Bulbs between 14k and 20k?

ucantmakeme · Feb 18, 2010

Im getting ready to replace my 150w halide bulb (de) and was wondering other than a few 15k bulbs are there any in between? Im looking for a little bit more blue but not 20k blue...

i cant add any supp lighting so im limited to just the halide bulb.

If there are not any in between could anyone recommend a bluer 14k bulb (cuz brands differ in spectrum slightly) and plz attach a picture WITHOUT any supp lighting... Halide only please.

i appreciate any help from you guys. And thanks in advance.

lReef lKeeper · Feb 18, 2010

ive always heard that Phoenix 14s were nice, i am more partial to reeflux 20s or radiums though. reeflux also makes a 12k bulb

ucantmakeme · Feb 18, 2010

How blue are the Pheonix's? Is there a website or something that shows the blueness?

Dylan · Feb 18, 2010

I would do a radium 20k. Little bluer than 14k, but not a rich deep blue like most 20k's are. Insane bulb too. I've run both a phoenix and a radium, and the radium looks so so so much nicer.

stedfast82 · Feb 18, 2010

i have 150 watt hexarc 14k blue good color and par buy phoenix

stedfast82 · Feb 18, 2010

you can check out my 110 gal tank build light's are what i told you

lReef lKeeper · Feb 18, 2010

they are pretty blue ... my buddy runs them and no actinics, if that tells you anything.

saved this pic from google ...

stedfast82 · Feb 18, 2010

i dont run my actinics it take's away from the M/H

roscoe · Feb 18, 2010

I run radiums now but I also like Pheonix 14k or hamilton 14k. Both are great bulbs and has a nice crisp white with just enough blue.

addocdreefer · Feb 18, 2010

Do you have enough room for some LED's? Some blue moonlights are pretty small. Even if you're using a pendant you may be able to add them alomg the back edge.

CoralBandit · Feb 18, 2010

Pheonix's "blueness" will vary depending on ballast ran. I use HQI ballast and my phoenixs are white. But I just put them in so it may get a little bluer over the next couple weeks but who cares I ordered a Reefbright LED fixture that should bring me back towards blue

ucantmakeme · Feb 19, 2010

Alright guys. thanks for the info. this atleast gives me a few brands to look into a little more closely.

modifyd · Feb 19, 2010

EVC 20k seems more like 18k on a magnetic ballast.

Mariner · Feb 19, 2010

Check these links for comparison pics of various bulbs

http://http://www.cnidarianreef.com/lamps.cfm

http://http://www.marinedepot.com/lighting_metal_halide_bulbs_information-ap.html

http://http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=162232
You're welcome,
Mariner :bigsmile:

650-IS350 · Feb 19, 2010

I;ve heard for 150w radiums had a good 20K, 14K phoenix are great as well ( had them for my 250, happy with them ), running a 20K now.

LegoZ81 · Feb 19, 2010

I am running EVC 14k they are pretty blue, XM's 20k is more of a purple these are a blue. I had Hami 14k and they just were not blue I don't know what I was expecting but they did not live up to it that is for sure

From what I have seen MAG ballasts will make any bulb more lean more white.
I can't get a good representative photo as they look VERY blue in pics and not realistic.
you can check out the cam feed on my page:
http://98.228.94.200/

JNye · Feb 19, 2010

you are splitting hairs here. its just a number and not sure how much you should believe the number assigned by the manufacturer. as stated its also VERY dependent on the ballast you run as well. Plus color will shift over time so its all different in pics, not to mention the computer monitors we all use. If you really want to split hairs then get a dimmable ballast and then you can play with the color all day long.