150 watt HQI bulb question

Tremolo · 08/09/2007, 11:41 PM

I am planning on changing my bulb for my 29 gallon. I currently have the standard 14k bulb that came with my sunpod. I do not supplement any other lighting so it is just a single 150watt bulb. What bulb should i use? I have read a lot about the 14k Pheonix bulb saying that it is one of the best to use if you do not use supplement lights. But the question is how is it with coral growth? I have a few corals that i would really like to grow in. Will this happen with the 14k Pheonix or is there something better to use and still get the nice blue look?

Thanks

Vince

reefnetworth · 08/10/2007, 12:44 AM

Actinic 03 will give you the purple/blue colors. if you wish to grow SPS i would use a 10000K or better. JMO from JMEs.

mile sq. reefer · 08/10/2007, 06:04 AM

A 10k bulb isn't the only option to grow SPS. Yes the growth may be faster but many aquarists exp. growth using different 14k bulbs like Pheonix or G-man 14.5k. They also have better coloration using this kelvin lamp. The AB 10k is rated as a 13k bulb but when shielded, depending on the ballast used, falls between 10k-11k. The Pheonix lamp is pretty much an aquaconnect so the PAR when shielded on an electronic ballast is around 37, not to bad but could be better. The PAR on the AB is around 50.

08/09/2007, 11:41 PM	#1
Tremolo Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Aurora IL Posts: 644	150 watt HQI bulb question I am planning on changing my bulb for my 29 gallon. I currently have the standard 14k bulb that came with my sunpod. I do not supplement any other lighting so it is just a single 150watt bulb. What bulb should i use? I have read a lot about the 14k Pheonix bulb saying that it is one of the best to use if you do not use supplement lights. But the question is how is it with coral growth? I have a few corals that i would really like to grow in. Will this happen with the 14k Pheonix or is there something better to use and still get the nice blue look? Thanks Vince

08/10/2007, 12:44 AM	#2
reefnetworth Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: U.S.A. Posts: 3,810	Actinic 03 will give you the purple/blue colors. if you wish to grow SPS i would use a 10000K or better. JMO from JMEs. __________________ GIVE A MAN A FISH, YOU FEED HIM FOR A DAY. TEACH A MAN TO FISH, HE FEEDS HIMSELF FOR LIFE. (NEVER, underestimate another man's greed) Current Tank Info: SPS dominated barebottom display with BB sump since 2005, most consistant parameters in 19+ years of reefkeeping.

08/10/2007, 06:04 AM	#3
mile sq. reefer Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: NJ Posts: 2,045	A 10k bulb isn't the only option to grow SPS. Yes the growth may be faster but many aquarists exp. growth using different 14k bulbs like Pheonix or G-man 14.5k. They also have better coloration using this kelvin lamp. The AB 10k is rated as a 13k bulb but when shielded, depending on the ballast used, falls between 10k-11k. The Pheonix lamp is pretty much an aquaconnect so the PAR when shielded on an electronic ballast is around 37, not to bad but could be better. The PAR on the AB is around 50.