Metal Halide Bulb Question

[Hypertek99]

Ok i have been using the ReefOptics 20K bulb but today i tried a Coralvue 14K bulb and the Coralvue 14K is really dim compared to the ReefOptics 20K should i switch back to the ReefOptics 20K or stick with the Coralvue 14K??? They are both 250watt bulbs why is the 14K noticably dimmer than the 20K??? Will i get better growth with the dimmer 14K???

 

[currentking]

from what I have been told, 14k gives better growth but the 20k looks better. Its all up to you. fast growth/dull tank or slow growth/bright beautiffull tank

 

[Hypertek99]

I thought the 20K's are suppose to be dimmer than 14k's???

 

[currentking]

no, they are alot bluer(if thats how you say it) bluererererer

 

[Hypertek99]

So the 20K's are brighter and bluer???

 

[currentking]

yeppers. thats what I run because I dont have actinics

 

[Weetabix7]

I haven't dealt with the 2 brands that you've mentioned, but I don't think the 14k should be as much dimmer as the 20k as what you're saying.
I've dealt with Astralux 20k, Phoenix 14k (which I love), and no name 10k and 20k.
The phoenix 14k is quite bright, the astralux is slightly dimmer cause of all the blue.
Hope that helps.

 

[Hypertek99]

That's what i thought. I always thought the 14K's are brighter than the 20K's

 

[gastone]

What ballast are you using?

 

[Hypertek99]

I'm using a PFO ballast. One of the magnetic ones.

 

[gastone]

Checked on Sanjay's site. Didn't list coralvue 14k, only had 15k???

That being said, here are the results:

Looks like almost the exact same spiking, but the reefoptics 20k puts out 33% more par.

HTH.

Garrett.

 

[Hypertek99]

Thanks i switched back to the Reefoptics today they look way better. Do you have a comparison between the Reefoptics 14K with the 20K??? I wonder how much difference the Par is?

 

[gastone]

Sure, here you go:

Looks to me like another similar spiking, with the 20k putting out about 15% more par.

Go here if you want to do more comparisons.


http://www.reeflightinginfo.arvixe.com/select2lamp.php

 

[Azurel]

IF you want a 14k bulb check out Hamilton 14k SE it has a par of 69. Which I don't know why people seem to down play the Hamilton bulb but from a bunch of comparisons i just did it measures up pretty good....I used Icecap ballast though as that is the one I have....