Metal halide bulbs

[Kennetht]

A friend of mine is looking for new bulbs and I know nothing about Halides. He has two PFO 400W HQI pendants with 20,000K bulbs now. He's looking for 10,000K bulbs. So far, I have found Icecap, Hamilton, and Coralvue bulbs. Which ones would you all suggest? Also, where's the best place to buy replacement bulbs?

[RCS]

Bulbs can really me a matter of personal preference more than anything else. Dave had posted a link to a 250w comparison a while back...I have the link at home, otherwise maybe someone else can post it?

Ebay is a great place for bulbs, as would be hellolights.com

[imsqueak]

Go to the equipment forum, first two threads has more than you can absorb. I'm in the exact same boat - looking for good growth and good eye appeal. Eye appeal, I like the 14K hamiltons. As for growth, that is my missing factor but it could be contributed to having 250s going 30" and not keeping up on my parameters enough.


Link to equipment forum: Link to lighting and equipment forum (http://reefcentral.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=212)

[cee]

http://www.cnidarianreef.com/lamps.cfm
http://metricksystem.com/chris/250wcolour/
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/aug2004/review.htm
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/july2004/review.htm
http://www.reeflightinginfo.arvixe.com/

That'll keep you busy for awhile. Once you decide on a bulb, then we can find you the best site for purchasing. Also, keep in mind the ballast you'll be running the bulb on, as that will make a big difference. If he's got the 400 W HQI's, he might want to look into the CV Reeflux bulbs that they're raving about (no personal experience, though).

Dave