Phoenix 14k

gillies · 02/23/2006, 09:55 PM

I have a Maristar 2x250w MH + 2x54w T5 light fixture. It came with Ushio 10k bulbs that are now a year old. I want to switch to a bluer bulb in hope to get more color from my SPS. The more I do bulb comparisons on Sanjay's lighting page, the more I can't figure out why anyone would use anything but the Phoenix 14k to accomplish this. It has the same spectral spike as the 20k bulbs but with much more PAR across the spectrum. What do you think?

Treg · 02/23/2006, 10:52 PM

Personal taste.

I used the Aquaconnect 14k (same bulb) for about a year. I liked it at first but IMO now, too dim, too blue and growth slowed. I'm trying out the Ushio 14k right now and so far so good to the eye.

Some colors (like orange, green) do look better under the bluer 14k and some (blues, purple) just look washed out.

Its just all about personal taste...

KaBoOm · 02/24/2006, 08:31 AM

The Phoenix 14K is a sweet bulb. It seems to have a perfect balance of the Blue for most people. Pretty good Par output too.

I just picked up one to start my MH lighting. I know this site is running a special on them this week: http://www.aquariumobsessed.com

Mercer · 02/24/2006, 08:37 AM

I agree with your findings, gillies. Heck, I just ordered a 2xP 14K system a few days ago. I plan to run it on an ANSI-M80 style ballast.

Posts like yours continue to make me think I did the right thing.

02/23/2006, 09:55 PM	#1
gillies Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 901	Phoenix 14k I have a Maristar 2x250w MH + 2x54w T5 light fixture. It came with Ushio 10k bulbs that are now a year old. I want to switch to a bluer bulb in hope to get more color from my SPS. The more I do bulb comparisons on Sanjay's lighting page, the more I can't figure out why anyone would use anything but the Phoenix 14k to accomplish this. It has the same spectral spike as the 20k bulbs but with much more PAR across the spectrum. What do you think?

02/23/2006, 10:52 PM	#2
Treg Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Ohio Posts: 2,739	Personal taste. I used the Aquaconnect 14k (same bulb) for about a year. I liked it at first but IMO now, too dim, too blue and growth slowed. I'm trying out the Ushio 14k right now and so far so good to the eye. Some colors (like orange, green) do look better under the bluer 14k and some (blues, purple) just look washed out. Its just all about personal taste...

02/24/2006, 08:31 AM	#3
KaBoOm Moved On Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 62	The Phoenix 14K is a sweet bulb. It seems to have a perfect balance of the Blue for most people. Pretty good Par output too. I just picked up one to start my MH lighting. I know this site is running a special on them this week: http://www.aquariumobsessed.com

02/24/2006, 08:37 AM	#4
Mercer Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Atlantic Canada Posts: 274	I agree with your findings, gillies. Heck, I just ordered a 2xP 14K system a few days ago. I plan to run it on an ANSI-M80 style ballast. Posts like yours continue to make me think I did the right thing.