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View Full Version : Something between 10K and 20K ?

salmon alley
07/14/2004, 09:05 PM
I'm sure this topic has been covered, but the 'search' function seems to have been indefinately deactivated... so

I had been running AB 10K DE bulbs driven by IceCap ballast over my 180 SPS, but haven't been overwhelmed with the coral coloration.

For the past several days I've had AB 20Ks over the tank. The coral colors are much better, but the overall appearance of the tank is significantly dimmer, and I worry about some of the corals that are lower down in the tank.

Is there something that is brighter than the 20K bulb but still evokes the superior coloration? I know that in theory the 14K bulbs should do that, but I'd like to know what kind of experience other reefers have had.
Froggy
07/15/2004, 09:53 AM
What wattage bulb are you looking for? I have 14 K Hamilton bulbs that are only 175 watters and they are a bit dim. The color is perfect though. Others on this board give the 14 K Hamiltons very good reviews in the higher wattage models 250's and 400's.
Here are some comparison pics
10 K hamiltons with actinics
http://img78.photobucket.com/albums/v252/robertsonjoe/DSC00324.jpg
14 K Hamiltons with actinics
http://img78.photobucket.com/albums/v252/robertsonjoe/DSC00397.jpg
Pics are not the greatest but you can get an idea of the color difference. Both pics are 175 watt halides.
salmon alley
07/15/2004, 03:15 PM
Froggy Thanks for the reply and pics!

I forgot to mention, but I'm looking for 250W DE bulbs. I'd prefer to run them solo (that is without actinic supplementation) from an electricity consumption standpoint.

I finally got the search function working well, and sounds as if some really favor the Aquaconnect 14K bulbs. Unfortunately, it also sounds like they're impossible to get...
wfgworks
07/15/2004, 04:39 PM
The new Megachrome DE bulbs just came out like 2 weeks ago. They have a 13K, 14.5k and a 20K bulb available. You should look into their 14.5K bulb if your not running actinics.
wfgworks
07/15/2004, 04:46 PM
Giesemann is the manufacturer of these bulbs just so you know.
salmon alley
07/15/2004, 06:05 PM
hmmm...14.5K bulb. That sounds like it may be exactly what I'm looking for.

where can I order these from?
wfgworks
07/15/2004, 07:57 PM
www.premiumaquatics.com
wfgworks
07/15/2004, 07:58 PM
I'm running the 13K with actinics.
robster
07/15/2004, 07:58 PM
Froggy, Great pics. I just got a 14k myself and am running two 96W actinics too. It is blue/dim but not too blue. I am curious to see how you ahve your lighting setup. It appears that you have some sort of fixture vs. a retro. Can you share a pic of your fixture?