14k or 20k

[jverna1]

Im thinking about buying a 6' sunlight supply maristar lighting fixture. Im not sure which metal halide bulbs i want to put in it. Im gonna go with the ati blue plus t-5's. And get some moonlights. I've heard that the ushio 20k's are really blue. I dont want to have too much blue with the halides shutting off and the t5's coming on only to look a similar blue color. Ive been told I should go with the phoenix 14k's thery are a little less blue. I was just wondering if anybody had any opinions on which configuration i should go with.

I have a 180 gallon mixed reef.

[rkb]

What wattage? I have heard many say that the Ushio 20K and Phoenix 14K are very similar. On my fixture I run 2 150W 14K Phoenix bulbs and mix it with 4 T5s that are half daylight type bulbs and half actinic. This gives me great viewing throughout the photoperiod.

If you are running 250W MHs it is also my understanding that the 14K Phoenix bulb is fantastic. And if I know your fixture correctly it has 4 T5s allowing you to run a mix of ATI Aquablue Specials and Blue Pluses to get the same effect that I have.

My forty breeder with all the lights on-

[jverna1]

Yes, they will be 250 watt. I like the blue look of your tank. I think im leaning towards the Pheonix 14k. I just want to be sure before i spend the $.

[t4zalews]

for HQI I feel the pheonix 14k is the best bulb.

[frankpayne32]

+1. I love the look of my Phoenix 14k's.

[rkb]

Originally Posted by jverna1

Yes, they will be 250 watt. I like the blue look of your tank. I think im leaning towards the Pheonix 14k. I just want to be sure before i spend the $.

I really think you would will like the Phoenix 14Ks and from what I understand the 250w version is great. I understand about making sure, I have had too many 120 dollar light bulb experiments, a notable one being the Ushio 14Ks.

[tjmarty]

I like the 14Ks myself

[jverna1]

14ks it is. Thanks for your help.