Best 20k Double-ended MH Bulb?

pjewett · 12/04/2008, 03:46 PM

Hi All,

I'm thinking it's time to change the bulb in my MH light. It currently has a 14k HQI double-ended bulb but I'm unsure of the brand...whatever came with my Viper Clamp-On.

I was thinking of going with a 20k bulb to get better color from my corals but I've read that some believe the higher the bulb temp the less growth you get. Is that true? What would you all recommend for my 30 gallon hex with 150 MH and LED mooonlights?

Wish I could get actinics to supplement but can't find anything that would work on a hex.

Thanks!

tahiriqbal · 12/04/2008, 04:57 PM

Hi there,

I would be very reluctant to use 20k bulbs as they almost look blue to the naked eye and in some cases may also reduce the growth levels on certain SPS corals. I have seen them working and they look fantastic to look at but sometimes you can't really see the true colour of the fish and coral under those nearly blue 20k bulbs. There is no harm in trying as they say "trial and error", should clear any doubts in your mind.

Good luck

salmon alley · 12/09/2008, 08:52 PM

If you're looking at 150w bulbs, I'd go with the Radium...I use them and love the color.

saltwatermadnes · 12/10/2008, 02:10 AM

I have a Phoenix 14k and its really blue with plenty of growth.. cheaper than most bulbs too

roushracer · 12/10/2008, 05:01 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by salmon alley
If you're looking at 150w bulbs, I'd go with the Radium...I use them and love the color.

+1

Radiums have better color and a lot more pop than the Phoenix, which used to be my favorite.

GatorWPB · 12/10/2008, 04:56 PM

phoenix 14k have a color spectrum of a 20k and better par from what Ive read.
but sounds like radium 20k or phoenix 14k are what you want.
I use the phoenix 14k in my 2x150w sunpod and love it!

surge19us · 12/10/2008, 05:38 PM

I have 2-250watt radiums on mine and like the look. They are new not real sure about growth but have good PAR readings. You can see images here http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...readid=1527850

Garage1217 · 12/10/2008, 08:56 PM

Best looking 20K I have owned was the aqualine bushke AB... Not sure if I spelled it right. Simply stunning looking bulb. I currently run phoenix bulbs as they actually are 14K in color, not 20K which is more purple, but they have insane par & can be used without actinic. Great choice.

szymek · 12/10/2008, 09:03 PM

what about Giesemann Megachrome series ??? i'm thinking of replacing with those bulbs. 14500k 150w.

They're little expansive but seems you get what you pay for.

12/04/2008, 03:46 PM	#1
pjewett aquariablog Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Long Island-NY Posts: 383	Best 20k Double-ended MH Bulb? Hi All, I'm thinking it's time to change the bulb in my MH light. It currently has a 14k HQI double-ended bulb but I'm unsure of the brand...whatever came with my Viper Clamp-On. I was thinking of going with a 20k bulb to get better color from my corals but I've read that some believe the higher the bulb temp the less growth you get. Is that true? What would you all recommend for my 30 gallon hex with 150 MH and LED mooonlights? Wish I could get actinics to supplement but can't find anything that would work on a hex. Thanks! __________________ You can wish in one hand and crap in the other and see which gets filled 1st! - Burgess Meredith Current Tank Info: 90 gal DT w/sump, Apex, LED's, Vortec MP40

12/04/2008, 04:57 PM	#2
tahiriqbal Sialkot Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Manchester England UK Posts: 684	Hi there, I would be very reluctant to use 20k bulbs as they almost look blue to the naked eye and in some cases may also reduce the growth levels on certain SPS corals. I have seen them working and they look fantastic to look at but sometimes you can't really see the true colour of the fish and coral under those nearly blue 20k bulbs. There is no harm in trying as they say "trial and error", should clear any doubts in your mind. Good luck __________________ Tahir Iqbal Manchester UK Current Tank Info: 56cm x 56cm x 56cm

12/09/2008, 08:52 PM	#3
salmon alley Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Balto/Washington Area Posts: 716	If you're looking at 150w bulbs, I'd go with the Radium...I use them and love the color. __________________ "will spay for frags..." Current Tank Info: None currently, but researching for a new system

12/10/2008, 05:38 PM	#7
surge19us Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Willard, Oh Posts: 656	I have 2-250watt radiums on mine and like the look. They are new not real sure about growth but have good PAR readings. You can see images here http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...readid=1527850 __________________ Sean Current Tank Info: 120 gal 30 gal sump/fuge, ATB Econo 840 skimmer, 2 Vortech MP40w, AC Jr., 2-250watt MH 20K Radiums, Lumen Max 2 reflectors, 2 tek T5 retro actinic, Prime chiller, ATO/kalk reactor, drews dosers on two part.

12/10/2008, 08:56 PM	#8
Garage1217 GET OFF MY LAWN Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Globally Posts: 5,863	Best looking 20K I have owned was the aqualine bushke AB... Not sure if I spelled it right. Simply stunning looking bulb. I currently run phoenix bulbs as they actually are 14K in color, not 20K which is more purple, but they have insane par & can be used without actinic. Great choice. __________________ No great genius has ever existed without some touch of madness ~ Aristotle If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it? ~ Albert Einstein I'm just as bent as ever. Hellishly so ~ Captain Jack Sparrow Current Tank Info: Systems and goodies by Lee-Mar / Coralvue / Neptune Systems / Jager / Spectrapure / Cree / Meanwell + more!

12/10/2008, 02:10 AM	#4
saltwatermadnes Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Walnut Creek, CA Posts: 115	I have a Phoenix 14k and its really blue with plenty of growth.. cheaper than most bulbs too

12/10/2008, 04:56 PM	#6
GatorWPB Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: West Palm Beach Posts: 567	phoenix 14k have a color spectrum of a 20k and better par from what Ive read. but sounds like radium 20k or phoenix 14k are what you want. I use the phoenix 14k in my 2x150w sunpod and love it!

12/10/2008, 09:03 PM	#9
szymek Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Oakville, ON Posts: 49	what about Giesemann Megachrome series ??? i'm thinking of replacing with those bulbs. 14500k 150w. They're little expansive but seems you get what you pay for.