What's the difference between brands

[cactusmoe]

This might b a really dumb question but what's the difference between brands when it comes to lighting. Why r some that put out the same wattage so much different in price than others? What r some brands to stay away from

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[Reef UP]

Mostly has to do with build quality, internal components, reflectors ballasts and of course just like anything the brand name! For the most part the cheaper it is the less time it'll work in the long run this is a hobby that you pay for what you get in it with out a doubt!

 

[gar732]

What is the difference between a kia, a honda, and an bmw, same concept. It's the design and quality of parts and materials used that set them apart. What type of lighting are you looking at, T5, led, halide?

 

[cactusmoe]

I got a 55g display and was looking at a 150w mh. Is coralife a good brand? I heard their Skimmers aren't that great

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[Troylee]

Depends on the lighting.. T5's it's all about reflectors, LEDs it's all about the diode, mh it's more bulb and reflector... What fixtures are you comparing??

 

[cactusmoe]

Not really comparing any.found A 150w mh coralife 10k bright white for about a hundred dollars. Its going to need a new bulb fairly soon. Seemed like a good deal but really have no idea

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[Reef Breeders Verified Sponsor]

Go 14 to 20k with the lights 10k is ugly. Coralife is pretty good for lighting

 

[gar732]

One thing to consider (if you haven't already) when using halides is the heat they put out. Some people don't have any problems with it but I personally can't run halides in my house without a chiller which is why I went with T5s. If you are on a budget you can find a four bulb T5 fixture for a decent price.

 

[cactusmoe]

If I can find some I probably will. As far as the 10k bulb going to 14 or 20 that has everything to do with the bulb right, not the fixture

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[Reef Breeders Verified Sponsor]

Yes the bulb makes the difference.

 

[Engloid]

Typically, you will find that a 10k is a very white light, 20k is a blue/purple tint, with 14k being in the middle. I once had 10k's, and then bought a fixture with 20k's. I didn't like the 20k's at first, but I think they were very blue at first, and didn't look all that natural. After a month or three, they looked much better and more natural.

 

[haikufriday]

Some manufacturer's bulbs despite ratings can look a little different from tank to tank, fixture to fixture. For example I've noticed that Ushios (at least on my tanks) have always looked more white. As bulbs "break in" you'll also see the color shift a bit, and the color spectrum can change as the bulbs get older...

 

[cactusmoe]

Thanks. How can u tell when a bulb needs to be changed? I think everyone says once a year but is there another way?

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