POLL Which Metal Halide Bulb(s) do you use?

Sn4k33Y3z · Sep 4, 2014

Ok, I'm curious to know what everyone uses regarding metal halide bulbs. What better way to find out than ask!

Please post brand, color (Kelvin rating), wattage and how often you replace.

Thanks for everyone's input!

Rob&Gab · Sep 4, 2014

150W 250W DE HexARC pheonix 14k blue bulb.

i no 400W radiums are the best tho.

Sn4k33Y3z · Sep 4, 2014

Awesome! Thanks for the feedback. Keep it coming guys and gals.

frank c. · Sep 4, 2014

I use mogul base 2-175 20k on each end and 250 radium 20k center with t-5 supplemental lighting

spspirate · Sep 4, 2014

Radium

Sn4k33Y3z · Sep 4, 2014

Awesome! Thanks for the responses. Now come on, I know there are more metal halide users, speak up!

dodger745 · Sep 4, 2014

Been using 20k de 250w. However I just ordered my first set of phoenix 14k bulbs. Can't wait to get them in!

Rob&Gab · Sep 4, 2014

dodger745 said:
Been using 20k de 250w. However I just ordered my first set of phoenix 14k bulbs. Can't wait to get them in!

dodger your going to love the color it give to the tank . as well the over all growth and its such a good bulb.

dodger745 · Sep 4, 2014

Rob&Gab said:
dodger your going to love the color it give to the tank . as well the over all growth and its such a good bulb.

What is your experience with bulb lifespan on the phoenix?

Sn4k33Y3z · Sep 4, 2014

All metal halides should be changed every 8 to 12 months.

dodger745 · Sep 4, 2014

Sn4k33Y3z said:
All metal halides should be changed every 8 to 12 months.

Makes sense. However I've been reading the studies on these bulbs and have seen where the par value stays good for quite a long time with the phoenix bulb verses many of the other brand bulbs

Sn4k33Y3z · Sep 4, 2014

A 400w MH can experience can experience a 35% drop in light output in at about 40% of it's rated life service. The way lighting companies determine the lifespan of bulb is, they take 100 of the same bulbs and turn them on at the same time and leave them running. Once 50% of the lights fail, that is how the rated hours are determined.

dodger745 · Sep 4, 2014

http://www.manhattanreefs.com/lighting

Sn4k33Y3z · Sep 4, 2014

Darn- the webpage is having issues... it's not allowing me to navigate the page. Although Sonjay is a brilliant reefing guy, lighting is my wheel house

gcrawford · Sep 4, 2014

Used XM 14k for a year and switched to LED 2 years ago. Sold my chiller and all MH gear and have not had to replace bulbs since. Lower utility bills and my room is no longer hot and humid! The change has paid for itself.

Sn4k33Y3z · Sep 4, 2014

Thank for your input. Although it isn't on topic... I'm strickly asking feedback from metal halide users. Although, I do run LED's myself

gcrawford · Sep 4, 2014

Sorry didn't mean to ramble.... I did like the color of the XM 14K when I had them....

jackson6745 · Sep 4, 2014

400w radium. Really amazing spectrum and the sps color up wonderfully.

Sn4k33Y3z · Sep 4, 2014

No worries! Thanks for the input. Its seems the 20k & 14k are the popular color choice.

How often do you halide users replace your bulbs? Do you replace every 6, 8 or 12 months?

Jayellul · Sep 4, 2014

Sn4k33Y3z said:
No worries! Thanks for the input. Its seems the 20k & 14k are the popular color choice.

How often do you halide users replace your bulbs? Do you replace every 6, 8 or 12 months?

im using a cheapo SMG 14k. Its 15 months old. although its noticeably not as powerful as when new it hasn't actually yellowed yet surprisingly!