What is the differance between a $20 m.h. bulb and a $90 one?

sirevans reef · 01/26/2012, 08:16 PM

I am running 3 250w 15k m.h. on my 125 reef tank and one of the bulbs have blown out. So I went to ebay and started looking at double ended bulbs and most of them range from $50-$90 but the odyssea bulb is only 9.99 plus $5 shipping. How or why is it so much cheaper than all the others. Does it not last as long or what. Is it a good bulb? If not what bulb is and what would you guys recommend? How long should a bulb be in use before a new one is placed in?

Nanook · 01/26/2012, 08:19 PM

There is a reason most folks here buy bulbs with brand names costing $50-90/bulb

Just because a bulb lights up doesn't mean it is providing the spectrum your corals need to thrive. The cost for a quality bulb pretty much ensures that it will distribute a set spectral pattern over the course of its life.

James77 · 01/26/2012, 08:20 PM

Quality and consistency. You will generally get what you pay for with comparing $10 bulbs to the more typical range of $40-80 bulbs. The ones approaching $100 and more( at least in 250w) are way overpriced or imported European bulbs.

Odyysea is cheap crap.

Nanook · 01/26/2012, 08:21 PM

Here is a starting point since you are new here:

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/subject/lighting.php

01/26/2012, 08:16 PM	#1
sirevans reef Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Huntsville,AL Posts: 8	What is the differance between a $20 m.h. bulb and a $90 one? I am running 3 250w 15k m.h. on my 125 reef tank and one of the bulbs have blown out. So I went to ebay and started looking at double ended bulbs and most of them range from $50-$90 but the odyssea bulb is only 9.99 plus $5 shipping. How or why is it so much cheaper than all the others. Does it not last as long or what. Is it a good bulb? If not what bulb is and what would you guys recommend? How long should a bulb be in use before a new one is placed in?

01/26/2012, 08:19 PM	#2
Nanook Ancient Eskimo Legend Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Saint Louis, MO Posts: 41,852 Blog Entries: 11	There is a reason most folks here buy bulbs with brand names costing $50-90/bulb Just because a bulb lights up doesn't mean it is providing the spectrum your corals need to thrive. The cost for a quality bulb pretty much ensures that it will distribute a set spectral pattern over the course of its life. __________________ The wind blew, the chit flew, and then they came two by two. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Current Tank Info: 375g Tanganyikan Tank & 470g mixed reef

01/26/2012, 08:20 PM	#3
James77 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 8,158	Quality and consistency. You will generally get what you pay for with comparing $10 bulbs to the more typical range of $40-80 bulbs. The ones approaching $100 and more( at least in 250w) are way overpriced or imported European bulbs. Odyysea is cheap crap. __________________ Jim Current Tank Info: 120g Mixed Reef and 75g Freshwater

01/26/2012, 08:21 PM	#4
Nanook Ancient Eskimo Legend Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Saint Louis, MO Posts: 41,852 Blog Entries: 11	Here is a starting point since you are new here: http://reefkeeping.com/issues/subject/lighting.php __________________ The wind blew, the chit flew, and then they came two by two. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Current Tank Info: 375g Tanganyikan Tank & 470g mixed reef