Sooooo confused with bulb choices

Blue Deuce · 12/12/2006, 06:00 PM

This is my first foray with MH. I bought a used hood a couple months back that has 2 175watt halides and 2 VHO actinics. It is currently running 10,000 K Coralifes with a magnetic ballast. They don't seem to be as bright as the ones I see in the LFS and I do not know how old they are.

I have done my research and I wish I hadn't because it would have been easier just to go to a site and order a bulb.

Please just recommend a couple of good bulbs that you have had success with and ease my mind.

Thanks.

c.rob · 12/12/2006, 06:09 PM

go to hurleys post above and check out the bulb comparisons. That shows you what the bulbs may look like.
I use ushio 10k

grigsy · 12/12/2006, 06:30 PM

I like the 10K and 14K bulbs. XM and Hamilton IMO make the best.

BurntOutReefer · 12/12/2006, 06:58 PM

XM for me....brillant.........IMO

bucky56477 · 12/12/2006, 09:56 PM

Here is a link comparing various bulbs and ballasts. I think XM 10k are the best
http://www.cnidarianreef.com/lamps.cfm

12/12/2006, 06:00 PM	#1
Blue Deuce Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Orlando Posts: 129	Sooooo confused with bulb choices This is my first foray with MH. I bought a used hood a couple months back that has 2 175watt halides and 2 VHO actinics. It is currently running 10,000 K Coralifes with a magnetic ballast. They don't seem to be as bright as the ones I see in the LFS and I do not know how old they are. I have done my research and I wish I hadn't because it would have been easier just to go to a site and order a bulb. Please just recommend a couple of good bulbs that you have had success with and ease my mind. Thanks.

12/12/2006, 06:09 PM	#2
c.rob Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 430	go to hurleys post above and check out the bulb comparisons. That shows you what the bulbs may look like. I use ushio 10k __________________ 11 yr old 180g reef , DSB , ATS , Skimmer , 100g sump. 2'x2' frag tank fed from 180

12/12/2006, 06:30 PM	#3
grigsy Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Santa Cruz, CA Posts: 2,307	I like the 10K and 14K bulbs. XM and Hamilton IMO make the best.

12/12/2006, 06:58 PM	#4
BurntOutReefer Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Granada Hills Posts: 4,376	XM for me....brillant.........IMO

12/12/2006, 09:56 PM	#5
bucky56477 Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Cary, NC Posts: 60	Here is a link comparing various bulbs and ballasts. I think XM 10k are the best http://www.cnidarianreef.com/lamps.cfm