ushio 20k vs phoenix 14k ?

samaus31 · 09/08/2009, 10:22 PM

I was wondering about the comparison of these two lamps color wise? I know the phoenix is a bluer bulb and sometimes to some people is considered almost a 20k bulb. Any thoughts?

coral_lagoon · 09/08/2009, 10:40 PM

What wattage? 150 or 250?

homeboyreefer · 09/08/2009, 11:08 PM

ttt

Nerdy Nudi · 09/09/2009, 12:13 AM

the ushio has fantastic coral color rendition. colors are vibrant and contrasty. BUT, it has a vho actinic look to it, a violet hue not blue like the radium and pheonix.

the radiums are said to have a bright white look with blue tint, the ushio has a bright white look with violet/pink tint.

stanlalee · 09/09/2009, 08:38 AM

what do you have now? if you have a 10k or low average 14k bulb dont beat yourself to death choosing between pheonix, uhsio 20k, radiums and aquamaxx 14k (yes I'll throw them in there since they are visually not much different then radiums). you are likely going to be happy with any of them. I personally see hardly any visual difference between aquamaxx/radiums and pheonix arent that much different. the ushio's are the only one with a different look. a little purpler, a little whiter, same pop.

Macimage · 09/09/2009, 08:43 AM

My Ushio 20K DE bulbs do not have any purple tint at all. In fact, they are really white and don't have enough blue for me. I am running them on Blue Wave ballasts.

I am going to try the Phoenix 14K next time for more blue.

If I change to pendants, I'd definitely go with the SE Radiums.

Joyce

phish guy · 09/09/2009, 10:06 AM

i have the Pheonix 14K. nice ice blue/white kinda color. good growth and color.

Macimage · 09/09/2009, 10:08 AM

Thanks!

I am seriously considering replacing my 6 month old Ushios with the Phoenix.

Joyce

rbnice1 · 09/09/2009, 10:19 AM

got 250watt DE phoenix bulbs...

Very very bright, good white color with a slight blue tint. I also supliment with 2 attinics 1 blue+ and a fiji purple.

Stanley-Reefer · 09/09/2009, 11:01 AM

phoenix are whiter on M80 ballasts than digital ones.

My 90 is digital and is alot bluer than the M80 driven 175

Macimage · 09/09/2009, 11:30 AM

I think that my Ushios are probably whiter on the M80's also.

I have turned off my supplemental T5's and only use them for dusk/dawn. S. Calif. electrical rates are outrageous so I would like to find a MH that has enough blue.

Do you think the Phoenix 14K's will have more blue than the Ushio 20K's on the M80's?

Thanks!
Joyce

gordon2726 · 09/09/2009, 12:23 PM

Here's a picture of my 3 weeks old 250w Phoneix on Bluewave Ballast (M80). I am very happy with the color.

agsansoo · 09/09/2009, 12:26 PM

Phoenix 14K's on e-ballast will make your tank look like diluted windex.

GSMguy · 09/09/2009, 12:27 PM

gosh Gordon, that is a sweet tank!

agsansoo · 09/09/2009, 12:27 PM

gordon2726, are you running your T5 UVL Super Actinic's in that photo ?

gordon2726 · 09/09/2009, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by GSMguy
gosh Gordon, that is a sweet tank!

Thank you.

docsky · 09/09/2009, 12:57 PM

http://i715.photobucket.com/albums/ww153/docsky0729/IMG_0220.jpg

i have 250w MH's ushio 20k in the middle and 2 phoenix on the outer edges all on icecap e balast. Color look even across the tank. I don't think my water looks like diluted windex on the edges!

docsky · 09/09/2009, 12:59 PM

http://i715.photobucket.com/albums/w...9/IMG_0220.jpg

sorry try this

gordon2726 · 09/09/2009, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by agsansoo
gordon2726, are you running your T5 UVL Super Actinic's in that photo ?

Yes, I am running 2x250w Phoenix & 2x39w UVL Super Actinic but because my T5s are only 39w/each, they don't make much difference in color. Probably 5% bluer with T5s on.

reefer31 · 09/09/2009, 11:43 PM

I will be using the 250 watt DE version..sooooo radiums are out :P
Thanks for the info you guys. I guess with my HQI ballasts (m80), this will turn the ushio 20k more white or is that just hogwash? :P

reefer31 · 09/10/2009, 12:14 AM

Sorry, the first post for some reason was under a new account I made some how :P, this is my normal account name.

agsansoo · 09/10/2009, 08:29 AM

Don't get me wrong, I like the look of the Phoenix bulb on m80 ballast. With gordon2726 using UVL Super Actinic supplementation gives the tank more of a violet look.

