halide questions

[morrowss]

I justed switched out my nove extreme for a Outer Orbit Fixture, 2x250W HQI Metal Halide & 4X54W T5s. My sps seem to love the halides but the tank looks to white/yellow to me and i was thinking about putting in 14k or 20k bulbs, but i dont know much about them. There are so many different makers...what would the difference be between a Giesemann Megachrome Coral 14.5k or hamilton or phoenix, besides the price?? I would like to see a bluer lighting but still have good growth, would 14k be the best choice...maybe the phoenix?

Thanks for any input,
Art

 

[Hypertek99]

I would go with phoenix if money is tight. If not then radium 20k has the best par for growth and makes your corals color pop too. The phoenix 14k would be my second choice after the radiums.

 

[morrowss]

Ok thanks for the input...but i cant find a radium double ended 20k bulb? Do they make them?

 

[str8salt]

Phoenix bulbs are great. best bang for the buck.imho

 

[Hypertek99]

Oh i think they only have the 150watt version for the radiums right now. The 250's are suppose to be out soon i think?

 

[flricordia]

+1 on the Phoenix 14ks too if you are looking for color and fair growth. I have seen the Reefflux 14Ks and they do pretty good growth besides nice color. Don't know where to get them though. Just know someone with them over the tank of sps and zoas. I think they are cheaper than Phoenix but couldn't swear to it.

 

[morrowss]

Ok Mike....it sounds like phoenix 14 is the way to go...thanks everyone!!

+1 on the Phoenix 14ks too if you are looking for color and fair growth. I have seen the Reefflux 14Ks and they do pretty good growth besides nice color. Don't know where to get them though. Just know someone with them over the tank of sps and zoas. I think they are cheaper than Phoenix but couldn't swear to it.