefs were 6 times that at least. Goes to show that if something is for a hobby the price is a joke, i cant imagine it takes more materials or labor to make a 10k bulb vs a 5k one but i could be wrong!

[wrassie86]

I think it all comes down to how long they will last.I've tried sun aquatics bulbs before there about the same price.but they did not last very long at all.i got them replaced under warrenty, but only one out of 4 ever lasted.And since these are pulse start bulbs i'd have to wonder what the par levels are on a probe start ballast.i can say the 250w 10k bulbs are pretty bright.I had thoughts of picking up the 14K and 20k to try also.(heh 4 bulbs for price of 2 name brand)

[mrdc]

I bought the same reef optic bulbs from the same guy on ebay about a month ago. So far I am very happy with the looks and the price. I guess time will tell on how long they will last.

[92cg60]

The better title for this is inexpensive bulbs.

^^^Exactly
Just replaced my 175w 10k's with reefoptic 14k's and the difference is amazing. Within 24hrs my corals really responded to the new lights, not sure if it was mainly due to the change in spectrum or not but IMO these are excellent bulbs for the price.
My LFS wants $99 per bulb, so as long as this guy is around I'll be getting bulbs from him instead.

[arowanadream]

Thanks

[Lord.Wiggles]

yea, i just got 1 of the 14k reefoptics bulbs too, and its excellent. the color is amazing.
its definently an awsome bulb for the price

[Zephrant]

Pretty amazing how many people joined RC just to make a post on this thread....

Here is a short reminder- If someone has offered you anything (discount, product, etc) or if you are financially involved with the product at all, you are not allowed to promote it here on RC.

But welcome to the new members- I hope you chose to post in other threads as well.

Thanks for your help-

Zeph

[SaltyMember]

Pretty amazing how many people joined RC just to make a post on this thread....
I thought it was more than a little odd myself. :confused:

[92cg60]

I would never promote and/or support a product or service unless it truly deserved it...
And no, I'm not involved in any financial kickbacks or discounts in any way whatsoever. I've been lurking on another reef site (swf) for over a year, mainly using there search function until recently finding this one.
Thanks for the welcome... I plan to be here for awhile.:)

[wakeboarder2342]

Good point zephrant!! i didnt notice that!

However i have been here on reefcentral for years and i can provide an unbias opionon as soon as my bulbs arrive!!


stay tuned

[Muleball39]

How are the Bulbs working out for you?

[wakeboarder2342]

Ok i have had these bulbs up and goign for a bit now so i feel i can make a fair comparison! And no i have nothing to do with reefoptics or anyone else selling them, i just thought id provide an unbias opionion onthe bulbs

1- i purchased 10k,14k and 20k bulbs for testing in both 250 and 400 watts. I will post pics soon so everyone can see how they look, i want to give them another week or so to burn in.

So far i am very impressed with the bulbs, the 10k was a bit to yellow for my liking without actinic supplementation. the 20k was my favorite looking but the 14k is a nice inbetween that i think will provide the best growth with the all around nicest color. I am now running onmy system 2 20k 250s and 1 14k 400. If i was doing it again i would have gone the opposite and ran 1 400 20k and 2 14k 250s as i think the 14ks will have better growth.

i then moved teh 10k onto my frag tank and will keep you posted on how that works out.

so far i highly recommend them and for 35 bucks you cant beat them. they fire everytime perfecty on my coralvue electronic ballasts and look great!

[SaltyMember]

thanks for the update wakeboarder. I would love to see the pics.

[kdblove_99]

DO they have 250W double ended 14K bulbs?Couldnt find any?

[Muleball39]

When I look up ReefOptic Bulbs there is no matches. Do you know the name of the ebayer that sells them? Or the search were I can find them.

[wakeboarder2342]

You can email the guy i have been buying mine from here

whulljr@yahoo.com


Has provided great service, i have ordered twice now from him and he has shipped very quick and everything has arrived as planned.

he carries 175,250 and 400 watt in 10k,14, and 20k spectrum

[Copacetic]

Hey wakeboarder2342,
Thanks for doing this. Keep us posted :D I'm getting a MH setup very soon so it would be nice to get some lower costing bulbs that perform well. Cheers,
-Raz

[tygger]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8127533#post8127533 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SaltyMember
I thought it was more than a little odd myself. :confused:

Agreed.

But anyways, one of our local club guys has had great success with the inexpensive ebay bulbs. Not sure what vendor he went with, but we just put together a group buy for a bunch of these bulbs. I ordered two 250w 14k DE's for about $25 shipped! Figured it was worth a shot...

[gbr]

Any updates from anyone?

[lawdog]

Why go the Ebay route when for only $15 bucks more a bulb you can buy the EVC halides that OceanEncounter sells.... which are probably the highest rated par bulb on Sanjays light chart.

Just my 2 cents... Ebay is great for somethings and not so good for others. If they are working for you congrats...

[SaltyMember]

I actually use the EVC 14k bulbs normally and I like them. I wanted to check out a 20k bulb so I decided to give the ebay bulbs a try. I ordered a 20K SE bulb for $31.00 shipped from ebay earlier today. As others have mentioned, for the price they are worth checking out. I will try to post pics after burn in.

[gbr]

EVC 14K bulbs on an M58 ballast have a PAR of 55. The 20K bulbs have a PAR of 45. Those are no where near the highest rated PAR bulbs on Sanjay's charts. If you overdrive them with M80 ballasts you will get 84 and 67 respectively...lower than many others...and you will shorten their life.

The fact is. Someone in China is manufaturing these bulbs...the same place the EVC and half the other bulbs are made. Most likely in the same factory.

[KayaReef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8286722#post8286722 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by gbr
The fact is. Someone in China is manufaturing these bulbs...the same place the EVC and half the other bulbs are made. Most likely in the same factory.

Exactly!

[revenge53142]

Hey-
i'm new to the hobby and right now i only have a setup with PC
HOWEVER I find this thread very interesting because i have a 175w
pendant light I would like to use on a future 35Hex setup and i'm
researching what bulb to get
anyone out there care to explain to a newbie the difference between
pulse start & probe start????????
my pendant is an ESU so I'm sure i can figure out which ballast i have
Does it matter pulse vs. probe?

thanks for any feedback-Revenge

[Muleball39]

Mine should be in today and I will let everyone know how they are after burn in. LawDog some of us don't have the luxury of spending a lot of money on things but I will have to agree about everything being made over seas and an american company putting there stamp on it and raising the price 500%. I guess if you want to open a sweat shop and hire some kids for 10 cents and hour we might be able to get things cheaper.

[marcusbigdady]

I have been running the "cheap" 30.00 bulbs for over a year now and have had no problems and i have great color......

[TwistedTiger]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8224222#post8224222 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kdblove_99
DO they have 250W double ended 14K bulbs?Couldnt find any?
Looks like he may have some soon.

[SaltyMember]

Well, my 20k bulb came. Unfortunately the inner filament (?) was damaged. One of the metal pieces that attaches the inside tube was broken so it was "clinking" around loose in the outer glass tube. I called them up right away and was told to ship it back for replacement. So, my opinions on the bulb will be delayed but it is not off to a good start. It looks like I am going to be out $5.00 to ship the bulb back. So my $31 bulb has become a $36 dollar bulb now.

[wakeboarder2342]

But how is this different then any other bulb? i have had bulbs come damaged in the very same way that i paid 100 dollars for and i still had to send them back at my expense for replacment.

[Muleball39]

I have had mine for a couple weeks now and I really can't tell a difference in them from other bulbs. I guess time will tell depending on how long they last compared to other bulbs. But the color is great and the corals have really opened up. So far so good.

[SaltyMember]

But how is this different then any other bulb?
I'm not saying it is any different just letting you know what happened. But, yes it sucks to have to pay shipping to return any damaged item. And since it is a bargain bulb, it just makes it that much less of a bargain.

[Muleball39]

did you not get the insurance on your package? I would think that should cover that. But you take a chance with anything breakable when you ship.

[marcusbigdady]

i will post some growth pics later today

[wrassie86]

So who is gonna post a pic with the 14/20k lights only on there tank.This thread is kinda pointless with out.
I would of mine,but we all know what a slightly yellowish 10k light looks like:)
On another note i was thinking of running a few 14ks on a m80 ballast.be nice to know what actual color was first.

