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MH bulb help (1 Viewer)

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rrr757

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Ok, I need some help with my mh system.

Looking to get a spare/backup/replacement MH bulb. I currently have a csl prism pendant MH PC system. Its 250 watt MH bulb with like 64 watt pc lights. I dont know what type of bulb i can get, all i know is that it is single ended. Its an older black ballast that came with the pendant. Currently it has a hamilton 10K bulb. Can i get a 14 or 20K bulb. Can i get any SE bulb, any temp, or do i have to look for something particular.

I saw some on ebay that might be worth having as a spare or at least trying out, but how do you know if they will work with your ballast.

Let me know what you think about these two bulbs and if they should work and if anyone has tried them

http://cgi.ebay.com/250-W-Watt-1400...ryZ46314QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7764976251&rd=1&sspagename=STRK:MEWA:IT&rd=1

This is my first MH system, so forgive the ignorance if any on the bulb selections.

Thanks for any help

Mickey
 

DonnieKim

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You can get any temp you want!
I like the 10K w/ VHO actinic supplement
If you dont have actinics I would go with a 14K, or 15K, maybe even a 20K.
It's all a matter of taste!
6500 Brightest
10K next
20K lastly Deep Deep Blue, and least bright
so and so forth!
 
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rrr757

rrr757

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Thanks, DonnieKim.

I currently have 10K w/ pc actinic supplement, wanted a bit more blue, but not the 20K, thats why i was thinking 12-14K bulbs. The Hamilton bulb 10K that i have is really more yellowish white, and i am not sure if that is because it is just old.

What brands are you all using, and how are the ones on the links i provided, are they worth trying out?

Mickey
 

Bakapuma

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Donnie is right it really comes down to matter of taste. Alot of people like the 10K with pc actinic supplement. I have recently seen more and more reef keepers switching to 14K. I know that with my new 180 setup that I am going with the 14K. I like the hint of blue with out the dark blue 20K.
Your corals will do great under all of the light temps. Rember that 6700K tends to be yellowish, but of course that depends on the manufacture. I have read that corals grow faster under 6700K but that spec also is a massive plant grow range. if you have hair algae or related problems avoid that temp
 

skeeter76

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taste is very true, but you need to make sure your corals are happy too

by the way, you may want to steer clear of ebay when buying new bulbs, as I have been subject to others selling their old used bulbs as new, and you may not get the high quality bulbs you want, also stay with brands you know and have heard of before

MH bulbs/hoods/ballasts rank up there with you get what you pay for, if it seems to good to be true, it probably is!
 

DonnieKim

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From past experience I have learned this hard lesson too!
I now tend to only buy service or reefer approved and tested equipment.
I know some reefers only buy namebrand stuff and it shows in thier tanks. I still will do some limited DIY stuff or have somebody build something for me but certain things I'll go with a namebrand only.

If you do go with the ones on eBay please let us know who they work for you, ( Par, or brightness, and color temp, life of the bulb, and burn in time etc.)

HTH
Donnie
 

Andy

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They are like 65.oo at Champion Lighting, hardly worth the gamble IMHO.

Andy
 

toefu

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honestly, I've been burnt the same as others. Buying generic bulbs or whatever is just not a good idea on ebay. in many cases, it's obvious that the generic bulb was not as bright as the name brand bulbs or they died much faster.

There's been alot of talk about the CoralVue Reeflux 12/10k bulbs, you should look into it.

I've got a DE setup and many people use the phoenixes and are reasonably happy.
 

bugpower18t

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I run 6500k bulbs from home depot on my tank for growth. It works fine and with 400watts of actinic it's not too bad on the yellow side. Once I get the growth I'm looking for 1-2years I'll switch over to some 14k's
 
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