Wow!!! HELIOS 250W DE 20K Awesome!!

mbunaman · Jan 31, 2008

I just got in the Helios 250W DE 20K bulb from premium aquatics. I have a new Phoenix next to the Helios. The Helios is similar in color but brighter. This is going to be my new bulb. I am runnging it on an PFO Magnetic M80 (HQI) ballast. Nice Blueish white bulb. It more blue than white. I highly recommend this bulb. I have read good things about Helios so I figured to pull the triger. I guess Reefermadness and Fragfarmer uses these also. I tried to get a comparison picture but the picture does not do it justice.

JGoslee · Jan 31, 2008

I've been thinking about getting that bulb for a few months now. I'm due for new bulbs. Right now I'm using 14k phoenix on icecaps. I wonder how they would look with icecaps. Can you post a pic?

revhtree · Jan 31, 2008

Hey what is the par on these compared to Hamilton's or other bulbs? Is there a comparison site on these?

mbunaman · Jan 31, 2008

JGoslee said:
I've been thinking about getting that bulb for a few months now. I'm due for new bulbs. Right now I'm using 14k phoenix on icecaps. I wonder how they would look with icecaps. Can you post a pic?

I will post a pic this weekend for you. I think the Icecap will make it a bit bluer. I have seen the single ended version on SLS Galaxy Electronics and the result is very similar but a bit bluer from what I remember.

Rev: Sanjay has this bulb on his site. It show the Phoenix has a higher par. But when you look at the bulb it is really bright and the corals just glow. It makes your coral look the they have a metallic hue to them. It colors up all the colors in the tank really well IMO. It really does not wash any color out. I found the bulb I have been looking for.

revhtree · Jan 31, 2008

Awesome! Can't wait for pics.

143gadgets · Feb 1, 2008

Sounds sweet Joe. I am anxious to see pics!

mbunaman · Feb 4, 2008

Ok took some pics. Not the greatest but to get an idea of the colors this bulb is producing.

msman825 · Feb 4, 2008

awesome shoots man

FateX8 · Feb 4, 2008

so this is a bluish white?
im looking more for a whitish blue which i think is what the phoenix is

mbunaman · Feb 4, 2008

The pics make it look alot bluer. But its similar to the phoenix but way brighter to the eye. And it makes colors pop more.

JGoslee · Feb 5, 2008

I just ordered a pair from Eric last night. I haven't changed my phoenix in over a year so it should be nice change.

I-K@ndY · Feb 5, 2008

I just ordered mine as well from reefersmadness much cheaper

JGoslee · Feb 5, 2008

How much did you pay Steve? I paid $69 per bulb.

I-K@ndY · Feb 5, 2008

55.00

JGoslee · Feb 5, 2008

:naka:

revhtree · Feb 5, 2008

Yea but who got the better shipping?? Don't know just wondering..

JGoslee · Feb 5, 2008

$11.91 for fedex 3 day.

dough · Feb 16, 2008

I replaced my Pheonix with the Helios over a month ago. I'm not quite sure about yet. They are less bright (PAR) than the Pheonix. I'm worried about growth rates and some of my SPS have had a negative reaction to it. We'll see in the long run.

JGoslee · Feb 16, 2008

Having less par is really the main reason why I made the switch. For my small tank the 14kphnx were really bright. I was looking for something with alittle less punch but nice color.