DarG · 09/10/2009, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by reefer31
I will be using the 250 watt DE version..sooooo radiums are out :P
Thanks for the info you guys. I guess with my HQI ballasts (m80), this will turn the ushio 20k more white or is that just hogwash? :P

The ballasts dont turn the lamps "more white". The M80 ballast is the spec ballast and actually drives the lamps with higher wattage than the electronic ballast. This accounts for less blue in the output and also higher par. They are actually producing the color and output that they were designed to produce when driven by the M80 ballast.
The Phoenix 14K is a bluer lamp than the Ushio 20K. The Phoenix also is a higher par lamp than the Ushio 20K.
So the Phoenix is both a bluer lamp and a higher par lamp than the Ushio 20K. Personally, I dont like the Phoenix lamp but they are very popular lamps because of the blue look and the relatively high output. I think that the Phoenix lamp tends to wash out some colors (too much blue and a monotone blue color). But that is my opinion and how we feel about lamps colors and how we perceive their effects on our tanks is nothing more than personal preference.

For the record, both the Ushio 20K and the Phoenix 14K actually measure above 20000K in terms of color temperature.

I wouldnt personally describe the Ushio as "pink" or "purple". I would describe it is a cool, crisp white lamp w/ blue tint and a hint of an actinic (violet) hue that is noticeable to some users of the lamp. In other words, the blue color of the Ushio is a bit unique in that there is also a bit of an actinic hue in the color. The Phoenix lamps blue color on the other hand is just more of "typical" blue color.

Personally, the Ushio 20K lamps are among my favorites in terms of color in all wattages and base types. Just the right amount of blue and a beautiful color as well. They are also quality euro made lamps, consistent, and priced lower than many brand name asian lamps that arent of the same overall quality. But they are NOT par monsters.
And again, lamps and their colors are personal choices. There is no right or wrong. As long as you get needed par and you like the look of the tank and the corals with the chosen lamps.
The only real way to find "your" lamp is to try different lamps. That means spending more money. It isnt necessary but if you are looking for the perfect lamp for both you and your tank, you usually have to do some experimenting. It's the nature of the beast.

Wd40 · 09/10/2009, 12:24 PM

I also have a blue wave 7 ballast and am running two Ushio 20k 250w. I love the look, it is white with a hint of blue. I would like to try the phoenix though on my next shot for par levels and mix it with some t5 to bring out more colors...

reefer31 · 09/10/2009, 02:08 PM

The LFS I work for used 250 watt de 14k ushio bulbs and I loved the color. I figured that if the 14k color is that nice then the 20k has to be better. He recently switched out the 14k bulbs for 12k reeflux and I dont like that color at all. Hope that the 20k ushio is not that blue/monochrome as the 12k reeflux

.

09/08/2009, 10:22 PM	#1
samaus31 Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 1	ushio 20k vs phoenix 14k ? I was wondering about the comparison of these two lamps color wise? I know the phoenix is a bluer bulb and sometimes to some people is considered almost a 20k bulb. Any thoughts?

09/09/2009, 10:06 AM	#7
phish guy Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: South NJ Posts: 1,003	i have the Pheonix 14K. nice ice blue/white kinda color. good growth and color. __________________ Who are we? We find that we live on an insignificant planet of a humdrum star lost in a galaxy tucked away in some forgotten corner of a universe in which there are far more galaxies than people. Current Tank Info: 150 Gallon Reef, Reeftech LEDs ( on their way out for reefbreeder Photons), Reef Octoput NWB250, Custom made Sump/Refufium, Mp40wES, Koralia's. SPS, LPS, Zoas/Palys

09/09/2009, 12:23 PM	#12
gordon2726 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Rowland Heights, So Cal Posts: 594	Here's a picture of my 3 weeks old 250w Phoneix on Bluewave Ballast (M80). I am very happy with the color. __________________ Tank Spec: 83 gal Leemar 3 sides Starphire 36"x22"x24", 27 gal Sump, 2x250w Phoenix / 2x39w UVL Super Actinic T5 Maristar fixture, Sunlight Supply Bluewave7 Duel 250w Ballast, 3 x Tunze 6125, Bubble King 200 Mini Skimmer, Red Dragon 3.5 return pump, AC3 Controller (Temp, PH, ORP), 2xBRS Dosers (cal/alk), TLS reactor (carbon), JBJ ATO/Aqualifter, 8" duel style window fan.

09/09/2009, 12:26 PM	#13
agsansoo Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Downey,CA Posts: 1,782	Phoenix 14K's on e-ballast will make your tank look like diluted windex. __________________ Andy SCRK Member Current Tank Info: Barebottom, 65 Bow-Front, 20 gal sump/fuge, octo extreme 160, (2) Lumen Max3 250W w/ XM 20k's, 2 VHO Actinic and (1) VorTech MP40w & (1) VorTech MP10

09/09/2009, 12:27 PM	#14
GSMguy Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Northern New Mexico Posts: 17,420	gosh Gordon, that is a sweet tank! __________________ Nick. Conehead. Shallow Reef club. Current Tank Info: 48"x27"x14" Envision Acrylic rimless, 6x39w ATi Sunpower, Custom ATB Deluxe Skimmer, 4x tunze nano stream,ATB flowstar 1500, ACJR, Tunze osmolator.

