Metal Halide Question...

bzotter · 11/01/2009, 11:21 AM

I've had a Current USA 36 inch Outer Orbit fixture on my tank for about a year and half now. I haven't changed out the bulbs yet (i know its recommended every 6 months) cause i've been at school and my dad is taking care of it. Just today, he said one of the two halide bulbs is flickering like a strobe light when it turns on. Is this indicative of a bad ballast or a bad bulb? I'm pretty sure its a bad bulb considering how old they are. I was planning on replacing them soon anyways, so along those lines, any recommendations of good bulb manufacturers? Thanks for the help!

lReef_lKeeper · 11/01/2009, 11:23 AM

i personally like the reeflux bulbs. i am running 20k bulbs and i am very impressed with the color im getting.

bzotter · 11/01/2009, 01:53 PM

thanks, i'll look into those bulbs. anyone else have any suggestions?

grigsy · 11/03/2009, 10:40 PM

Which watt is it?

If it is the 150 watt - I like the Ushio 150 watt 10K (Nice bright ice white color) or the Ushio 150w 20K (deep actinic blue color).

Those are two good choices to consider.

11/01/2009, 11:21 AM	#1
bzotter Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: DC Area Posts: 105	Metal Halide Question... I've had a Current USA 36 inch Outer Orbit fixture on my tank for about a year and half now. I haven't changed out the bulbs yet (i know its recommended every 6 months) cause i've been at school and my dad is taking care of it. Just today, he said one of the two halide bulbs is flickering like a strobe light when it turns on. Is this indicative of a bad ballast or a bad bulb? I'm pretty sure its a bad bulb considering how old they are. I was planning on replacing them soon anyways, so along those lines, any recommendations of good bulb manufacturers? Thanks for the help!

11/01/2009, 11:23 AM	#2
lReef_lKeeper lReef lKeeper Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Ky Posts: 266	i personally like the reeflux bulbs. i am running 20k bulbs and i am very impressed with the color im getting. __________________ _________________ Bobby 40 Breeder, 20 long sump, Bubble Magus Curve 5, EcoTech Radion XR30w and XR15w G3 Pro, ReefKeeper Lite

11/01/2009, 01:53 PM	#3
bzotter Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: DC Area Posts: 105	thanks, i'll look into those bulbs. anyone else have any suggestions?

11/03/2009, 10:40 PM	#4
grigsy Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Santa Cruz, CA Posts: 2,307	Which watt is it? If it is the 150 watt - I like the Ushio 150 watt 10K (Nice bright ice white color) or the Ushio 150w 20K (deep actinic blue color). Those are two good choices to consider.