whats the best mh bulb?

[jdeanda69]

I'm going to put a 150w in my 29 biocube and was wondering whats the best bulb and what k for coral color????
thanks

[jdeanda69]

forgot to add where is the best and cheapest place to buy it at??

[Illuminati]

Gonna be lots of conflicting advice.

What are you looking for out of the bulb? Good color or good growth?
Do you like whiter looking bulbs or blue tinted bulbs.

If you like the blue tint I have the Phoenix 14K and I like it.

[zma21]

I would go either Hamilton 14k, or Phoenix 14 or 20k

[jdeanda69]

I like a bluer tint which make coral colors pop but not sure if I should go with a 14 or 20k bulb

[Bmgrocks]

i hear that you get the best growth, especially out of SPS when they are kept under the 6,5k to 10k color spectrum. Alot of reef lighting is used to appease the eye, the amounts of yellow, though it may encourage the best growth, simply doesn't look good, and with the help of actinic supplements, we are able to get the desired look of our tanks.

as far as best, look for quality, people here have their preferances, with Ushio, Reeflux, Pheonix, being some of the favorites.. Good Luck, its all a matter of preference

[SugarFox03]

I have a Giesemann 12.5k bulb (150w DE) and I really like it. I do use it was 36w Actinics, so I get some blue in the tank, but the bulb alone still looks good. I got it off the board here from another member for $50.

[reefman13]

Phoenix 14K all the way man!!!!!!!!!!!! Awesome bulb. I would NEVER trade it for anything else...

[jdeanda69]

With 14k phoenix would i have to supplement with atinics or is it blue enough???

[Bmgrocks]

the 14k Pheonix, is more like a a 17k, its a intense blue that looks really nice, you won't need to supplement it.

[conorwynne]

I have a 150w 10K bulb, and yes it looks crap.

Good growth though!

Eventually when the coral's get bigger (acros & monti's), I plan of replacing for a 14K something or other.