What type of metal halide bulbs do you use?

[aquavista99]

I will be purchasing new metal halide bulbs soon for an SPS reef. I am currently using blueline 10k and ushio 10k bulbs on both of my systems.  What do other Ohio Reef members use and would you recommend it to others? I am also considering XM 10 k bulbs as well.

[bigfalcon36]

250 watt Hamilton 14k, operating off of IceCap ballasts. 

I can't say enough about these bulbs.  I had a bunch of SPS that browned out under the XM 20k that I had, but when I put these on within a few weeks everything has colored up better than ever.  I wont use anything else from here on out (metal halide wise).

Travis

[micki]

Travis, do you think it's the bulbs or the ballasts?  I have a different ballast but would like to try the hamilton bulbs.

[verper]

400w EVC on an EVC electronic ballast.  Similar spectral plot as the hamilton with a much bigger spike in the blue wavelength and a little better Par rating.

[aquavista99]

250 watt Hamilton 14k, operating off of IceCap ballasts. 

I can't say enough about these bulbs.  I had a bunch of SPS that browned out under the XM 20k that I had, but when I put these on within a few weeks everything has colored up better than ever.  I wont use anything else from here on out (metal halide wise).

Travis

How blue are the 14ks? All the research suggests SPS grow better under 10k but I can't verify this myself since I  have only used 10 k bulbs, but I am considering 12k and 14k bulbs.   Sedar at Phishy Business also recommended exactly what you are using (Hamilton 14k).

[Reefinmike]

xm 15k and hamilton 14k

[aquavista99]

xm 15k and hamilton 14k

Mike, 

What do you like or dislike about these bulbs? Do you prefer one over the other?

[Reefinmike]

one of my hamiltons colored out whiter than the other. probabally because the cheap ballast im running on it, but other than that i like both of them. i have read that hamiltons have a very low PAR rating. overall i like the xm 15k's, nice crisp slight blue color.

[verper]

I think its the XM that has the low par rating.  Their 10k and 20k have good par but the 15 not so good:

Are you familiar with Sanjay's lighting page:

http://www.reeflightinginfo.arvixe.com/index.htm

[verper]

250 watt Hamilton 14k, operating off of IceCap ballasts. 

I can't say enough about these bulbs.  I had a bunch of SPS that browned out under the XM 20k that I had, but when I put these on within a few weeks everything has colored up better than ever.  I wont use anything else from here on out (metal halide wise).

Travis

How blue are the 14ks? All the research suggests SPS grow better under 10k but I can't verify this myself since I  have only used 10 k bulbs, but I am considering 12k and 14k bulbs.   Sedar at Phishy Business also recommended exactly what you are using (Hamilton 14k).

Actually all coral grow better under 6500k ---but SPS color up better under bluer light.  Some coral that are brown under 10k will color up under some 14k and most 20k.  As far as how blue----- It all depends on bulb and ballast types.

[micki]

I'm using 15K XM's. I tried the 20K and it was too blue for me.  The 10 is a bit yellow for me. 

[aquavista99]

I think its the XM that has the low par rating.  Their 10k and 20k have good par but the 15 not so good:

Are you familiar with Sanjay's lighting page:

http://www.reeflightinginfo.arvixe.com/index.htm

Yes....I have it saved as a favorite.

[aquavista99]

It makes sense why corals would grow best under under 6500k bulbs. Natural sunlight is nearest to 5500 -6000k. As for brown corals, nutrient levels (i.e., excess nitrate and phosphate levels etc) also play a big role in determining SPS color.  I think I need to see a 12k or 14 k bulb in action before I change from  10ks. I prefer the natural, white look with just a touch of blue. 

[verper]

It makes sense why corals would grow best under under 6500k bulbs. Natural sunlight is nearest to 5500 -6000k. As for brown corals, nutrient levels (i.e., excess nitrate and phosphate levels etc) also play a big role in determining SPS color.  I think I need to see a 12k or 14 k bulb in action before I change from  10ks. I prefer the natural, white look with just a touch of blue. 

Correct.  I don't think you will like the 14k if you like the white look.  I can tell you that most of the exotic coral farmers use 20ks.  They forgo the rapid growth for vivid colors and rare status of the coral.

[micki]

My 14K are supplimented with PC actinic lighting.  I don't get a while or yellow look but also not a deep blue either.

[scott wilson]

I have RefLux 12 k bulbs runing on one tank.  I have xm 15k bulbs on another tank. They are both running on the same ballests. I like the 12k better.