250w DE Bulb Choice

[chessmanmark]

I used Phoenix 14K for three years and liked this bulb. PAR claims for this bulb are good. I used these bulbs in a Hamilton Protostar fixture with VHO Superactinic supplementation.

Last year I changed to Reeflux dimmable ballasts with LumenBright reflectors. I used Reeflux 12K bulbs and got better color and growth from my corals. I'm sure the reflectors had a lot to do with it.

Now it's time to purchase new bulbs. I can't find a tool that will tell me the PAR values for the Coralvue ballast and the bulbs I am considering.

1) Stick with Reeflux 12K
2) Go back to Phoenix 14K
3) Consider Ushio 14K or AB 13K
4) or XM 10K (more for growth than color)

I only have experience with Phoenix and Reeflux. I'm looking for more information.

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

I always liked the Phoenix, but the Ushio are great too.

 

[NYreefNoob]

loved my helio 20k had great color and good growth

 

[timebomb]

phoenix are great go with the phoenix

 

[prattreef]

If you like the look of the Phoenix lamps, don't go with the Ushio 14k's as they are much whiter and closer to a10K. Personally, I love them, but it seems many who like the blues don't. If you are looking for something whiter with a touch of blue, the Ushio is your lamp.

 

[chessmanmark]

I've never seen the Ushio in person so it's hard to decide. Where did you get the Helio Rick? Sanjay's spectral analysis is a few years old and doesn't have the Coralvue ballast in his calculator, but the Helios 12500K had the highest PAR for DE bulbs. I'd be interested in seeing the 20K as my eventual goal was to move toward the XM 20K once my corals have grown out.

 

[reefs4life]

I currently have a 14k Phoenix on one side and a 15k XM on another side since I have a dual MH fixture...but anyways, the side with the XM seems to be a lot whiter than the side with the Phoenix and personally I love the Phoenix look and I've been wanting to trade somone the XM for another Phoenix. If you like the blue I suggest you stay with Phoenix. I've never tried the 20k bulbs so I wouldn't be able to tell you how they are

 

[mckostya]

mark , i used to have Ushio 14k 250w it was very white for me. I had four blue actinics running with it and still i never had that blue cue i wanted. Very hard to express sps colors without that blue hint. Phoenix 14K on the on the other hand!! :smoker:
why you want to change?
seems like LED is the way to go nowadays.

 

[Awibrandy]

I vote for Helios! I used the Ushio, and the XM. PnoyReefer recommended the Helios, I got them, and I love them....................
I purchased my Helios from PremiumAquatics.com Great folks to deal with....

 

[chessmanmark]

I came across this thread on RC that says the Helios and EVC are the same bulb.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1678895&highlight=Helios+Bulb

 

[reefs4life]

Maybe you can give the new Icecap bulbs a try if you want to try something different