10K 250 Watt MH Bulb Experience (1 Viewer)

[Niko5]

Its time to change the bulbs again... I currently have Coralvue ReefLux 10K bulbs (which i do like) but i see how Hamilton has some 10K bulbs does anyone experience with them? Also XM Ushio

I added a poll so if you have experience with one of them pick your favorite.

 

[tas5tas]

Reeflux is the way to go. It seems as though Coralvue is taking a grasp on the enite market with their great lighting and skimmers. There are far too many people with outstanding results using their products not to list them at the top. The only xm bulbs I see people using with great results are the 400w 20k bulbs. My hamiltons that I had in the past were ok, but nothing like the Reeflux 12k I'm using now.

 

[RR-MAN]

Reeflux is more popular now and I have no experince with it. I used Hamilton for 3/yrs and I think it is a good choice.

 

[SaltwaterSilly]

I bought a 10K XM from another member. I did not like it. I am quite certain it is the fact that it was 10K and way more yellow. Right now I am running a 20K radium, 20K ice-cap and a 14K hamilton. So, that should tell you the color I like. You are welcome to try my 10K XM if you like.

 

[lesd]

My favorite 10K was always the AB 10K. Used 'em for years and got great growth and colors. Most people don't like them without some actinic supplementation though.

Now I'm using the Giesemann "Coral" bulbs, but am seriously considering going Radium 20K. . . .

-- Les

 

[tas5tas]

Before switching to the Radium check out the new Reeflux 20k bulb...people are already seeing great results from that bulb and it produces even more par than their 12k bulb. I'll be switching to them when my Reeflux 12k's are ready to be replaced.

 

[Niko5]

Well I have some Actinics so im not sure a 20K would work the tank might look too blue then.

 

[tas5tas]

From what I've been told.....the 20k reeflux looks more like a 15k bulb, buth with a crap load of actinic punch. Basically you could either get rid of your actinics or just run them for dusk and dawn simulation. The pictures I've seen...they look a very crisp white with a touch of blue, but all colors POP under them extrodinary....greens, blues, oranges...even pink. Check out this thread....

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1524211

 

[Guest]

I've learned that the bulb sometimes goes hand and hand with the ballast. I like the fact that I have the two 48w t5 units to eliminate the long heat exposure of just having a MH. I voted for Coralvue which when I change out the bulb, will get. I'm running a 15k XM bulb now, but when I had a magnetic ballast, didn't burn as blue, till I change out to a electronic ballast.

 

[flipside]

From what I've been told.....the 20k reeflux looks more like a 15k bulb, buth with a *carp* load of actinic punch. Basically you could either get rid of your actinics or just run them for dusk and dawn simulation. The pictures I've seen...they look a very crisp white with a touch of blue, but all colors POP under them extrodinary....greens, blues, oranges...even pink. Check out this thread....

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1524211

That's a great thread and thanks for sharing. I'm definitely going to order one for my tank here soon.

 

[tas5tas]

Welcome....happy to help

 

[fishcraze]

Nick,
I have the 13k DE megachrome coral bulb and like it a lot. it's rate 13k but look crispy white w/ a bit of blue tint (but way whiter than my 14K phoenix). The 12k SE mega marine bulb look pretty close to my 13k DE since I saw it on Invicible tank back then:
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merc...roduct_Code=13K-250SE-G&Category_Code=mh-250w

My next favorite 10K is the Ushio - crispy white too. I used Ushio for the first 3yrs but then changed to the megachrome since the bulb tests showed the 13k has more intensity than the ushio 10k.

 

[tas5tas]

Fishcraze......you need to try the Reeflux bulb....you would have crazy growth on your tank and then we could all buy some more frags!!!!!