lighting

[juiceguy]

i am currently running 2 250w 20k DE helios with no actinics over my tank and i'm not happy with the way it looks. i want to try 10k but i'm not sure if you can use 10k without actinics.......i have used 14k bulbs and found that only the g-man bulbs are the most pleasing but they are so $$. any info on 10k would be greatly appreciated

 

[chazertis]

which 250w 14k DE bulbs have you tried?

 

[juiceguy]

i have tried iwasaki, bluline, current, phoenix and g-man. i haven't tried ushio or aquaconnect. i've seen reeflux and hamilton on other ppl's tanks and i did not like them at all

 

[KathyC]

The Ushio 14K is a beautiful bulb IMO, and can be used without actinics ..IMO

 

[chazertis]

i was going to say my phoenix bulbs are awesome but it looks like you've tried most brands already.

 

[Solace Aquatics LLC]

Ushio - is a crisp white
and the Phoenix are blue blue blue, they look more like a 20k than a 14K IMO.

There is the new Aquamaxx 14K

 

[Deep Dive Coral]

as for the 10k bulbs you will need the actinics to get your colors to "pop" what size tank is it that you have. also do you have a conopy that you can add a retrofit kit if you decide to go that route.

 

[juiceguy]

i removed the canopy last year and my vhos, i am just using luminarc pendants. the tank is a 150g tall...30"h with a 4-5" sand bed. i am leaning towards the ushio bulbs, i always loved there 10k bulbs but i never heard anything good or bad about there 14k

 

[prattreef]

If you liked the Giesmann's you will like the Ushio 14k's---if not the same exact lamp ( jury is still out on that) they are very, very close--- and about 1/2 the price I use them exclusively, without actinics, and am very happy.

 

[juiceguy]

after a week with the ushios i have to say i am satisfied, they have a nice balance between white and blue. Prattreef....having now used the ushio and g-man 14k, i disagree that they are the same bulbs, if $ wasn't the issue, g-man gives off a more pleasing color but all in all, the ushios are giving some of my sps that little extra "pop". thanks for the input.

 

[nanoreefer22]

after a week with the ushios i have to say i am satisfied, they have a nice balance between white and blue. Prattreef....having now used the ushio and g-man 14k, i disagree that they are the same bulbs, if $ wasn't the issue, g-man gives off a more pleasing color but all in all, the ushios are giving some of my sps that little extra "pop". thanks for the input.

Glad you found something you like. Although it may be a little to early to judge the colors, it may take another week or so to let the bulb burn in.(If I'm right)