[marcusbigdady]

2-250 watt DE 10K only. Broken shot is on 8-5-06 and the other is today 10-14-06(2mths 9day growth) with the cheap e-bay bulbs http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/50923Picture_065__Custom_.jpg http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/50923acro_10-14-06__Custom_.jpg

[marcusbigdady]

i am running coralvue elect. ballasts, the shot today is with no lights on in the tank just the camera flash the other is the 10K bulbs, metal halide only i don't run anything else.

[wrassie86]

These bulbs come in DE also? i thought there was only SE.

[marcusbigdady]

I would like to see some growth shots from the peoople who use the high dollar bulbs, to see if i should change, are they really worth the money !!!!

[wrassie86]

Marcus
I went from 400w coralvue bulbs/ect to 250w reefoptics 10k i can say that my corals have devoloped way better colors and growth is great.i'm not sure my sps could grow any faster.But i do keep pretty good water quality.I dont think i could get much better results from a high dollar bulb.
but the question is, how long will these Bulbs last?Will they hold up for a year.I'm thinking probly not.When i first got them i put them side by side with the 400 watt coralvue bulbs.they looked idenical except for length, but 400 watt bulbs are longer anyway.
So far i think there pretty good bulbs,but not sure i'll use them much past the 6mos mark before i order more.

[SaltyMember]

So far i think there pretty good bulbs,but not sure i'll use them much past the 6mos mark before i order more.
Well, for the price you can afford to replace them every 6 months if you like them and still pay less than the cost of one of the more popular bulbs.

[wrassie86]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8345726#post8345726 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SaltyMember
Well, for the price you can afford to replace them every 6 months if you like them and still pay less than the cost of one of the more popular bulbs.

my thoughts also.but sure would be nice to have a meter to see how fast they drop off.Hmm maybe santa will bring me one:D
Also i would'nt dought it if there rolling out of the same China factories that make coralvue/Evc ect.But i could be wrong.

[mhj1580]

the ones that I had burnt up in three months (175W 20K, 14K) and when I put the caralvue 12K bulb in after that it was bluer than the 20K from them
here is there link and I would avoid them
http://cgi.ebay.com/175-W-Watt-20000K-Metal-Halide-Aquarium-Bulb-Lamp-Reef_W0QQitemZ120042317363QQihZ002QQcategoryZ46314QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[wrassie86]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8349218#post8349218 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mhj1580
the ones that I had burnt up in three months (175W 20K, 14K) and when I put the caralvue 12K bulb in after that it was bluer than the 20K from them
here is there link and I would avoid them
http://cgi.ebay.com/175-W-Watt-20000K-Metal-Halide-Aquarium-Bulb-Lamp-Reef_W0QQitemZ120042317363QQihZ002QQcategoryZ46314QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


Those are a different bulb (probe start) and by the looks and disription a "plus Lighting Bulb"Ive tried them a few years ago.and your right not a very good bulb

[john rochon]

having try'd a number of cheap lamps etc for a foew years I can tell you I won't again. reasons,,, you could buy 4 lamps and 1 or 2 might shift,fade or just look ugly from the start. you could get a decent lamps but I've seen many of them have issues.
yes most of these knock offs are made in probaly one or 2 different factorys [asian] and theres not much quality control.
you could keep changing them out every 6 months but that in itself would suck.
I stick with the VENTURE lamps and REEFLUX 12K's rock solid.
I did have 1 issue with 1 REEFLUX but it was handled instantly by PA.

[hounddog01]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8349218#post8349218 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mhj1580
the ones that I had burnt up in three months (175W 20K, 14K) and when I put the caralvue 12K bulb in after that it was bluer than the 20K from them
here is there link and I would avoid them
http://cgi.ebay.com/175-W-Watt-20000K-Metal-Halide-Aquarium-Bulb-Lamp-Reef_W0QQitemZ120042317363QQihZ002QQcategoryZ46314QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I just got 2 175 14000k of these bulbs. I have not setup my MH yet. I fired them and they look blue but you never know until they are over the tank. I am glad to see there is another bulb that is also reasonable priced. I also bought a electronic ballast from him. Anyone have any experence with it?

[mhj1580]

Well I hate to tell you about the bulbs but they shifted to green and had problems starting after a little over a month. As for the ballast I don’t know but would like if you would give us a review after you used them for a bit.

[hounddog01]

I will keep everyone up to date. I guess if they change color then I will be out a few bucks and learned a lesson. If everything else works out I will just change bulbs and start from there. I should have them installed in the next month and I will post again.

[TwistedTiger]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8341241#post8341241 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by wrassie86
These bulbs come in DE also? i thought there was only SE.
He is testing the DE's now, I'm not sure when they will be available.

[hounddog01]

I should have the lights installed this weekend.

[SaltyMember]

Well here's my update. The bulb is a PlusRite brand 20K bulb. I got my defective bulb replaced and installed it. Only the bulb looks like a 10K bulb. There is no blue in it whatsoever. I am running it on an EVC electronic ballast for 3 days now. It is stamped 20K on the bulb. I don't know what to think except that maybe it is mislabeled or another defective bulb. Any opinions on this?

[alde]

Wow, that stinks. I have been watching this thread with high hopes. Did you just get one bulb? Maybe it was mislabeled. I was thinking of trying their 14K's but may just go with a name brand even though they will cost much more. Ouch.

[marcusbigdady]

This is the light i have been using http://cgi.ebay.com/250W-Metal-Halide-Aquarium-Bulb-10K-or-20K-DE_W0QQitemZ7738874197QQcategoryZ46314QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[SuperNerd]

So...anymore pics??

[SaltyMember]

Did you just get one bulb? Maybe it was mislabeled. I was thinking of trying their 14K's but may just go with a name brand even though they will cost much more. Ouch.
Yes, I just got one bulb, but I am not going to bother sending this one back. I sent the first one back because the inner bulb filament was broken. I think maybe it is just a quality issue with this particular brand (Plus Rite). Maybe someone else has had better luck with them.

[alde]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8403360#post8403360 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by marcusbigdady
This is the light i have been using http://cgi.ebay.com/250W-Metal-Halide-Aquarium-Bulb-10K-or-20K-DE_W0QQitemZ7738874197QQcategoryZ46314QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

How do you like them? Did you get the 10K or 20K?

[TwistedTiger]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8403897#post8403897 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SaltyMember
Yes, I just got one bulb, but I am not going to bother sending this one back. I sent the first one back because the inner bulb filament was broken. I think maybe it is just a quality issue with this particular brand (Plus Rite). Maybe someone else has had better luck with them.
Which dealer did you get the bulbs from?

[marcusbigdady]

I have nothing but GOOD things to say about the bulbs,I posted growth pics on page 2, would have been better but just got my cal. reactor in check.......

[alde]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8406909#post8406909 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by marcusbigdady
I have nothing but GOOD things to say about the bulbs,I posted growth pics on page 2, would have been better but just got my cal. reactor in check.......

I looked back in the thread after I posted and saw your comments and pictures. I think I may give them a try. Thanks for the info.

[hounddog01]

the ones I got http://cgi.ebay.com/175-W-Watt-14000K-Metal-Halide-Aquarium-Bulb-Lamp-Reef_W0QQitemZ120045651350QQihZ002QQcategoryZ46314QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem I hope it does ok. It looks blue. I just finished my canopy and will Polly it this week. I should have a pic to post.

[Muleball39]

the ones I got http://cgi.ebay.com/175-W-Watt-1400...1QQcmdZViewItem I hope it does ok. It looks blue. I just finished my canopy and will Polly it this week. I should have a pic to post.


__________________
Brad

This one is different than the bulbs that we are talking about at the beginning of this thread. Hope you have luck with it though. Try Reef Optic bulbs.

[hounddog01]

I am looking at the Reef Optic bulbs if these do not work out. Otherwise I will just go with one of the brand names

[dzovi]

So what’s the verdict? Is it a good buy or not? I’m want to buy some bulbs soon. :)

[hounddog01]

I still need to polly my reconstructed canopy. This should be done by Saturday. I will then add the lights and should have an answer and picture Sunday. If you can wait that long should have something for you to look at.

[dzovi]

That sounds great. I've got a couple weeks until I need to make a order for lights. Thank you.

[rrr757]

I just ordered some from this guy on ebay, responded fast to my email about whether my ballast will fire it or not. I can tell you service and response time is good so far, waiting on the lights. I got the insurance just to be safe, total was like 37.99 shipped.

