Replacing my 14k Hamiltons, Get the same or is there better?

reefpimp#1 · #1 04/11/2007, 07:48 PM

Its been 2 1/2 years, I'm finally replacing my bulbs. I run two 400watt MH's and nothing else. I currently have 14k hamiltons which i really liked. I would like a little more blue but not a blue tank. Its been so long since they were new i dont recall if they were bluer and whitened up or if this is there normal color. Its a nice white with a hint of blue for color. I wolud like the colors to stand out a little more but I dont want the "blue tank effect" where everything looks blue.
So does anyone have any suggestions or are 14k hamiltons the way to go.
Thanks

reefpimp#1 · #2 04/11/2007, 09:05 PM

I was also looking at 15k XM's.
My MH's are simgle end bulbs.

reefpimp#1 · #3 04/12/2007, 06:13 AM

I guess I should have thought of a better thread name.
Nobody has MH's only on there tank?
You have no bulb preference?

JGross4 · #4 04/12/2007, 07:00 AM

Im giving the phoenix a try on my new tank, i've been using a Hamilton. I posted a picture of a comparison between the two in the thread:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1095372

Psyire · #5 04/12/2007, 01:10 PM

I'd move to the Aquaconnect's if I were you, I think they'd be exactly what you want.

ScallopKing · #6 04/12/2007, 02:01 PM

Been hamilton forever, now going with Phoenix too.

Aquaticman74 · #7 04/12/2007, 02:16 PM

Phoenix doesn't make 400w SE bulbs guys...

Are these for a FOWLR?

twon8 · #8 04/12/2007, 03:33 PM

what type of ballast are you running?

if electronic i would try the reeflux 12k,

magnetic go with xm20k

twon8 · #9 04/12/2007, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Psyire
I'd move to the Aquaconnect's if I were you, I think they'd be exactly what you want.

if running electronics i agree, but i can't find these bulbs anywhere.

BLANKENSHIP76 · #10 04/12/2007, 06:02 PM

I love Reeflux bulbs

reefpimp#1 · #11 04/12/2007, 07:13 PM

Its a mixed reef with sps,lps,softies, zoas and anemone's.
I use a cheap magnetic ballest that came with the lights.
I am upgrading to a bigger tank when I move in about two months so I'm going to buy a new light system for that tank. I would like new lights for this tank though in case I keep it up and running after the move. Also I've been switching over to sps and want to do everything I can to make them happy and colorful.

phishlet · #12 04/13/2007, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by twon8
if running electronics i agree, but i can't find these bulbs anywhere.

Aquaconnects look great on electronic ballasts and PFO HQI magnetic ballasts. You can get them here:

www.fragfarmer.com
www.aquariumspecialty.com

BLANKENSHIP76 · #13 04/13/2007, 09:25 PM

So what is a really good SE bulb on a PFO magnetic ballast. I run 10K reeflux and like the look, but from what I am hearing these are meant for e-ballast.

So what would be a good substitute bulb????

Sorry, to hijack.

markandkristen · #14 04/13/2007, 10:54 PM

im running 20ks xms on a magnetic ballast to be honest it has a little blue but not overwhelming. in my opinion its almost like a14k. i also run vho actinics

phishlet · #15 04/14/2007, 08:24 AM

It really depends on what you like. Much of it is preference. If you like the look of the reeflux lamps on your ballasts than stick with them. I ran reeflux 10k lamps on my pfo hqi ballasts (magnetic) for a while and was pleased. But I do think they shifted color pretty fast on them (due to being overdriven). You might like the Hamilton 14k lamps which would be more blue than the reeflux 10k but would not be as bright.

My advice would be to do some searches on RC and see what lamps others are using on you ballasts and hear the plusses and minuses. Many people use magnetic ballasts.