150w double end bulbs?

EleganceMan · 08/12/2006, 06:55 PM

Do you think there is much difference between the variety of double ended 150watt metal halide bulbs. I have used a coralife 10k and a xm 20k and besides the color i couldnt say except for price that there was any difference. I need to buy some new 20k bulbs and want to know if i should try an exspensive bulb or a Ocean for $35 each?

swashbuckler · 08/12/2006, 07:05 PM

they are all different and matter greatly depending on the manufacterer, the bulb itself, and a whole bunch of things. What it really boils down to is the PAR most importantly, and color for lots of folks

if 20k is your thing (its mine too) then color is your top priority. unfortunatly, 20k 150W DE bulbs are not very blue, no matter how you look at it. Ive recently got an XM 20k, and its nice no doubt, but not as blue as i was hoping. XM however seems to be one of the best bulbs for the money- you cant go wrong with Ushio, Hamilton, and a few others. Id avoid coralife if i were you.

EleganceMan · 08/12/2006, 08:02 PM

what makes one 20k better than another....?

swashbuckler · 08/12/2006, 09:50 PM

no real way of saying.....you have to try them out see what you like- XM is very popular choice on these forums.

MeuserReef · 08/12/2006, 10:04 PM

Also depends on the type of ballast you use.

08/12/2006, 06:55 PM	#1
EleganceMan Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Fargo, North Dakota Posts: 1,611	150w double end bulbs? Do you think there is much difference between the variety of double ended 150watt metal halide bulbs. I have used a coralife 10k and a xm 20k and besides the color i couldnt say except for price that there was any difference. I need to buy some new 20k bulbs and want to know if i should try an exspensive bulb or a Ocean for $35 each? __________________ Trade Corals!!!!!! Current Tank Info: 160 gallon reef

08/12/2006, 07:05 PM	#2
swashbuckler Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Central VA Posts: 1,726	they are all different and matter greatly depending on the manufacterer, the bulb itself, and a whole bunch of things. What it really boils down to is the PAR most importantly, and color for lots of folks if 20k is your thing (its mine too) then color is your top priority. unfortunatly, 20k 150W DE bulbs are not very blue, no matter how you look at it. Ive recently got an XM 20k, and its nice no doubt, but not as blue as i was hoping. XM however seems to be one of the best bulbs for the money- you cant go wrong with Ushio, Hamilton, and a few others. Id avoid coralife if i were you. __________________ "Der Guten Tag Hop-Clop" -The Producers Current Tank Info: 40breeder, 150W AquaMedic Oceanlight, 190W VHO Superactinics, AquaC Remora, 5 gallon fuge.

08/12/2006, 08:02 PM	#3
EleganceMan Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Fargo, North Dakota Posts: 1,611	what makes one 20k better than another....? __________________ Trade Corals!!!!!! Current Tank Info: 160 gallon reef

08/12/2006, 09:50 PM	#4
swashbuckler Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Central VA Posts: 1,726	no real way of saying.....you have to try them out see what you like- XM is very popular choice on these forums. __________________ "Der Guten Tag Hop-Clop" -The Producers Current Tank Info: 40breeder, 150W AquaMedic Oceanlight, 190W VHO Superactinics, AquaC Remora, 5 gallon fuge.

08/12/2006, 10:04 PM	#5
MeuserReef Welcome to the next level Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 2,412	Also depends on the type of ballast you use. __________________ "Never be afraid to do something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark; professionals built the titanic." -Anonymous Current Tank Info: tankless