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZwhulljrQQhtZ-1


Thanks
rrr757

[hounddog01]

If the ones I have do not work out that is what I have been thinking about trying.

[grahxen]

Just so you guy know, UPS and FEDEX automatically cover you up to $100 without purchasing any insurance. That is if the package is packed to their requirments. Unless He is shipping these USPS, then its a different story.

[alde]

rrr757, What color temp did you get? Let us know how you like them.

[jjc004]

Hey guys, I bought the 175W 20K SE bulb from greatdel http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZgreatdelQQhtZ-1. At first, I fired it up with a PFO electronic ballast and looked great. Just now, the bulb shifted white. I'm not sure what the heck happened, but I'll keep you guys updated.

[Rockhead21564]

I bought the same Plus rite bulbs, 1-175w 14k and 1 400w 14k. The 175 was okay, colorwise, and been running for 2 months - happy enough. The 400w 14k was really runnib in the 5500-6500k range - awful. Emailed and would swap out . I just replaced bulbs with the bulbs from whulljr, look way closer correct. Remeber everyone that there's about 20 different chepy bulbs on ebay, are we all talking about the same bulb?

[rrr757]

Alde,

I got the 14K bulb. I will take pictures of my current 10K and then when i get the other bulb(already shipped) i will take a picture so that you all can see.

JJC0004
I have heard the 10$ bulbs shift color real fast, that is why i went with the reef optix bulb from whulljr.

I will keep you all posted

My bulb was 30$ plus 6$ for shipping.

rrr757

[hounddog01]

I have the $10.00 175 w 14000k bulbs from Greatdel. I have fired them and they very blue. I will have them on the tank this weekend and take weekly pictures. This will tell how fast they shift colors.

[hounddog01]

I have posted pics in my gallery since I do not know how to upload them here. Here is a link to it.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=45611&thumb=1

These are the 10.00 bulbs from Greatdel on E-bay. Time will tell how well these will perform but right now they look good. I will post more each week so we can see the changes.

[alde]

Maybe they gave you 20K's instead of 10K's.

[hounddog01]

They are 14k and 2 110w VHO actinic. I really like the look.

[alde]

Brad,

If you look in my gallery you will see my 120 under 2 400 watt 20K Radiums run on IceCap electronic ballasts. Looks very similar. After a couple of weeks or so the blue faded a little. I like the look of your tank. Very nice.

[hounddog01]

Thank you. I hope the colors do not change much. Time will tell and with the price if they last 4 or 5 months its worth 10.00. I will just order 4 or 6 at a time. I might try another bulb I have an electronic ballast so I should be ok with driving almost any bulb.

[rrr757]

Ok, as promised here are the reef optix 14k 250SE bulb compared to my older 10K hamilton bulb. I know it seems reallly blue, but i really like the look of it. I also have 2 pc atinics.

older 10K hamilton
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/3154/1038010kpic.jpg

new 14k reefoptix
[IMG]http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/3154/1038014kpic.jpg


The bulb fired right up, this is the first full day its been on.

Thanks
rrr757

[doox00]

those 14k reef optix bulbs look like 20k's wow.

my 14k coralvue's look more like 10k's with a slight blue to them, not much though.

[grahxen]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8453108#post8453108 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rrr757
Ok, as promised here are the reef optix 14k 250SE bulb compared to my older 10K hamilton bulb. I know it seems reallly blue, but i really like the look of it. I also have 2 pc atinics.

older 10K hamilton
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/3154/1038010kpic.jpg

new 14k reefoptix
[IMG]http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/3154/1038014kpic.jpg


The bulb fired right up, this is the first full day its been on.

Thanks
rrr757

It will burn in a little whiter after the first week.

[StephNewman]

Has anyone used tese bulbs?
http://cgi.ebay.com/250W-Metal-Halide-Aquarium-Bulb-10K-or-20K-DE_W0QQitemZ7738874197QQcategoryZ46314QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[StephNewman]

anyone use these bulbs?
http://cgi.ebay.com/HQI-DE-Metal-Halide-Bulbs-3-for-87-50_W0QQitemZ220042095240QQihZ012QQcategoryZ46314QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[marcusbigdady]

yep, those are the bulbs i use with no problems yet....10K

[dzovi]

So is there a end prognosis on which buyer on ebay is a great deal? I’m needing to buy some MH bulbs bad :).

[hounddog01]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8489044#post8489044 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dzovi
So is there a end prognosis on which buyer on ebay is a great deal? I’m needing to buy some MH bulbs bad :).

Mine are going on the second week and still look good. They are not quite burned in yet. I figure by the end of the week they will be. They may be a little less blue now but look great. With the vho supplement my tank looks like 20K. More PAR and a 20 k look. Gotta love that!

[wakeboarder2342]

WEll i have been holding out my review until had some time under these bulbs!


Now i can honestly say i wont buy anything but these 30 dollar bulbs! I have seen a NOTICABLE increase in my SPS growth using 2 250s and 1 400 watt bulb. I also have a 250 watt reefoptics on my frag grow out system and it is alsoworking great.

they fire up perfect everytime and work prefect.

Its about time they got some decent bulbs for this price, i was really sick of paying 60-100 bucks a bulb every year, with my 4 bulbs that was 400 dollars a year in bulbs or just over 30 dollars a month in BULBS!!

Now im at less then 10 bucks a month on bulbs!

Great product and a great price

[grahxen]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8489530#post8489530 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by wakeboarder2342
WEll i have been holding out my review until had some time under these bulbs!


Now i can honestly say i wont buy anything but these 30 dollar bulbs! I have seen a NOTICABLE increase in my SPS growth using 2 250s and 1 400 watt bulb. I also have a 250 watt reefoptics on my frag grow out system and it is alsoworking great.

they fire up perfect everytime and work prefect.

Its about time they got some decent bulbs for this price, i was really sick of paying 60-100 bucks a bulb every year, with my 4 bulbs that was 400 dollars a year in bulbs or just over 30 dollars a month in BULBS!!

Now im at less then 10 bucks a month on bulbs!

Great product and a great price

Hey wake, which bulbs did you buy? I just purchased the reef optic bulbs on ebay for $30.00 and wondering if they are the same ones.... Ive really one seen these, and the cheap 10$ bulbs which i wont buy. These are the ones i just bought.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=ADME:B:EOIBSAA:US:11&Item=160047656145

[92cg60]

Not sure if there the same ones or not... but you got some good bulbs. The link you have is for the bulbs that originally started this thread... glad to see I'm not the only one that likes them.

[grahxen]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8490086#post8490086 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by 92cg60
Not sure if there the same ones or not... but you got some good bulbs. The link you have is for the bulbs that originally started this thread... glad to see I'm not the only one that likes them.

Well i didnt get them yet, i just ordered them today... For the price, I just want to compare the reef opic 250W 14k to my old 250W 14k hamilton, and my new 20k XM. Out of these 3 i hope i can find my bulb of choice :)

[wakeboarder2342]

Those are the same bulbs i bought and from the same seller, whulljr.

he is a stand up guy, i woudl recommend purchasing from him as he ships fast and packages well.

[92cg60]

My personal experience with different bulbs is limited to just a couple brands out there.. so I'd be interested in hearing how you think they compare to the others.
Should'nt take long for them to arrive.. like Wake said he does ship pretty fast.

[rrr757]

I feel the same way as wakeboarder2342. I have had the bulb only one week, more corals are responding better, everyhting is coming out more, the color is looking better and crisper. My one year old RBTA finally split definately change to the light (maybe stress to the change), and both are doing great and as of the second day neither has gone into hiding or looking shabby.

As of now, i really like th reefoptix bulb.

rrr

[SuperNerd]

Where are these bulbs made?

[hounddog01]

I believe the ones I have are from Hong Kong.

[SuperNerd]

China?...big red flag for me.
Thanks.

[hounddog01]

I understand but for $10.00 they look really good!

[grahxen]

Lets not confuse one another here. We are talking about 2 seperate bulbs. The reef optic bulbs that cost $30.00 and the ones hounddog says he has which are $10.00.

[SuperNerd]

But do either last as long as American, German, and Japanese bulbs and how are they made compared to them?

[grahxen]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8490961#post8490961 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SuperNerd
But do either last as long as American, German, and Japanese bulbs and how are they made compared to them?