09/08/2009, 10:40 PM	#2
coral_lagoon Pushrod Powered Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Down The Corkscrew , CA Posts: 1,263	What wattage? 150 or 250?

09/08/2009, 11:08 PM	#3
homeboyreefer Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 212	ttt

09/09/2009, 12:13 AM	#4
Nerdy Nudi Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 473	the ushio has fantastic coral color rendition. colors are vibrant and contrasty. BUT, it has a vho actinic look to it, a violet hue not blue like the radium and pheonix. the radiums are said to have a bright white look with blue tint, the ushio has a bright white look with violet/pink tint.

09/09/2009, 08:38 AM	#5
stanlalee Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: hampton roads, va Posts: 1,799	what do you have now? if you have a 10k or low average 14k bulb dont beat yourself to death choosing between pheonix, uhsio 20k, radiums and aquamaxx 14k (yes I'll throw them in there since they are visually not much different then radiums). you are likely going to be happy with any of them. I personally see hardly any visual difference between aquamaxx/radiums and pheonix arent that much different. the ushio's are the only one with a different look. a little purpler, a little whiter, same pop.

09/09/2009, 08:43 AM	#6
Macimage Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Quartz Hill Posts: 4,078	My Ushio 20K DE bulbs do not have any purple tint at all. In fact, they are really white and don't have enough blue for me. I am running them on Blue Wave ballasts. I am going to try the Phoenix 14K next time for more blue. If I change to pendants, I'd definitely go with the SE Radiums. Joyce

09/09/2009, 10:08 AM	#8
Macimage Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Quartz Hill Posts: 4,078	Thanks! I am seriously considering replacing my 6 month old Ushios with the Phoenix. Joyce

09/09/2009, 10:19 AM	#9
rbnice1 Moved On Join Date: May 2008 Location: Cedar Hill Posts: 3,905	got 250watt DE phoenix bulbs... Very very bright, good white color with a slight blue tint. I also supliment with 2 attinics 1 blue+ and a fiji purple.

09/09/2009, 11:01 AM	#10
Stanley-Reefer Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Stanley, NC Posts: 1,933	phoenix are whiter on M80 ballasts than digital ones. My 90 is digital and is alot bluer than the M80 driven 175

09/09/2009, 11:30 AM	#11
Macimage Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Quartz Hill Posts: 4,078	I think that my Ushios are probably whiter on the M80's also. I have turned off my supplemental T5's and only use them for dusk/dawn. S. Calif. electrical rates are outrageous so I would like to find a MH that has enough blue. Do you think the Phoenix 14K's will have more blue than the Ushio 20K's on the M80's? Thanks! Joyce

09/09/2009, 12:57 PM	#17
docsky Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: ohio Posts: 121	http://i715.photobucket.com/albums/ww153/docsky0729/IMG_0220.jpg i have 250w MH's ushio 20k in the middle and 2 phoenix on the outer edges all on icecap e balast. Color look even across the tank. I don't think my water looks like diluted windex on the edges!

09/09/2009, 12:59 PM	#18
docsky Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: ohio Posts: 121	http://i715.photobucket.com/albums/w...9/IMG_0220.jpg sorry try this

09/09/2009, 11:43 PM	#20
reefer31 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Utah Posts: 561	I will be using the 250 watt DE version..sooooo radiums are out :P Thanks for the info you guys. I guess with my HQI ballasts (m80), this will turn the ushio 20k more white or is that just hogwash? :P

09/10/2009, 12:14 AM	#21
reefer31 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Utah Posts: 561	Sorry, the first post for some reason was under a new account I made some how :P, this is my normal account name.

09/10/2009, 08:29 AM	#22
agsansoo Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Downey,CA Posts: 1,782	Don't get me wrong, I like the look of the Phoenix bulb on m80 ballast. With gordon2726 using UVL Super Actinic supplementation gives the tank more of a violet look. __________________ Andy SCRK Member Current Tank Info: Barebottom, 65 Bow-Front, 20 gal sump/fuge, octo extreme 160, (2) Lumen Max3 250W w/ XM 20k's, 2 VHO Actinic and (1) VorTech MP40w & (1) VorTech MP10

09/10/2009, 12:24 PM	#24
Wd40 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 715	I also have a blue wave 7 ballast and am running two Ushio 20k 250w. I love the look, it is white with a hint of blue. I would like to try the phoenix though on my next shot for par levels and mix it with some t5 to bring out more colors...

09/10/2009, 02:08 PM	#25
reefer31 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Utah Posts: 561	The LFS I work for used 250 watt de 14k ushio bulbs and I loved the color. I figured that if the 14k color is that nice then the 20k has to be better. He recently switched out the 14k bulbs for 12k reeflux and I dont like that color at all. Hope that the 20k ushio is not that blue/monochrome as the 12k reeflux .