Deciding on a new bulb... help please
- Thread starter daaznmofo
- Start date
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I've run 250w DE Helios (high par but monochromatic bit too blue imho)
now running 20K Aqualine Buschke which has less par than the Helios but a better overall look, more crisp but also makes colors pop (the BLV is the same bulb..same color spike and par... and much cheaper)
I have also heard great things about Ushio 20K DE
now running 20K Aqualine Buschke which has less par than the Helios but a better overall look, more crisp but also makes colors pop (the BLV is the same bulb..same color spike and par... and much cheaper)
I have also heard great things about Ushio 20K DE
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I've got an ebay bulb on my frag tank right now that is comparable to the looks of an XM20k, maybe a touch less blue. I compared it to several other 'name brand' bulbs and in terms of PAR it has outperformed them. It's running on an M80 ballast. Just under the surface, PAR is 450-500 and 12" below the surface it measured 350-380. It's been running for a month now and growth is good and colors are coming around. The test is going to be how long it lasts.
I can't find the spectral plot on Sanjay's website for 20K Ushio but I have heard rave reviews from other reefers in regards to using that bulb, seems to be a very popular bulb these days amongst the reef techs
few quotes I found about the Ushio from other reefers...
"I agree 100%. The Ushio 20K is a fantastic lamp but not nearly the bluest ... and they wont wash out some colors like the Phoenix and some of the bluer lamps can"
"I love the ushio 20k but if your looking for super blue color go with xm 20k or Helios 20k or pheonix.
The ushio 20k brings out colors that are not there under pheonix bulbs"
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GSMguy
High Desert Reefer
I recently switched from pheonix to ushio 20k and I am really happy with it. the pheonix is way blue, but it's not the blue that's the problem it's the lack of other spectrums that bothered me. The ushio has blue,purple and white.
My sps are really coloring up well after the switch.
As for spectral shift over time, it's not bad at all. I am running a 3 year old bulb over my 20l that isn't as bright as new but it looks good and my bubble tips are happy.
My sps are really coloring up well after the switch.
As for spectral shift over time, it's not bad at all. I am running a 3 year old bulb over my 20l that isn't as bright as new but it looks good and my bubble tips are happy.