Since I do not have my reef optic bulbs yet I cannot say. But from talking to the seller from what I gather from him is that the bulbs come direct from the manf, and alot of companies slap their own label on them. So to be honest, he seems to be a middle man and can purchase direct from the manf. For all we know these bulbs can be made by the manf, and bought out by several lighting companies and throw their own name on it. This happens every day in all types of merchandise. I am not sure if this is the case here, but may possibly be. I will find out where the bulbs are made.

[hounddog01]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8491048#post8491048 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by grahxen
Since I do not have my reef optic bulbs yet I cannot say. But from talking to the seller from what I gather from him is that the bulbs come direct from the manf, and alot of companies slap their own label on them. So to be honest, he seems to be a middle man and can purchase direct from the manf. For all we know these bulbs can be made by the manf, and bought out by several lighting companies and throw their own name on it. This happens every day in all types of merchandise. I am not sure if this is the case here, but may possibly be. I will find out where the bulbs are made.

There can only be so many bulb manufacturers. That being said each company can have bulbs made to their specs. I would say that the cheaper bulbs we can purchase from e-bay are the less expensive to make. This gives the manufacturer a way to sell "generic" bulbs to the public. Like drug companys do. Drug companys make both the "brand name" and "Generic" drug...The same company! I believe the bulbs are much like this. Are the brand name company's bulbs better, probably. How much better is the question. If I change my bulbs every 6 months for $20.00 a year and get the same results I am still better off than paying $60.00 for one bulb. Are the $30.00 bulbs that much better than the $10.00 ones. Time will tell for me.

[SuperNerd]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8491048#post8491048 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by grahxen
I will find out where the bulbs are made.

Okay cool. :)

[SuperNerd]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8491120#post8491120 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by hounddog01
There can only be so many bulb manufacturers. That being said each company can have bulbs made to their specs. I would say that the cheaper bulbs we can purchase from e-bay are the less expensive to make. This gives the manufacturer a way to sell "generic" bulbs to the public. Like drug companys do. Drug companys make both the "brand name" and "Generic" drug...The same company! I believe the bulbs are much like this. Are the brand name company's bulbs better, probably. How much better is the question. If I change my bulbs every 6 months for $20.00 a year and get the same results I am still better off than paying $60.00 for one bulb. Are the $30.00 bulbs that much better than the $10.00 ones. Time will tell for me.

Unfortunately, in terms of drugs...I believe the term "generic" does not necessarily mean "equivalent" anymore...at least in terms of "quality" of the drug.

[wakeboarder2342]

Personally i have used about every bulb under the sun

Coralvue
hamilton
XM
Reefoptics
Iwaki

[hounddog01]

[QUOTE]<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8491537#post8491537 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by wakeboarder2342
Personally i have used about every bulb under the sun

Coralvue
hamilton
XM
Reefoptics
Iwaki [/QUOTE

What is your preference.

[grahxen]

Ok, its time for me to chime in on my first impressions of the reef optic bulb i recieved off ebay. I got it this morning and installed it. My lights were off when i leave for work so I only had a chance to look at the color when i came home tonight. I am going to have to say that so far out of XM, Hamilton, Ushio that this $30 bulb is the best looking bulb yet. I ordered the 14k 250W SE version, and i am running it off a reef fanatic ballast (electronic). The color so far since it has been running is slightly more blue then the 14k hamilton, but nowhere near as close in blue to a XM 20k bulb. My tank now looks brighter then when I had my 20k XM bulb and I am able to run the 14k reef optic along with my 2 VHO actinics. WIth my 20K MH i was running a Aqua Sun 10K VHO to make the tank whiter and brighter. Now i have just about that same exact look with more PAR from this bulb... SO, so far the bulb is great. We will see how it holds up in the months to come. I also examined the bulb quite thoroughly before I installed it, and it looks as well designed as any top name brand bulb. I will give an update on the color in a few days after it burns in, but for now its definatly my bulb of choice.

[drives300]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8491145#post8491145 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SuperNerd
Unfortunately, in terms of drugs...I believe the term "generic" does not necessarily mean "equivalent" anymore...at least in terms of "quality" of the drug.

Actually the FDA is very strict on the manufacture of generic drugs. There are very few drugs with clinically significant differences between generic and name brand counterparts

[RodW]

I also received (2) 250w 14k and (2) 400w 14k Reef optics and I am also thrilled with the color it is very bright. I have tried 12k & 10k reeflux 14k cv and 20k cv and I must say this is my favorite so far.

[grahxen]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8514657#post8514657 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by RodW
I also received (2) 250w 14k and (2) 400w 14k Reef optics and I am also thrilled with the color it is very bright. I have tried 12k & 10k reeflux 14k cv and 20k cv and I must say this is my favorite so far.

Its not just the brightness, but the color is dead spot on. This was my bulb come true.... 14k hamilton seemed to white even with actinics, and my 20k XM was a decent color, just to dim... But this bulb... wow.... Who said you couldnt have your cake and eat it to?

[Cosmo^Kramer]

Has anyone used these on a magnetic ballast?

[Fishbulb2]

grahxen,
How many of the 250 14K bulbs would you recommend over a 40 with mostly LPS?
FB

[SuperNerd]

grahxen: Did you find out where they are made?

[Donnie]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8514121#post8514121 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by grahxen
Ok, its time for me to chime in on my first impressions of the reef optic bulb i recieved off ebay. I got it this morning and installed it. My lights were off when i leave for work so I only had a chance to look at the color when i came home tonight. I am going to have to say that so far out of XM, Hamilton, Ushio that this $30 bulb is the best looking bulb yet. I ordered the 14k 250W SE version, and i am running it off a reef fanatic ballast (electronic). The color so far since it has been running is slightly more blue then the 14k hamilton, but nowhere near as close in blue to a XM 20k bulb. My tank now looks brighter then when I had my 20k XM bulb and I am able to run the 14k reef optic along with my 2 VHO actinics. WIth my 20K MH i was running a Aqua Sun 10K VHO to make the tank whiter and brighter. Now i have just about that same exact look with more PAR from this bulb... SO, so far the bulb is great. We will see how it holds up in the months to come. I also examined the bulb quite thoroughly before I installed it, and it looks as well designed as any top name brand bulb. I will give an update on the color in a few days after it burns in, but for now its definatly my bulb of choice.

I agree,Wes @ Reefoptics is a first class guy..I ordered two 250's and two 400's (20K)..The color and par these bulbs emit are incredible...Manufacturing bulbs is a pretty complex process, I am about 85% sure these bulbs are manufactured in the same plant as the other leading names in the industry..If there are any musicians out there most of the tubes in your tube driven heads and amps are manf under the Sovtek name....Groove, Marshall,Fender and Mesa Boogie purchase lots and stamp there name on them and mark them up 400%....Telefunken and Electro-Harmonix are the exception...If you have no idea what I'm talking about, please dont ask.....Hopefully ReefOptics will shake up the industry enough so they will start cutting us reefers some slack...God knows we have been getting burned for years.....

[SuperNerd]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8514615#post8514615 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by drives300
Actually the FDA is very strict on the manufacture of generic drugs. There are very few drugs with clinically significant differences between generic and name brand counterparts

I believe the rate of absorption into the bloodstream of a generic drug is required, by the FDA, to be within 20% of that for the brand name drug.

[818]

I just ordered to 2-250w SE 14K Reef Optic bulbs for $70.98 shipped+insurance.

So far Ive tried:

175w:
10K Hamilton
14K Sunburst
14K Hamilton
10K XM


250w:
10K XM
15K XM
10K Hamilton
14K Sunburst
14K Reef Grow


IME all XM bulbs are to dull for my liking, and colors are off compared to other bulbs. Though the colors from my 175w 14K Hamilton are yet to be beaten.

All of you have been running them on electronic ballast, I see. I'm guessing I'll be the 1st to document on how they run on a magnetic ballast.

I really wish more people would post pics. To much talking and no show. Growth pics? Color K? Where da pics?!:D

How soon can I expect these bulbs from Weston?

Thanks

Sam

[grahxen]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8515348#post8515348 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Fishbulb2
grahxen,
How many of the 250 14K bulbs would you recommend over a 40 with mostly LPS?
FB

What are the dimensions of your 40?

[grahxen]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8516285#post8516285 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by My F1sh R D34D!
I just ordered to 2-250w SE 14K Reef Optic bulbs for $70.98 shipped+insurance.

