Venture MH bulb

[Charlie Davidson]

Back when I was working for JSRCC.. I ordered some Venture 400W 5500k MH bulbs. Employees at the school stated how much they liked the briteness ... (over reg. bulbs)
I was sent an extra 250w 5500k for my own use, (on my tank). Best I can remember, I did not like it, at that time, compaired to my 400w 20k xms....
But the other day, I desided to put in in place of my 7-9am/ 7-9pm (dawn/dusk ) bulb.
I am Very very, impressed at this 35$ bulb!! To me, very close to a 10K in color! If anyone likes the look of 10k or has mixxed 10/20ks mag. ballast... (not sure what a elec would do to it) I would suggest trying one.... ($31, $4 shipping)

[Hopeful Reefer]

I had access to bulbs in that color range a while back...I spoke with Marvin about it though and he felt it would cause a huge algae outbreak because of how low the spectrum was...think the ones I had access to though were aroud 4700k or so...but still close enough to think these might do the same...I'd keep a close eye on it...

[Charlie Davidson]

Normal (Local Hardware ) stores carry bulbs that are @4200k
5500k is not alot briter on paper, it is a BIG differance in realtime operation. BTW, they are rated (on venture website) 5k when mounted upright but are 5500k+ when mounted Hor.
IMO, IT would be great bulb for those that mix with 20k.. Marvin is correct, I doubt that it would be used alone. I will keep and eye on it .. Has only been @2weeks.

[J. Montgomery]

Hey Charlie, you never know until you try it for real! I'm happy to hear you're trying it. Keep us updated.

I'm not positive, but I'd be willing to bet that the wavelengths of light necessary for photosynthesis in algae and corals are identical. Not trying to start an argument. I believe what everyone says that it's not a good choice to be used alone, but I don't want people confused on why.

[JMBoehling]

Charlie,

I've been running (02) 100 Watt Reveal Halogen bulbs to add shimmer to my T5's with no major increase in algae or negative effects to my corals, actually I have had increased growth on all my SPS since adding these 4 weeks ago. I think these are in the 5k spectrum as well.

You might suprised just how your SPS and Clams react :) Keep us updated.

Later,

Jim

[Charlie Davidson]

Clams do seem to like it!