250 MH bulbs

rayn · Mar 9, 2016

im lost as usual on bulbs. I try reading and searching and learning about bulbs, but a lot of threads get into personal preference quick. I suppose that's what I'm asking here, but more in reference to my specific tank.

120 5'*18"*24" tall. Running dual MH bulbs on dimmable drivers. Can be 250-400. Not planning sps at this time. I would be able to supplement with a dual T5 fixture as well.

What would be a good combination of bulbs?

bobman · Mar 9, 2016

Single end or double end bulbs? For single end I always like the radiums 14-18K and ushio for double ended bulbs same color spectrum

rayn · Mar 9, 2016

Single end. Thanks!

AllSignsPointToFish · Mar 9, 2016

I had twin Ushio 10000K single end metal halide bulbs in my old tank. They performed very well, in my recollection.

hybridazn · Mar 9, 2016

bobman said:
Single end or double end bulbs? For single end I always like the radiums 14-18K and ushio for double ended bulbs same color spectrum

The 250w radium only comes in 20k.

rayn · Mar 9, 2016

hybridazn said:
The 250w radium only comes in 20k.

That's what I found after a quick search. Seems everyone likes the color from it though.

Akida17th · Mar 9, 2016

Phoenix 14k was my favorite but I had a Giesemann fixture t5 combo so not just MH

hybridazn · Mar 9, 2016

rayn said:
That's what I found after a quick search. Seems everyone likes the color from it though.

It's what I run over my 180, I love them. A nice crisp blue, not overpowering like some other 20k bulbs. Imo the best 250w bulb on the market, as long as you have the proper ballast for it

rayn · Mar 9, 2016

hybridazn said:
It's what I run over my 180, I love them. A nice crisp blue, not overpowering like some other 20k bulbs. Imo the best 250w bulb on the market, as long as you have the proper ballast for it

Elaborate please on the proper ballast please.