So far Ive tried:

175w:
10K Hamilton
14K Sunburst
14K Hamilton
10K XM


250w:
10K XM
15K XM
10K Hamilton
14K Sunburst
14K Reef Grow


IME all XM bulbs are to dull for my liking, and colors are off compared to other bulbs. Though the colors from my 175w 14K Hamilton are yet to be beaten.

All of you have been running them on electronic ballast, I see. I'm guessing I'll be the 1st to document on how they run on a magnetic ballast.

I really wish more people would post pics. To much talking and no show. Growth pics? Color K? Where da pics?!:D

How soon can I expect these bulbs from Weston?

Thanks

Sam

If you ordered the bulbs off ebay, which I believe you did because thats what this thread is about. He is out of LA, so it took 2 days for them to reach NJ where i live.

[horkn]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8339124#post8339124 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Muleball39
did you not get the insurance on your package? I would think that should cover that. But you take a chance with anything breakable when you ship.

if it was sent ups, it is automatically covered for up to 100 dollars.

i am sure fedex and dhl have similar standard ins.


usps i do think you need to pay extra, not much, but something extra to get ins.

[Muleball39]

I have been running 175w 10k reefoptic from whulljr for about a month now on 2 M57 ballast and all my corals have really opened up and I have had amazing growth. I wanted 14k but he was out
so I run the 10k with 2 110w VHO atinics and it looks beautiful. Would take pictures but my VHO Ballast just went out and I am having to replace. but I will get pictures posted next week, when I replace the ballast

[grahxen]

He ships the bulbs USPS, that is why he charges the extra or insurance as USPS doesnt cover you at all without purchasing insurance.

[818]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8518207#post8518207 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by grahxen
He ships the bulbs USPS, that is why he charges the extra or insurance as USPS doesnt cover you at all without purchasing insurance.

Yep. He clearly states that he ships out USPS in his auctions, and highly reccomends you pay for insurance.

Hopefully I get mine before Sunday. Cant wait!

[TwistedTiger]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8516285#post8516285 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by My F1sh R D34D!
I really wish more people would post pics. To much talking and no show. Growth pics? Color K? Where da pics?!:D

How soon can I expect these bulbs from Weston?

Thanks

Sam
I've met Wes and he is indeed a very nice guy who was a hobbiest looking for a cheaper way to get bulbs for his tank. He ended up becoming a distributor for the bulbs he found and liked. I've seen his SE bulbs on many tanks and have heard no complaints from those around here that use them. Like everyone says great growth rate and good SPS color. He is now testing bulbs from the same manufacturer in a DE. I am testing what he had labeled as DE 20k. I was running Phoenix 14k before and these bulbs are much much brighter but less blue. My growth rate has increased and my SPS is showing much better color. I'm not sure if the bulbs I got were improperly labeled and are really 10k's(Wes is checking) but I do know that I really like them and will be using them instead of the phoenix bulbs. Sanjay has had his SE bulbs for what seems like forever and hopefully some PAR results will be posted soon.

[hounddog01]

After 2 weeks my bulbs have changed to more of a 10k look. I can not say that I am happy about loosing the blue, but everything is growing. I have had several SPS grow noticably. With my VHO actinic suplement it still has a blue tint. Just not as much now. I will try and take some pics and add them to my gallery for all to see.

[grahxen]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8519720#post8519720 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by hounddog01
After 2 weeks my bulbs have changed to more of a 10k look. I can not say that I am happy about loosing the blue, but everything is growing. I have had several SPS grow noticably. With my VHO actinic suplement it still has a blue tint. Just not as much now. I will try and take some pics and add them to my gallery for all to see.

Lets not confuse the readers... Your not using the reef optic bulbs and the thread will be a little confusing if people arent sure what bulbs people are posing about.

[TwistedTiger]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8520024#post8520024 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by grahxen
Lets not confuse the readers... Your not using the reef optic bulbs and the thread will be a little confusing if people arent sure what bulbs people are posing about.
The thread has been hard to follow with so many bulbs being talked about. I keep having to go to the first page to refresh my memory of which bulb the different posters are using. In my post above I'm talking about the REEFOPTICS bulbs

[hounddog01]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8519720#post8519720 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by hounddog01
After 2 weeks my bulbs have changed to more of a 10k look. I can not say that I am happy about loosing the blue, but everything is growing. I have had several SPS grow noticably. With my VHO actinic suplement it still has a blue tint. Just not as much now. I will try and take some pics and add them to my gallery for all to see.

I am sorry if I caused any confusion. I have the $10.00 bulbs from Greatdel on E-bay. I have been researching bulbs on Sanjay's research. I wish I had a PAR meter to see how much light they are putting out.

[818]

Yes. From now on can we please post before you type what type of bulbs we have. Simply because I know alot of people arent going to go back 6 pages to read this.

Wes shipped my package and its already hlf way its destination.

I should get bulbs Monday.

I will then post pics of my XM 15K compared to the ReefOptic 14K.

[Chrisrush]

So Sanjay has the ReefOptix bulbs and it currently testing them? Do you know what wattage, color, etc. that he is testing?

[818]

Yes he is testting them. I have no clue on what type SE or DE or K color.

Im sure someone will chime in.

[TwistedTiger]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8524230#post8524230 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by My F1sh R D34D!
Yes he is testting them. I have no clue on what type SE or DE or K color.

Im sure someone will chime in.
He has the SE bulbs but I don't remember which ones.

[hounddog01]

I would like to know what he finds.

[TwistedTiger]

Wes tells me that he sent Sanjay the 250w SE 10, 14 and 20k. (ReefOptics)

[818]

Yea just read Sanjays thread. He should get them soon. Woot!!!

[TwistedTiger]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8529733#post8529733 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by My F1sh R D34D!
Yea just read Sanjays thread. He should get them soon. Woot!!!
I don't see anything in his thread where he mentions ReefOptics bulbs can you link to for me please?

[ubfishy]

any new pics of the bulb comparisons??

[alde]

I just ordered my ReefOptics. I got the 400 watt 12K's and will use them by themselves. I will post after I have them running.

[grahxen]

Ill take pics tomorrow when my lights are on.

[Lagger]

Anyone use the DE bulbs from Greatdel?

Hounddog, how are your 175's holding up color wise?

Lets see the new pics! :wave:

[rrr757]

I will take more pics, its is not as blue as it used to be, but still a nice color, corals still seem to be doing good. I will try and take some more updated pics.

[818]

Got my lights finally today...

i will post pics right when fired and shoot a video.

then Ill gradually post pics every couple days to see how my magnetic ballast drives em.

Sam

[818]

Anyone know what the burn in time for these are? I love the color. And these are way brighter than any XM bulb I have ever used.

[Cosmo^Kramer]

Just got my reef optic SE 250w 14k bulbs today.I really like the color.I hope the growth is good.How is everyone elses corals doing with these bulbs? Any updates

[grahxen]

Ok guys, pics as promised... Here is the 250W SE Reefoptic 14k... I spent quite a bit to get the white balance as close to REAL LIFE as possible. This color is almost dead on what you would see looking at my tank.

http://216.130.173.7/tank/new_reef1.jpg

http://216.130.173.7/tank/new_reef2.jpg

http://216.130.173.7/tank/new_reef3.jpg

http://216.130.173.7/tank/new_reef4.jpg

http://216.130.173.7/tank/new_reef5.jpg

http://216.130.173.7/tank/new_reef6.jpg

[Jon]

grahxen,

Pics look assume. Question though, is the RO 14k the only lighting on or do you have actinics/suplements running? Thanks,

Please post some more followup as time goes on, I'd be interested how it looks after some burn in.

Jon...............

[Rothie]

That's is exactly the color I am looking for.Beatiful tank.Now I hope the DE's will compare.

[grahxen]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8563090#post8563090 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Jon
grahxen,

Pics look assume. Question though, is the RO 14k the only lighting on or do you have actinics/suplements running? Thanks,

Please post some more followup as time goes on, I'd be interested how it looks after some burn in.

Jon...............

The pics are with 2 75W VHO actinics. The only thing the actincs reallly do with this bulb is give the corals more floresence, and a tad bit of an extra deep blue. Either way it looks good, on or off. I also have to say the actinics are at the same height as the MH and thats about 11" off the water. As far as burn in, its been running a little over 1 week now, the bulb lightened up a bit but to be honest, for my eyes it seems for the better... The tank is a beautiful bright white/blue. My old hamilton 14k did not look like this at all. Hamilton made the colors more washed out, and actually yellowish. So far for $30 this is the best damn purchsase i think ive made on this tank in years.

