Help me pick out a bulb

[Reeftanker3295]

I am getting 2 250w ARO ballasts and 2 spider reflectors but they need new bulbs. I have never had MH's and would like help on choosing my bulb. I want to get a bulb that will have a white color to it with a very slight tint of blue. I don't want a bulb too yellow but I don't want the bulb to be too blue either. I also wont be mounting actinics so I need a bulb that makes corals pop well and have good coloration without needing actinics.

 

[pecan2phat]

Aqua Connect 14k SE 250w bulbs.
Whiter, crisper & brighter then Reeflux 12k SE 250w & Hamilton 14k SE 250w. Other then XM10k bulbs, those are the only bulbs that I have tried.

 

[prattreef]

Ushio 14K. They just recently released the SE version which I have not seen in person, but I use the DE lamps exclusively and they are exactly as you describe your intent-- a white 14k with a hint of blue.

 

[Reeftanker3295]

Do you think you could post a picture for me of the bulbs on your tank with no added lighting?

 

[jcolon2]

Hello I have a 175w twin arc metal halide bulb and a 200 w. twin arc metal halide bulb. pm me if you are interested. Thank you.

 

[GrimReeferrr]

I really like the aquamaxx bulbs great deals to.

 

[prattreef]

Do you think you could post a picture for me of the bulbs on your tank with no added lighting?

http://www.manhattanreefs.com/forum/reefs-magazine/52126-tank-season-randy-donowitz.html

 

[prattreef]

I really like the aquamaxx bulbs great deals to.

The aquamaxx 14k's on Ice cap ballasts are just about the bluest 14K I've ever seen--- as blue as any 20K lamp---nice if that is what you are looking for, but 1,000 miles from white.

 

[GrimReeferrr]

Yeah i dunno im running them on some pos ballasts and they look great, corals love em ive had great growth......they really need a break it there really purple for the first week or so then there good.

 

[Reeftanker3295]

http://www.manhattanreefs.com/forum/reefs-magazine/52126-tank-season-randy-donowitz.html

Thats perfect! Thank you very much. And I cant believe that tank has no skimmer!

 

[prattreef]

Thats perfect! Thank you very much. And I cant believe that tank has no skimmer!

Now remember, I run the DE lamps and sometimes DE and SE of the same company and flavor don't look the same though this is less likely from a quality company like Ushio. I also run Ice Cap ballasts so this might impact the appearance as well---lighting is fun isn't it :splitspin:

Regarding the tank, yup no skimmer for over 3 years, but I do have some tricks up my sleeve that I'm not at liberty to discuss (sorry maddenning statement I know) so it is not as simple as it might seem on the face of it.

 

[Reeftanker3295]

Haha well ill deffinetely try them out and see how I like them. Thank you.