Aquaconnect 14k's

[mr294]

Anybody know of a source for the Aquaconnect 14k SE's in 175w other than ebay. I checked Premium but all I saw were the 250s.

[surfnvb7]

didn't like the iwasaki 14k?

[twon8]

im not sure they even make them in 175, all i've ever seen is 250 and 400

[mr294]

Originally posted by twon8
im not sure they even make them in 175, all i've ever seen is 250 and 400

Apparently there is a 175w version available, but I haven't found it for sale in the US yet. The search continues

[mr294]

http://www.shop-meeresaquaristik.de/...143810b938839f

[mr294]

Originally posted by surfnvb7
didn't like the iwasaki 14k?

I actually haven't tried the iwasaki yet. I had a old BLV 10k (used for about 3 months) that I was going to run, but it didn't fire, so its back to looking for bulbs again. The iwasaki is next in line if I can't track down the AC in 175w.

[surfnvb7]

what kind of 175w ballast are you running?

twon8 is running his aquaconnect14k on an electronic.......but a recent thread popped up in the lighting forum saying they are meant to be run on HQI's........same goes with Radium20k's.

apparently the *experts* say they have a "longer life" on HQI ballasts, than they do on electronics. (that goes for both AQ14k and Radium20k)

[twon8]

i think you should just get a bigger ballast....

[mr294]

Originally posted by twon8
i think you should just get a bigger ballast....

It crossed my mind, but I think that would be overkill on this tank.

I'm running an electronic, but I'm not really concerned about any possible reduction in lifespan, as whatever bulb I decide on will only be run for 2-3 hours a day.

[surfnvb7]

gotcha......I'd still go with the Iwasaki since its easier to find. pretty sure it puts out more PAR than the aquaconnect would....by a long shot.

IME....the iwasaki14k bulb really brought out red colors in sps corals.....which is a good balance considering the Radium tends to wash out reds......making them look hot pink.

i just would never use the iwasaki alone...as it does nothing for getting greens/purples to fluoresce.

[twon8]

Originally posted by mr294
It crossed my mind, but I think that would be overkill on this tank.

I'm running an electronic, but I'm not really concerned about any possible reduction in lifespan, as whatever bulb I decide on will only be run for 2-3 hours a day.

i don't really buy the reduction in lifespan theory, and iirc, it's the number of start ups that ages the bulb, not the total hours run; start up is when it gets the highest voltage and i would think the most stress.

[respite]

Brandon, Why the short burn time? What else is going to running through the photoperiod?

[mr294]

Originally posted by respite
Brandon, Why the short burn time? What else is going to running through the photoperiod?

I'm going to be running a 250w 20k for 10 hours, just planning on the lower kelvin for a midday effect.

[mr294]

Originally posted by twon8
i don't really buy the reduction in lifespan theory, and iirc, it's the number of start ups that ages the bulb, not the total hours run; start up is when it gets the highest voltage and i would think the most stress.

Spattering during startup can definitely shorten the lifespan of bulbs, but it's more of a problem in probe start bulbs (not to say it doesn't shorten the life of pulse start). Total hours run does have an effect in both cases.

[mr294]

I agree with you though, I'm not sure that running pulse start or "HQI" bulbs on e-ballasts significantly shortens their lifespans because I haven't seen any concrete proof yet.