[alde]

Looks great. I am excited to get mine. That is just the color I'm looking for. I am running Radiums now and need more light for better growth and coral color.

[want2reef]

Sweet :)

Those look pretty close to my Phoenix bulbs, run on a E-Ballast.

[DRC69]

So are the cheap ebay MH bulbs any good from greatdel???????
Anyone with any help would be great.
Thanks

[Cosmo^Kramer]

grahxen,I'm running the exact same light setup as you.My reef optics are a bit more blue.I guess after burn in they'll lighten up.I'm real happy with the color now though.I don't need my two 75w VHO atinics right now.My bulbs are about 6" off the water.Real nice tank BTW

DRC69,The bulbs we have are the reef optics,ebay user name whulljr.He's a real nice guy and answers all your questions.

[grahxen]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8565457#post8565457 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Cosmo^Kramer
grahxen,I'm running the exact same light setup as you.My reef optics are a bit more blue.I guess after burn in they'll lighten up.I'm real happy with the color now though.I don't need my two 75w VHO atinics right now.My bulbs are about 6" off the water.Real nice tank BTW

DRC69,The bulbs we have are the reef optics,ebay user name whulljr.He's a real nice guy and answers all your questions.

Mine lightened up some after the first week, not sure if theyll get anymore white, seems like its staying about the same now... But remember they may burn slightly different color on different ballasts. But for the most part the same or close. The color also can depend on many factors also, refelector etc.... All i know is since putting this bulb in my bubble tip anemone is gigantic, ive never seen it to huge. Ill see how the growth is in about 1 month but i can already see my candycane sprouting more heads, and expanding more with this bulb.

All in all very satisified.


BTW, my tank is just recovering from a slight crash after I moved a few months back.. I kind of rushed the move and didnt pack things the way I shoul dof, and lost alot of corals... So i am slowly restocking.... I am running out of room though :)

[want2reef]

grahxen

What bulbs were you running before?

[grahxen]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8569878#post8569878 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by want2reef
grahxen

What bulbs were you running before?


I went from a 14k hamilton, to a 20k XM, and then to the 14k Reef Optics.

[hounddog01]

Update on the 10.00 bulbs in the 3rd week.

They look like 10k. They are labled 14000k but not the look that other 14k bulbs I have seen. The coral growth is still good and with the Actinic VHO bulbs it looks very nice. I would say for 10.00 they are decent bulbs. I would like to try the reef optic bulbs and compair. I have sent e-mail for more information. I would like to know the PAR of the 175w 14k and 10k. Anyone out there with a PAR meter who has checked it that info would be appriciated.

I would like to know the distance the reading was taken from the bulb and if it was above or below the water.

[bigcdc]

I just want to throw my input in, I have an AtoT bulb from ebay its a 12k bulb. I looks good and everything seems to be very happy under it. I just got a frogspawn and a hammer coral and they seem to be twice as big under my light than the person I bought it from. Even if I have to replace my bulb twice a year its still cheaper than buying a name brand bulb

~CC

[alde]

I got my ReefOptics 400 watt 14k's yesterday and I am very impressed so far. They look great. They are a nice crisp white with a hint of blue. They are also way brighter then my Radiums.

I am also impressed with the seller. I did a Buy It Now on Wednesday night, payed with PayPal and had my bulbs Saturday. Now that is great service.

[sprite]

hound dog ...do you think with a 10k i will need some supplementing with that bulb..i just got mine and came across this thread?

[DRC69]

Well,
I bought a pair of DE 150 watt 14K bulbs from china on Ebay. They had good feed-back and the price was right. So we wait and see. I couldn't see spending over $100.00 on new bulbs so close to Xmas.
I'll let you guys know what's-up with these bulbs.

[Lagger]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8592474#post8592474 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by DRC69
Well,
I bought a pair of DE 150 watt 14K bulbs from china on Ebay. They had good feed-back and the price was right. So we wait and see. I couldn't see spending over $100.00 on new bulbs so close to Xmas.
I'll let you guys know what's-up with these bulbs.

DRC: did you buy them from "Greatdel"? If so, keep us updated on the progression. Im interested on what color you bought & how they look after a week or 2.

[DRC69]

No not from greatdel. The bulbs looked better from xu_zi_wei.
He is also in canada. He also had a better price with shipping.
Even if they only last 6 months thats OK with me will be pass Xmas and I can and will spend more.
How bad could they be, not all things coming out of china are junk. I have 3 Current fixtures from china for 3 years now and they look and run great.
Will see.

[Lcattin]

I have been running a set of the $10.00 250watt 14K's since July and I have seen some growth but I saw more growth after I started using Reef Chili.

So far I like the bulbs. I think that the glass may a bit more fragile in the inexpensive bulbs as I had to replace one about a week after installation as the outer glass tube broke at the base. Just don't get carried away screwing them in.

[Lagger]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8592724#post8592724 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by DRC69
No not from greatdel. The bulbs looked better from xu_zi_wei.
He is also in canada. He also had a better price with shipping.
Even if they only last 6 months thats OK with me will be pass Xmas and I can and will spend more.
How bad could they be, not all things coming out of china are junk. I have 3 Current fixtures from china for 3 years now and they look and run great.
Will see.

Nice find. Looks he has 2 different bulbs/prices. Which ones did you get?

[DRC69]

The cheaper of the two. $14.99 each plus shipping. Total $42.00
Those looked better in the pic then the more expensive ones. Plus I liked the way they were made. JMO
Time will tell.

[TwistedTiger]

I switched from DE phoenix 14k to DE ReefOptics 20k a little more than a month ago. The ReefOptics are not as blue as the Pheonix bulbs and are much brighter, might just be real 20k bulbs instead of the cartoon blue 20k's which are off the CCT chart.

My SPS are starting to get deeper more natural colors, much better blues and purples. I am also seeing improved growth rate over the Phoenix bulbs. Don't get me wrong I really like the phoenix 14k's but I like what these bulbs are doing for my SPS better. If your looking for a heavy blue bulb the ReefOptics DE's are not for you, but if you want really good SPS growth and really good SPS color you might look into them.

[mogley1]

I put two 400w 14k reefoptics on my tank about a week ago and love the color. Pretty blue when first on but burnt in quite nicely over the week. If the color holds as is I will be very happy. Oh, magnetic ballast.

[hounddog01]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8592420#post8592420 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sprite
hound dog ...do you think with a 10k i will need some supplementing with that bulb..i just got mine and came across this thread?


After a few of my BNARC club friends came by and said that mine look like 14k. I thought they were a little yellow but they told me that 10k would be much different. I guess it depends on the look you want. I would use VHO actinic suplementation. I have seen PC and T5 both and VHO is the best. I believe you will be much happier with actinic suplement.

I was told mine looks 20K with the VHO's. One of the club members brought his old XM 10k and 20k for me to try. I am going to put them in this weekend and see what they look like.

All in all I would have to say for 10.00 these butbs have preformed very well. I wish I had a PAR meter to see what they are putting out but everything is growing and looks great!

[sprite]

thanks for the update!!

[Neptune777]

I just looked for ReefOptics on ebay......did not find any....what's the deal? Is that the name of the seller?

[hounddog01]

search on reefoptic that should do it.

[Neptune777]

Just did.....no deal.

[grahxen]

He doesnt seem to have any auctions running at the moment but here is the link.


http://myworld.ebay.com/whulljr/

[grahxen]

SOrry double post.

[hounddog01]

http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?cgiurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcgi.ebay.com%2Fws%2F&fkr=1&from=R8&satitle=reefoptic&category0=

Its here now!

[bosborn1]

Does anyone know how much longer it will be before the Reefoptix 250 DE's will be availble.

Thanks
Scott

[jrmx635]

I bought two 150watt 14k bulbs from that ebay place.Both together ran me like $30 shipped.
They both haev more of a 10k look to me,(coming from 14k pheonix)
one flickered,I emailed the guy(greatdel) and he is sending me another no charge.
He actually is sending me two 20k bulbs and just charged me for one $16 shipped
My mixed corals are all doing better and my anenome's are bigger.
I thought that was strange coming from pheonix bulbs,
anyway one runs on a blueline e-ballast and the other is a coralvue.
My 2 cent,for the price I'm going to keep stocking up on them.
Two of these bulbs for $30 sure beats two pheonix bulbs for $130

[ppurcell]

Anyone know anything about the bulbs being sold here?

http://cm.ebay.com/cm/ck/1065-29393-2357-0?uid=12771364&site=0&ver=BCA080805&lk=URL&Item=130051857766

Sellers name is 'kelly4664'

[ppurcell]

Well I ordered two 20K's for $15 each. Hopefully, they will look ok. I'll post back after I get them fired up.

