Looking for used Iwsaki 150 watt 50000k

[Eric Boerner]

I am looking for a used (but not burnt out) 150 watt (yeah that dinosaur) Iwsaki 50,000k bulb to borrow or have. I want to test the color for a few weeks before commiting to purchaing a new one to replace my 6500k. So if you have one collecting dust, or if you're a dino like me and are replacing yours, please let me know.

[Joe Kelley]

Hi Eric,
I have one that I am still using. Nice bulb but very violet. I doubt that I will buy one again. The blue bulb in that wattage to get for me might be the 20K double end. Not sure when I will change this bulb but you are welcome to it when I am finished.

Joe

[Eric Boerner]

So you're thinking of converting over to an HQI double end and using 20k's? I've thought of doing the same thing, but using a 10k. I'm a little leary on the conversion though. My ballast and reflector set are pretty old. It might just be better for me to buy a new 250 watt set up. I'm just tired of compensating my yellow with 3 actinic PCs.

Appreciate the offer. Lemme know when you do your convert, and your cost figures of the conversion. I'd be interested in seeing how you did it.

[BlAcK_PeRcUlA]

Eric,

is the 50k less yellow then the 65? i have the 65 and it looks pretty white to me and i thought that the lower you go the more yellow? I have 2 36 atinic 03's i have yet to hook up so this will be enough to compensate anyways.

[dadevil23335]

David, that 50k is beyond yellow and past the blue range of the radiums. Like Joe mentioned, it's violet. If you want more white, you'll have to try a 10K or 20K but not sure what they have available for a 150w.

[Joe Kelley]

If I do that I'll show pics Eric. I will probably just go to an iwasaki 150 DL (6500). That is one of the best bulbs. Not for the blue but grow things real nice. BTW, I love your avatar!

Joe

[dadevil23335]

Joe, what tank are you lighting the 150's with? Did you get another tank going?

Lyndel

[seandanekind]

BlAcK_PeRcUlA -
You're correct. The lower you go on the Kelvin scale, the more yellow, orange, and red you get.

HOWEVER:
The 50K is really 50,000 Kelvin ***
What is referred to as 65K is really 6,500 Kelvin

*** Note: There is technically no such thing as 50,000K. Search this BBS for threads on the Kelvin Temperature Scale

[Eric Boerner]

Joe, I'm currently using a 6500k. It does get great growth, I'll agree, but not very pleasing on the looks. :(

I've seen a picture of a 150 50,000k in action, and have second thoughts about it now. It was way too blue. Almost as blue as running pure actnics. Far more blue than radiums, which IMO are too blue also.

I'm considering either upgrading to a 250 tar ballast, or converting to HQI like you might be doing. So, I'm still interested in what you decide and how you go about it.

On a side note.... I have a new 150 gallon prop tank in my garage. I may even take the 150 off my display tank and use it for an algae tub.

[seandanekind]

This may help, or make your decision harder... Here's a great article with pictures of a tank illuminated with various bulbs:

Coral Reef Ecosystems Web Site (http://www.coralreefecosystems.com/ltg_bulb_color.htm)