What bulb after Phoenix 14Ks?

Powerman · Mar 28, 2010

So I have a Coralife Pro, 2x96w CP dual actinics, with 2x250w DE Phoenix 14Ks on Galaxy ballasts.

I had coralife 10ks and hated them. All yellow. The Pho 14ks were too blue initially, but I have got used to them. So that is about as blue as I want to go.

So what is another bulb, not quite as blue, good color, growth, crisp white.... you know all my cake and eat it too.

Dylan · Mar 28, 2010

EVC 20k!!!

Not as blue as a phoenix in my experience. Perfect color! Great pop.

stedfast82 · Mar 28, 2010

powerman we are at the same place with the lighting.my 14 k's are ready to change out I was looking for some info as well !!

stedfast82 · Mar 28, 2010

any more help??

mojo · Mar 28, 2010

I tried the evc 20k and they were great for about 6 weeks then they lost color and were washed out. not recomended. Phoenix 14k, XM20k and geisemann 22k

Powerman · Mar 28, 2010

mojo said:
I tried the evc 20k and they were great for about 6 weeks then they lost color and were washed out. not recomended. Phoenix 14k, XM20k and geisemann 22k

I was talking to XM about their 15ks. They said they were a bit bluer than the Pho14ks. I could run without the actinics on while the MHs are on, but when I upgraded my fixture, I had to run the fan power off the actinics. So I would have to re-power it off the MHs.

How are the XM 15K and 20Ks compared to the PHO14Ks on a tank?

650-IS350 · Mar 28, 2010

I went from from 14K phoenix to 20K XMs not bad not that blue just a tad duller in brightness than phoenix.

butts182 · Mar 28, 2010

XM 15k or 20k

Powerman · Mar 29, 2010

butts182 said:
XM 15k or 20k

I'm considering Ushio 14K or XM 15K. Any thoughts? I pretty sure I don't want 20k.

juiceguy · Mar 29, 2010

how about radiums? they will run more on the white side with galaxy ballasts. Ushio 14k is one of my favorites but it will be night/day difference from phoenix

SDguy · Mar 29, 2010

I tried like 6 different bulbs a while back, when I thought I was sick of my phoenix's. I went back to phoenix.

Powerman · Mar 29, 2010

juiceguy said:
how about radiums? they will run more on the white side with galaxy ballasts. Ushio 14k is one of my favorites but it will be night/day difference from phoenix

Day/night how so?

Powerman · Mar 29, 2010

SDguy said:
I tried like 6 different bulbs a while back, when I thought I was sick of my phoenix's. I went back to phoenix.

Funny, lots do the same, and just from being around, Phoenix seems to be the best all round color growth, longevity stable bulb out there. Hard not to like.