[hounddog01]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8602388#post8602388 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by hounddog01
After a few of my BNARC club friends came by and said that mine look like 14k. I thought they were a little yellow but they told me that 10k would be much different. I guess it depends on the look you want. I would use VHO actinic suplementation. I have seen PC and T5 both and VHO is the best. I believe you will be much happier with actinic suplement.

I was told mine looks 20K with the VHO's. One of the club members brought his old XM 10k and 20k for me to try. I am going to put them in this weekend and see what they look like.

All in all I would have to say for 10.00 these butbs have preformed very well. I wish I had a PAR meter to see what they are putting out but everything is growing and looks great!

I put in some XM 10K bulbs and they were very yellow, very bright but yellow. I guess what this means it that these 14k bulbs really are 14k. Please excuse me because these are my first MH bulbs and I am not as familiar with the color spectrum. So far everything is growing nicely. Only issue I have is my Larry Jackson is not as colorful. Now I know people say when they are a little brown they are healty and it has grown but I want my purple tips back!

[TwistedTiger]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8606424#post8606424 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bosborn1
Does anyone know how much longer it will be before the Reefoptix 250 DE's will be availble.

Thanks
Scott
Talked to Wes last week and he was waiting on an order but I'll try to find out when he expects them if he hasn't recieved them already.

[Fishbulb2]

well i just got and installed my Reefoptics 14K 250's. They look VERY blue coming from 10K EVC bulbs. I'll have to get used to them but it's a bit blue for my liking right now. I assume others would love it.
FB

[tuberider]

I took the plunge a few weeks ago, installing a 14K SE 250W Reefoptics bulb on one of my tanks. Upon firing it up I was concerned with the amount of blue ~450 Nm. However after two weeks the color has shifted to a crisper white/blue, it reminds me of a hamilton 14K with a touch more blue. Can't say anything yet as far as coral growth, and color, however if the bulb stand the test of time they've got a customer.

[DRC69]

Are the Reefoptics bulbs you are getting made in China??
I order a pair of DE MH 150s from another dealer on ebay still waiting to receive them. Those to are made in China but looked well-made for the money. Will see.

[jeffnsa]

i've been running the reef optic bulbs (2-250w 14k, 1-250 w 10k) for two weeks now and the lights are great. the only problem i've had is that they are not wrasse proof. i closed the canopy on the tank which spooked a wrasse and made it jump over the center brace and into the center bulb, breaking the glass. half fell into the water and the other half stayed in the socket, still burning brightly.

[Jon]

jeffnsa,

I'd be very careful of running any MH w/o the outer glass. It is also a UV shield. I recently lost a number of corals and a large hippo tang when mine broke. the fish went blind and had red blotch as well as sloffing skin within hours. two days later he died. he was healthy and I had him for over 6 years. Be careful,

Jon............

[jeffnsa]

i went and pulled the bulb right after it happend and replaced it with an old 10k bulb. the tank still looks great and there is a lot of growth and coloration on the corals. i will be buying these bulbs again.

[plumb]

I bought 2 150 watt 20k de bulbs from greatdel a few months ago wen the auction started at .99 got them both for .99each plus 15 for shipping. anyway the bulbs fired right up but they appear to be 10- 12 k not at all the 20k stamped on them. So now after haveing them for 7-8 weeks they have shifted ,coral browning and brown alge growing on glass. I would stay away from these bulbs from this seller...


Brad

[sprite]

hounddog are those bulbs pulse or probe start?

[jeffs86GT]

So who has one of these bulbs working the longest so far? Does it still have the color it first had?

Thanks

[Reefrus2003]

I have been running the 250w 14k from this seller since July 2006, I have not had any problems with them and the color still seems as good as when I first installed them, I also have the reefoptic bulbs on another tank and I am very pleased with them also...........

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8653790#post8653790 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by plumb
I bought 2 150 watt 20k de bulbs from greatdel a few months ago wen the auction started at .99 got them both for .99each plus 15 for shipping. anyway the bulbs fired right up but they appear to be 10- 12 k not at all the 20k stamped on them. So now after haveing them for 7-8 weeks they have shifted ,coral browning and brown alge growing on glass. I would stay away from these bulbs from this seller...


Brad

[TwistedTiger]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8710792#post8710792 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jeffs86GT
So who has one of these bulbs working the longest so far? Does it still have the color it first had?

Thanks
There are several bulbs metioned in this thread, which "these bulbs" are you refering to?

If everyone would put the name of the bulbs they are talking about in their post, this thread would be much much easier to follow and the information passed on wouldn't get jumbled.

[jeffs86GT]

Sorry - I was talking about the Reefoptic 14k bulb.

Jeff

[TwistedTiger]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8713621#post8713621 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jeffs86GT
Sorry - I was talking about the Reefoptic 14k bulb.

Jeff
No problem. I haven't seen the ReefOptics 14k but I know someone that ran the 20k for close to a year and it didn't shift. He may still be running the same bulb but I haven't seen his tank lately.

[flyin2jz]

up

[75galreef]

Anymore updates? I am in my time to change and have been following this thread. How has everyone's bulbs worked?

[Fishbulb2]

I have a 14K reefoptix. It's still doing well for me and I've had good growth this last month. It's very blue.
FB

[bosborn1]

Boy I wish those DE bulbs would hurry up. I want to try out the Reefoptix on my upcoming bulb change.

Scott

[skriz]

Any word on Sanjay's testing these bulbs?

[hounddog01]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8754951#post8754951 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by skriz
Any word on Sanjay's testing these bulbs?

I would not hold your breath. I emailed the sellers and he indicated he had the bulbs for over a year and not completed any testing. Not that the list is not appriciated but if the bulbs reefers are looking for are not tested and other new bulbs are being made and not tested then the list as it ages becomes useless. '

I do appriciate the list but would like to see some updates on cheaper bulbs. I have been happy with my 10.00 bulbs but concede they are not really bright. put a xm 10k in and it was 3 times brighter but very yellow. Hopefuly I will have access to a par meter soon and do my own testing!

[mogley1]

I've been burning my reefoptics 14k 400w bulbs over a month now. They started out really blue but burnt in nicely. They have since held thier color well and I seem to be getting good growth with my sps.

[flyin2jz]

I just recieve my plus rite bulbs from ebay thought i would give them a try since they are so cheap. I bought 2 250 w 20ks for 54.00 shipped. I really like them. Slightly bluer with my hqi ballasts than the 12 reflux bulbs. I will post pics if i can get to it tonight. Kevin

[Cosmo^Kramer]

How many hours a day are you people running the reefoptics?

[TwistedTiger]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8773469#post8773469 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Cosmo^Kramer
How many hours a day are you people running the reefoptics?
12hrs/day

[dkreef]

anyone who bought reefoptics use 175W 10ks?
how are its color and output?

[737mech]

I have a question for those that have bought the ReeftOptics bulbs from " whulljr" on Ebay. Here are a couple of photos of the 14k 250w.
My question is this, did your bulbs arrive looking burned, used, tested or not? I'm going to email the seller to ask him too.

http://webpages.charter.net/weedman/110/MH%20Bulbs/MH%20001.jpg

http://webpages.charter.net/weedman/110/MH%20Bulbs/MH%20002.jpg

http://webpages.charter.net/weedman/110/MH%20Bulbs/MH%20003.jpg

[zoomfish1]

I wish I would have found this thread 6 hrs ago. Just before I bought and paid for my reflux bulbs @ $132 shipped!!!

[75galreef]

[B]I have a question for those that have bought the ReeftOptics bulbs from " whulljr" on Ebay. Here are a couple of photos of the 14k 250w.
My question is this, did your bulbs arrive looking burned, used, tested or not? I'm going to email the seller to ask him too.


I believe most all MH bulbs are "tested" by the manufacture before shipping out. Since the cost of a single bulb, they try to find duds before they go out.

