Replacement MH bulbs

sh0tyme83 · #1 01/03/2008, 02:08 PM

Has anybody used a 12k metal halide bulb? I have read that these tend to turn out a little more on the yellow or orange side and just wondering if that is true. I'm looking to get a little more color and replace the 10k I have.

Toddrtrex · #2 01/03/2008, 02:11 PM

What wattage and DE or SE?

Engine 7 · #3 01/03/2008, 02:15 PM

I am running a pair of Reeflux 12k's over a 40 gallon tank and they are nice and blue. No extra suppliment lighting needed. I just replaced a pair of 10k's.

sh0tyme83 · #4 01/03/2008, 02:33 PM

DE and 150 watt

Jeff - what is your coral growth like?

Engine 7 · #5 01/03/2008, 02:36 PM

I just switched over from 10k's to 12k's last week so its too early to tell.

PSam · #6 01/03/2008, 02:41 PM

I get better coral growth since switching from 150w 12K Reeflux to Ushio 14K, but I really liked the color of the 12K. Growth was ok, not great, but ok. But I only have 150w. I may switch back once I grow out some more.

sh0tyme83 · #7 01/03/2008, 03:54 PM

I guess before I get ahead of myself and determine what bulbs to get, I better ask this..

I have this set up:

https://www82.safesecureweb.com/weba...ry_Code=CAP1HL

Can I put other bulbs besides coral life in this light?

dohc97 · #8 01/03/2008, 07:39 PM

Yes you can put in other brands, just make sure they are 150 mh and double ended. should be good to go from there.

bartecki · #9 01/03/2008, 08:57 PM

I have a similar fixture as yours (http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...9&pcatid=12779). Two weeks ago I bought 150W 14K by Phoenix from hellolights, and so far I like it. Nice and blue.

sutec13 · #10 01/04/2008, 12:02 AM

If you're looking for the blue spectrum, go for the 20k bulbs. I switched my 14k (which seemed very white) to 20k and it is seems very blue. I don't run actinics so any blue I'm getting is from the bulbs. I'm using Omega Star bulbs and I've been very pleased.

-=Efrain=- · #11 01/04/2008, 12:40 AM

Sutec13 - How long have you been running the OmegaStars? I just switched to them also. I was wondering how your growth is?

Racenrich · #12 01/04/2008, 01:44 PM

im a big fan of 10K bulbs all day long...BEST growth.....i do supplement with actinics for the POP color effect.

I'm also running a Reefflux 12k on the prop...not a fan of it one bit. sure semi nice blue color, but growth is terrible. It will be replaced with a 10k soon....

i've also tried 20k-XM's...Perfect color (without actincs on)
If someone has interest in them...1 week use; $60 for BOTH Bulbs!!

RK

NewSchool04 · #13 01/04/2008, 02:08 PM

which 10K bulbs are you using Racenrich?

Racenrich · #14 01/04/2008, 02:10 PM

Newschool, i use the XM-10k's for 2 years now...nice crisp white color...as i mentioined i do supplement iwth actincs for the POP effect.
great bulb IMO and for $60 you cant beat them.

RK

NewSchool04 · #15 01/04/2008, 02:38 PM

yeah, great price. What type of ballast are you using with that bulb and it's SE right, not DE?

ostrow · #16 01/04/2008, 02:46 PM

Reeflux 250W SE 12Ks here and my growth is off the charts.

Can't make sweeping judgments on color temp. Every bulb/ballast combination is different. Every set of eyes is different.

See Sanjay Joshi's wonderful and detailed site for bulb/ballast combo comparisons and choose based on what you are shooting for.
http://www.reeflightinginfo.arvixe.com/

harv1324 · #17 01/04/2008, 03:14 PM

Just upgraded last week to the Reeflux 12 k DE and love the look, it is like I have a whole new tank and corals. My comparsion is from PC's so probably any MH is going to look good to me.

sh0tyme83 · #18 01/04/2008, 03:32 PM

ostrow or harv1324 does your tank appear to be tinted yellow or orange?

harv1324 · #19 01/04/2008, 03:37 PM

Nope. I had a small floresent bulb on my HOT fuge and had to change it to one of the bright white ones because it was so yellow it looked odd. Even the brightest white Home Depot floresent isn't as white as the 12k.

NewSchool04 · #20 01/04/2008, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ostrow
[B]Reeflux 250W SE 12Ks here and my growth is off the charts.

What type of ballast are your running ostrow?

Evolley1 · #21 01/04/2008, 03:50 PM

sh0tyme83

I run 400W SE 12K reeflux and they are fairly blue. I live in Lisle if you want to take a look.

Eric

NewSchool04 · #22 01/04/2008, 04:01 PM

what type of ballast are you running on yours Evolley1?

ostrow · #23 01/04/2008, 05:45 PM

Only time I had yellow tint was with Iwakis.

The most crisp white light I've ever seen with Reeflux 12K, SE 250 watt bulbs on M80 ballasts.

ostrow · #24 01/04/2008, 05:45 PM

Even on the regular ballasts though, before I upgraded, they were terrific. If you want more blue, supplement with VHO or T5.

john eichwedel · #25 01/04/2008, 06:14 PM

14K hamiltons driven by M135 ballasts.No supplemental needed.DE bulbs,nice not too much blue,coral growth could be better.400W BTW