Best 14k bulb for sps

[danfrith]

Hi, I have a 250 watt HQI fixture with an electronic ballast, the current bulb is a 20k odyssea bulb, this fixture also has 2x24 watt CF actinic bulbs. The 29 gal. Oceanic biocube that its over looks way to blue in my opinion with the 20k bulb + the two actinics. Which metal halide bulb would you recommend to get the most natural and deep vibrant colors out of my sps and clams, I'm looking for a crisp white look kind of? I'm also looking for a good quality bulb.Thanks.

[Zach117]

HQI fixture means DE right?

[Jasonincuritiba]

If you want crisp white and you have actinic supplementation why dont you go with a Ushio 10k, they are crisp white and you should get great growth rate.

[danfrith]

Yes, hqi is double ended.Thank you Jasonincuritiba. Does any body have any pics of their Ushio 10k tanks.Thanks.

[danfrith]

bump

[Horace]

The Ushio has less par than a Phoenix 14k....so why go with a 10k if its lower PAR?

[kkris]

Try the new Ushio 14k. Very crisp white. If you can wait 2 months look at the new Iwasaki 14k when itls available.

[teen]

i would go with the XM 10ks. dont have 'em on my tank, but ive heard good things about them.

[2crazyreefers]

I have tried many DE bulbs on my 180 and IMO the XM 10 K bulbs with my VHO actinics give my corals the best growth and color. I have tried guesman 13 K - now trying their 14 K (dont like, my red SPS are brown under them.) 10 K Ushio - 14 K Hamilton which I could not my corals to color up - Phoenix are nice alone in my pendant but not in my hood W/VHO. As I try new bulbs I run 2 different bulbs at a time for 6 months in my hood so I can compare color and growth. For a bulb alone W/O actinics I do prefer the Phoenix. Just my 2 cents.

[danfrith]

Thanks all. My only concern is that a 10k 250 watt will out shine my two CF 24 watt actinic bulbs. Does anybody have any pics of thier tank with the phoenix 14k or the Ushio 10k over it.Thanks.

[Nuuze]

Originally posted by Horace
The Ushio has less par than a Phoenix 14k....so why go with a 10k if its lower PAR?

Really?! I did not know that the Ushio 10k has less par than the Phoenix 14k. My BLV's are supposed to be the US version of the Ushio's...

[Nuuze]

Originally posted by danfrith
Thanks all. My only concern is that a 10k 250 watt will out shine my two CF 24 watt actinic bulbs. Does anybody have any pics of thier tank with the phoenix 14k or the Ushio 10k over it.Thanks.

Click on my read house. I have pics of the BLV 10k's that are suppose to be like the Ushio 10k. I have pics with and without actinics...HTH.

[Horace]

This is a shot of my tank from last Feb. I have dual 250w Phoenix with 2x110w VHO in this picture.

[Scuba Dog]

I have used both the 10K Ushio and the 14K Phoenix. I prefer the coloration of the Phoenix, the ushio is to yellow for my tast even with VHO actinic suplimentation.

[KNIGHT5272]

I have switched from 10K Ushio to the 14K phoenix, and I see better coloration but growth doesn't seem as fast

[danfrith]

Any other ushio 10k tank pics?

[danfrith]

Ok, I went ahead and ordered the 14k Pheonix. I'll let you know how it turns out. Thanks everyone for your help.

[BLKTANG]

Originally posted by danfrith
Hi, I have a 250 watt HQI fixture with an electronic ballast, the current bulb is a 20k odyssea bulb, this fixture also has 2x24 watt CF actinic bulbs. The 29 gal. Oceanic biocube that its over looks way to blue in my opinion with the 20k bulb + the two actinics. Which metal halide bulb would you recommend to get the most natural and deep vibrant colors out of my sps and clams, I'm looking for a crisp white look kind of? I'm also looking for a good quality bulb.Thanks.

PHOENIX

[want2reef]

Phoenix is my favorite so far.

I had Hamilton 14K, EVC 14K and reeflux 12K before the Phoenix.

Next will be the new Iwasaki 250W 15K.

[Horace]

Originally posted by want2reef
Phoenix is my favorite so far.

I had Hamilton 14K, EVC 14K and reeflux 12K before the Phoenix.

Next will be the new Iwasaki 250W 15K.

If it has the kind of PAR/Watt that the 175w SE bulb has, I will be as well ;P