[grahxen]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8802574#post8802574 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by 737mech
I have a question for those that have bought the ReeftOptics bulbs from " whulljr" on Ebay. Here are a couple of photos of the 14k 250w.
My question is this, did your bulbs arrive looking burned, used, tested or not? I'm going to email the seller to ask him too.

http://webpages.charter.net/weedman/110/MH%20Bulbs/MH%20001.jpg

http://webpages.charter.net/weedman/110/MH%20Bulbs/MH%20002.jpg

http://webpages.charter.net/weedman/110/MH%20Bulbs/MH%20003.jpg

Every MH bulb I have ever purchased always looks like that.. The color you see is just from them test firing the bulbs.

[737mech]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8803881#post8803881 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by grahxen
Every MH bulb I have ever purchased always looks like that.. The color you see is just from them test firing the bulbs.

Thanks. It's been a yr since i bought my first set of MH and those were Ushio. I don't remember seeing this color when I bought those. Of course my memory is another subject :rolleyes:

[flyin2jz]

I just bought the plus rite bulbs. I must say that i really like them so far. Been about 2 wks. Burn brighter than the reeflux 12k on a hqi and slightly more blue. I put them side by side and the plus rite are brighter and bluer, dont know how that can happen but it did. The corals are doing great and pushing out new growth tips daily. The reeflux bulbs i was using were almost new. Kevin ps i got the 20k ones.

[737mech]

I've only been running the 14k 250w reefoptics for 2 days, but I'm really happy with the color. They emit a nice blue color without being too blue. My corals seem very happy too. I'm glad I found this thread :thumbsup:

Edit: I forgot to mention that I'm running the MH bulbs off 2 Icecap ballasts.

[bosborn1]

Just got my 250 DEs from Greatdel on ebay. There 14ks but they are pretty blue. Hopefully as they burn in they will be more white. So far the coral like them though....My dersa Clam has never looked so good.

Scott

[RickD1]

I just got 1/250 watt from Greadel its the 10k and it a little yellow but its a great deal for $18

[MBuck]

I just got my bulb Saturday, 250w, 14k, mogul base, running on E-ballast. My corals, I only have a few, puffed up twice as big as normal, and my shrooms, and zoas were reaching for the light, could not believe the difference from my old bulb, Hamilton 250w, 20k...but it was over a year old.... I would consider emailing Weston about being an RC sponsor, and see if we can get better deals, and sell more bulbs....who do we talk to about that?

[Cosmo^Kramer]

I would like to see JBNY do a test on these bulbs.I'd be more then happy to donate one of my burned in bulbs for the test

[Ti]

yeh, some par #'s and if it' looks gewd I'm sold!

[jacmyoung]

I agree, including non brand name bulbs in the test will show true objectivity.

[bigevill1]

I just ordered 2-250 watt 14K and 2-175 watt 14K bulbs from Wes this morning. I will let you guys know how they look when I get them. $129 total for all 4 bulbs shipped.

[djc1026]

Anyone running these on magnetic ballasts?

[Jon]

Anyone running these on magnetic ballasts?

Yes. I just purchased 2-250w 14k's from wes (reefoptic) about 2 weeks ago and they are running on Advance M-58 magnetic ballasts and they look great. Similar comments to those on other ballast. Definatly a blue tint to them. I think very close to 10k with atinics. In fact I shut my actinics off. No need to burn the extra bulbs. I just want to watch and see how they hold up over time.

Jon............

[sprite]

update on greatdel 10.00 bulb- i bought 175 watt 10k ,when it got here it fired up and after a few minutes would go out.i emailed them and they sent me another bulb. i put it in yesterday and without supplementation to my eyes its very very yellow

[caesura]

Does anyone have any experience with these? http://www.atlaslightingsupply.com/10KT15MH.html

[FLricordia]

From Greatdel. I just got a 14k 250wt HQI from ebay sent direct from China and it is very crisp blue but not as blue as the 20k I replaced. Don't really notice any yellow. Cost around $25 shipped though highest bid. It was higher with BUY IT NOW. So far my corals seem to like it, but I don't have much experiance with other brands. I have all softies, shrooms, zoas and rics, but I feel that SPS would like this bulb. This is with actinics off. My camera doesn't pick up the colors my eye sees. Records blue too deeply. Cheap camera I guess.

http://gallery.pethobbyist.com/data/847314kHQI250wt-med.jpg

[FLricordia]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8603475#post8603475 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by grahxen
He doesnt seem to have any auctions running at the moment but here is the link.


http://myworld.ebay.com/whulljr/
That's where I got 2 400wt 14k mogules from for a 240 I maintain for a friend. Put them in 4 months ago and the corals are doing awesome, the growth in the corals from the frogspawns, brains to the hairy shrooms is incredible. Biggest green hairies I have ever seen. Some at 10" across, no ****. Will get pics and post them here in next few days. Pulsing zenia is spreading everywhere. Coraline is slow in growth though.

[ogredawg19]

bump

[tkeracer619]

I think I am going to try the ReefOptics (http://cgi.ebay.com/14K-250w-Metal-Halide-Bulb-ReefOptics-or-10K-14K-20K_W0QQitemZ160066954523QQihZ006QQcategoryZ46314QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem) bulbs as well.

Edit: I am replacing (3) 250w Reeflux 10k's on CoralVue E-Ballasts.

I really like the Reeflux bulb but want something with a bit more blue.

[jeffs86GT]

I just recently got my ReefOptics 14k bulbs hooked up and I love the color. I went from VHO to MH and now I don't even need the actinic sup. I am really happy with these bulbs.

Jeff

[brad23]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8641559#post8641559 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by hounddog01
I put in some XM 10K bulbs and they were very yellow, very bright but yellow. I guess what this means it that these 14k bulbs really are 14k. Please excuse me because these are my first MH bulbs and I am not as familiar with the color spectrum. So far everything is growing nicely. Only issue I have is my Larry Jackson is not as colorful. Now I know people say when they are a little brown they are healty and it has grown but I want my purple tips back!

The only real 14k bulb out there is the Iwasaki, everything is just mislabled to sell.

[Trnman32]

I bought 2 250watt 14K ReefOptics bulbs and they are a nice balance from the Iwasaki 10K's I started with and the second set of XM 20k's I had last time I bought bulbs.Wes is great to deal with also

[Trnman32]

I bought 2 250watt 14K ReefOptics bulbs and they are a nice balance from the Iwasaki 10K's I started with and the second set of XM 20k's I had last time I bought bulbs.Wes is great to deal with also

[Trnman32]

sorry for the double post

[tatoofr]

Hi,
Does anyone know the length of the 175 watt 14 k bulb?
Will they work on a reg. coralife ballast?
Thanks,
Frank

[75galreef]

How is everyones bulbs doing? Has anyone heard from Sanjay on the testing?

[kodyboy]

I was wondering the same thing as I am looking into reefoptic 10Kor 14K for my 150 reef.

[RickD1]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8970878#post8970878 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kodyboy
I was wondering the same thing as I am looking into reefoptic 10Kor 14K for my 150 reef.

kodyboy, I pmed you

[hounddog01]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8871576#post8871576 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by brad23
The only real 14k bulb out there is the Iwasaki, everything is just mislabled to sell.

Larry Jackson is purple agian:D

[marcusbigdady]

update first shot on 10-14-06 and today 1-16-07http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/50923acro_10-14-06__Custom_.jpg http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/50923IMG_3683__Custom_.JPG http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/50923IMG_3685__Custom_.JPG sorry, the 3rd is a side shot and no lights are on ..2-250w/10K, only

[lgoins]

very impressive, it looks like these bulbs are turning out to be pretty good.

[REMF]

It looks like Whulljr on e-bay is out of the 250w 14K ReefOptics. Is there any other person who sells ReefOptics?

[geno658]

Has anyone tried using the reefmax bulbs?

www.reefmax.com

They seem very cheap, and offer 10k and 14k

175 or 250 watt

Just looking for some feedback before I try them out, but might just go ahead, price is right!

[TwistedTiger]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9037352#post9037352 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by REMF
It looks like Whulljr on e-bay is out of the 250w 14K ReefOptics. Is there any other person who sells ReefOptics?
If he is out it will be for only a short time, he makes really big orders and gets them really quick. Have you tried emailing him?

[hounddog01]

Well I had 25 people over on Saturday and everyone seem to really like my colors. Some who had not been over for a while said my growth looked good also. I think I will order some AB bulbs and then more of the 10.00 bulbs if they do not look that much better. I can order 4 of the Greatdel bulbs for 1 of the AB bulb.