10k vs 14k

[ataylo13]

I am currently running a Current 150W Outer Orbit HQI Pendant (http://www.current-usa.com/outerorbit.html) over my 58G. I have been running the light for about 10 months now. My First questions is how long do HQI bulbs usually last before you start running into problems? secondly I was looking at replacement bulbs and realized I have 2 options 10k and 14k. I am currently running the 10k. Are there any advantages to going with the 14k over the 10k? Thanks for the input.

[bigevill]

you are going to get more of a blue tint out of a 14K it is really a matter of personal taste......

[NewSchool04]

you could also look into the 12K Reeflux bulb. I use the 250W DE and I'm a big fan.
Usually people get about 9 months out of their DE bulbs driven on HQI ballasts before they start to peter out.

[ataylo13]

Will any bulb work (I use that loosely) in the pendants? I didn't know if I have to get the bulb from Current for it to work.

[NewSchool04]

any 150W DE halide bulb will work.

[klasiksb]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9281208#post9281208 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by NewSchool04
you could also look into the 12K Reeflux bulb. I use the 250W DE and I'm a big fan.
Usually people get about 9 months out of their DE bulbs driven on HQI ballasts before they start to peter out.

Are using an electronic or magnetic HQI ballast with your reeflux 12k? How is the color of that bulb?

[NewSchool04]

HQI ballast klasiksb and the color is a very crisp white with blue tint. By far my favorite that I've used.

[Aquaticman74]

I'd go with the 14.5k 150wDE Gieseman bulb. It's a very crisp white bulb that brings out the blues and purples well in corals. It costs a bit more then most bulbs, but it's worth every penny.

klasiksb,
I have seen the 12k Reeflux SE 175 and 400 run on probe start ballasts. To me they make things look washed out. Maybe the DE version on an HQI ballast looks better. I'd try the 250wSE 14.5k Gieseman on your cube too. It's not a bulb that needs actinics. There's no yellow tint at all to it. It's also got a par of 129 on your ballast. :)

[klasiksb]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9281736#post9281736 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Aquaticman74
I'd go with the 14.5k 150wDE Gieseman bulb. It's a very crisp white bulb that brings out the blues and purples well in corals. It costs a bit more then most bulbs, but it's worth every penny.

klasiksb,
I have seen the 12k Reeflux SE 175 and 400 run on probe start ballasts. To me they make things look washed out. Maybe the DE version on an HQI ballast looks better. I'd try the 250wSE 14.5k Gieseman on your cube too. It's not a bulb that needs actinics. There's no yellow tint at all to it. It's also got a par of 129 on your ballast. :)

Well, i'm picking up a 150w HQI Sunpod with Lunar Lights and it has an electronic ballast, so i'm trying to figure out which bulb to go with. This is going on another cube we are setting up. :rolleyes: :lol:

[Aquaticman74]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9281807#post9281807 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by klasiksb
Well, i'm picking up a 150w HQI Sunpod with Lunar Lights and it has an electronic ballast, so i'm trying to figure out which bulb to go with. This is going on another cube we are setting up. :rolleyes: :lol:

If you're not keeping SPS in there, I'm running 14k 150wDE Phoenix on my AGA 120 in an Aquamedic fixture. The LPS are doing great under the bulb. It's just sooooo blue..... :D

Keep setting up tanks and you'll wish you had this big 'ol skimmer to keep them all clean. ;)

[NewSchool04]

The 14K Phoenix will be fine for SPS if you chose that route. Nice PAR ratings and a very blue look to it. A little too blue and dim for my taste so I decided to try out the Reeflux.

[sellout007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9281736#post9281736 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Aquaticman74
I'd go with the 14.5k 150wDE Gieseman bulb. It's a very crisp white bulb that brings out the blues and purples well in corals. It costs a bit more then most bulbs, but it's worth every penny.

klasiksb,
I have seen the 12k Reeflux SE 175 and 400 run on probe start ballasts. To me they make things look washed out. Maybe the DE version on an HQI ballast looks better. I'd try the 250wSE 14.5k Gieseman on your cube too. It's not a bulb that needs actinics. There's no yellow tint at all to it. It's also got a par of 129 on your ballast. :)


Where can you buy the 250w Gieseman 14k DE bulb at?

[Aquaticman74]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9282672#post9282672 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sellout007
Where can you buy the 250w Gieseman 14k DE bulb at?

Premium has them normally, but they show out of stock. Give Jeremy a PM or call. I'm sure he'll get some soon. Marinedepot has them also I believe.

[sellout007]

I didnt see any Gieseman bulbs on PA. Must have missed it?

[Aquaticman74]

Here's the one you want (http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=14K-250DE-G&Category_Code=mh-250w)

[ataylo13]

thanks for the advice. I think i am going to get the 150W 12K HQI Reeflux a try.

[NewSchool04]

Brandon, if you want, come over and take a look. I can't believe the 250W would be much different than the 150K.