Hey hardcore DE folks like Moonpod

[edfish]

I need to replace my old ushios 250w DE bulbs as they are abit over 1 yr old. Are in ROIII pendants with sunligh supply ballasts. Also, I run a couple actinic T5s.

For SPS but also a bit of LPS at the lowere end of the 180, what bulb would you recommend.

I was thinking
1. Ushio 10kde again (liked them but might prefer slightly more blue...maybe...)
2. Aquaconnect 14ks
3. Phoenix's
4. Any other sharp 10-14ks out there???

I have not cruised through all the threads in six months. What do you lighting branaics recommend?

Thanks in advance!!!

[scenaria]

I just swapped out 3 of my ushio 250w 10k's in favor of the pheonix 14k's... much nicer in my opinion..

and the bonus. I really dont need the actinics on anymore as theres plenty of blue in the pheonix bulbs.. (saves about $8/month) in power :)

[mikebon111]

T-5 actinics aren't very actinic. Very light. IMO

[moonpod]

Slightly bluer (and I mean slightly) than the Ushio is the BLV.

Then most likely the Giesemann 14.5k. (again, not a HUGE difference)

Then the Hamilton 14k (some like it, I don't)

Then probably the XM 15k (not so bright)

Then the Phoenix/AC (much, much bluer)

[mikebon111]

T-5 actinics aren't very actinic. Very light. IMO
I apologize for my last statement. I misunderstood your original post. I thought you were going to add T-5's. I really didn't mean to insult your lights. Once again I apologize.

[edfish]

Moonpod, what are you using now? I am pretty happy with the Ushios (particularly after the last water change rid me of a yellowish tint I hadn't noticed), but would try someting new.

My sps growth has always been SLOW compared to others'. I do recognize there can be myriad factors for that but I thought I would get your bulb views since you are always right in the info flow.

So, stick with Ushios or try something newer and slightly bluer?

Thanks in advance

[optimus prime]

Im using the xm DE 250 on my 2x2x2 frag tank and it looks good. This is my first 250 DE bulb though so i have nothing to compare it too. All my other halides are 400s.

[moonpod]

Ed I'm using nothing really right now. I am in the process of dismantling my tank for a move. I think that it's all a matter of personal preference really. Get a bulb with "reasonable" ouput that you like the look of and you'll be fine.

FWIW, the XM "10k" DE has a color temp of like 7000k so it's very iwasaki like IME.

[scenaria]

if you had actinics with ushios... and want the blue without actinics.. the pheonix is a good choice. I didnt even realize how yellow my ushios were until I put a pheonix in for comparrison.

get a pheonix and try it.. just one...

if you dont like it..

I have two Ushios sitting here with about 4 months on each.. I'll trade you the ushios for one pheonix :)