250W 20K Helios for my 75 gal tank?

[Reef Goalie]

I am currently using 250W 10K XMs and its bulb replacement time.

Trying to decide between the XM's, 10 K Ushios (used before XMs) and the 20K Helios.

Anybody use the Helios? How do they compare with the others I've listed?

Any other suggestions for a 75 other than the above mentioned would also be appreciated.

Thanks in advance

 

[fungia]

i use the helios and like it. it is blue but not as bright as the xm or ushio 10. it looks nice and the corals are growing.

 

[Len]

If you're using the XM 10K, you can also consider the Ushio 14K. It's nearly as bright but a little more blue (not much, but a bit more). For more blue while still not giving up too much PAR, consider Aquaconnect for mogul or Phoenix bulbs for DE.

 

[Reef Goalie]

Forgot to add I also supplement with actinic NO flourescents 40W but dont want to if I dont really need to and can get the blue elsewhere.....

 

[Reef Goalie]

Forgot to add I also supplement with actinic NO flourescents 40W but dont want to if I dont really need to and can get the blue elsewhere.....

 

[Anonymous]

You forgot twice????

 

[Anonymous]

If you are going from 10kk the 20kk might be too blue for you . I think the 12kk and 14kk options Len suggested would be better.

 

[Reef Goalie]

My fear is that by going to the 14K or 20K it would appear significantly dimmer.

I would like to eliminate the actinics if possible but dont want to sacrafice appearance and most of all coral health just to change.

Suggestions?

Wazzel I must have double hit send. I rarely forget once! lol

 

[Len]

I suggest the Aquconnects then. The Ushio 14K really looks more like a 10K, but it is very bright.

 

[Anonymous]

The higher K bulbs will appear dimmer.

 

[Len]

Forgot to mention the ACs are very expensive and hard to find The Helios 20K is suppose to be one of the brightest 20Ks, so it won't hurt to give that a try either. Let me know how they work out for you I've been thinking about them too.

 

[Reef Goalie]

Found Helios for $69. Ushio and XM are about $65 (same range)

What do the Aquaconnects go for?

 

[Len]

Hehe. About twice as much as those prices 8O I would try both the Ushio and Helios first for the same price as one AC

 

[bleedingthought]

Found Helios for $69. Ushio and XM are about $65 (same range)

What do the Aquaconnects go for?

Not sure if you know this but check out Aquabuys (http://www.aquabuys.com/page/aqb/CTGY/z93d) since it's local for you (and I) so you won't have to pay shipping. And Sam is a great guy to deal with!

I myself am trying to decide what 400W SE bulbs to go with. I thought about going with a 10kk or a 20kk XM but I'm really not sure which ones I'd like better. Problem is that the 15kk XMs are way lower (to both) in PAR according to Sanjay. :?

 

[drouner]

FWIW the Phoenix is a DE bulb. If you are considering it LMK, I have an used one you can try or come just up the road and see my tank.

 

[bleedingthought]

FWIW the Phoenix is a DE bulb. If you are considering it LMK, I have an used one you can try or come just up the road and see my tank.

:welcome: