Hi I recently got two no name MH 4K 150watt double ended bulbs. Lit up, they appear as two different colors, and 6” under the two the bulbs the PAR values are 1000 under one and 666 under another. They are supposedly new bulbs. What are you all getting for PAR values? I am concerned one or both bulbs may not be new
MH PAR values?
- Thread starter Millimylilly
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Johniejumbo
Valuable Member
I’m following along. I have 2 150w de 14k bulbs and no par meter. Always been curious what the output is. I hear your ballast can have a lot to do with the output but don’t quote me on that. I’m not very educated on the subject.
dantimdad
7500 Club Member
This is a case where I will say that no name Chinese bulbs are not really good.
They are wildly ranging in specs.
I have tried them in the past and just chunked them because I couldn't get consistency.
I tend to stick with Coralvue or XM. Although Phoenix are nice looing as well.
Plus measuring PAR in mid air doesn't say anything about usable power. You will need to get under water numbers.
They are wildly ranging in specs.
I have tried them in the past and just chunked them because I couldn't get consistency.
I tend to stick with Coralvue or XM. Although Phoenix are nice looing as well.
Plus measuring PAR in mid air doesn't say anything about usable power. You will need to get under water numbers.
dantimdad
7500 Club Member
Yes, your ballast can determine the final color they burn, power and longevity of the bulbs.
Electronic are the most economical. Dependent on the bulb, can and coil ballasts usually, in my experience, look the nicest but use way more power and the bulbs tend to have a shorter life span.
I will try and test some 14k Phoenix 150w later today when the lights are on.
Something like a DE 250w 14k Phoenix or a 20k Radium on m80 are like 1600-2000+ 6" directly under the bulb - I have measured this before.
Something like a DE 250w 14k Phoenix or a 20k Radium on m80 are like 1600-2000+ 6" directly under the bulb - I have measured this before.
Johniejumbo
Valuable Member
If you get a chance that would be awesome! I’ve been curious.
6" under a 14k Phoenix bounced around from 740 to 775 PAR. This is on m81 ballasts on a good Hamilton Reflector. I have a pair of these running and they were both in this range.
I put in a 6500k bulb and it went to about 1100.
Edit: this reflector is the Bimini sun which is made to spread a bit, so you could have a lot more par in a deeper reflector that was made to penetrate.
I put in a 6500k bulb and it went to about 1100.
Edit: this reflector is the Bimini sun which is made to spread a bit, so you could have a lot more par in a deeper reflector that was made to penetrate.
Millimylilly
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Ok I’m definitely returning these point of sale bulbs then. I got them for like 11 bucks each. I figured these wasn’t much of a difference between these and the $80+ bulbs but I guess I was wrong!
dantimdad
7500 Club Member
Those are incredible numbers!
I know that reflector (and like it) So those numbers are really good. If you used a luminarc I would bet the numbers would be (in spots) even higher but not as nice looking IMO.
Johniejumbo
Valuable Member
Thanks!
What you pay for with a name brand is the consistency from bulb to bulb and batch to batch. Results over a tank are OK.
In any case, the 14k Phoenix DE bulbs is really nice... and not $80 either.
In any case, the 14k Phoenix DE bulbs is really nice... and not $80 either.
