CV Reeflux 10K 250W

[JimD]

Im looking for some feedback on this bulb especialy in comparison to the XM 10K. If you can offer any experiences with these two bulbs, please post them here. Ive read most of the info over at RC but was hoping for a little local input. I know Marks using the 12k's, Id like info on the 10k SE's... How well do they stand up to actinic supplimentation....?
Thanks!

[TheOtherGuy]

Jim - I know this does not help much with the current topic, but when my RL 12k's are due for a change I think I will try out the 10k's. I only run MH so I am a little reluctant but, they are suppose to have a nice actinic spike. And I have no scientific proof but, it does seem like I am getting better growth now on my acros with my RL 12ks.

Ace (Hobogato) will soon have some DE RL 10ks so he will be able to give a little input on this topic.

Jim - I know that I like the RL 12ks VS the CoralVue 14ks I was using. Also since I do not have additional lighting I did not like the Ushio 10ks (too yellow).

[NaCl_H2O]

Jim, I bought a RL 10K 400w SE and placed it in the center pendant of my SPS tank. This tank also has URI VHO Super Actinics. For me the RL 10K was WAY too blue! Some have suggested I may have gotten an "off" bulb, but if they vary that much I'll stay with my Hamilton 10Ks.

Mark (TheOtherGuy) can comment on the color difference. He was attempting to photograph the tank with the RL in and had to keep adjusting thing-a-ma-bobs on his camera due to the difference in coloration.

IMO - Buy/borrow one bulb first and compare, I was very dissapointed given all the hype! Not crisp white with a hint of blue at all ... it was blue, blue, blue, with a hint of blue!

BTW - I am using 400w PFO magnetic ballasts

[gjuarez]

Jim, huge difference in color. I dont have any corals yet since I had tear down my tank and start over due to a leak so I cant comment on growth and the effect its had on pigmentation. This bulb is very bright and it has a crisp white with a slight hint of blue. I have installed my vho actinic supplimentation but I am still waiting on the bulbs. Once I get them I will post a pic with the reeflux 10k and uri actinic bulbs.

The XMs are a bit more intense, but the color rendition is not as good as the reeflux. If I had to choose between both just based on color, I would go reeflux all the way.

[TheOtherGuy]

Steve - Do u want to try another one and see if it is the same/different. I do not mind - and if different we can send that bulb back to the farm for retirement. JLMK. Ya know it could be 12k in a 10k box?

[NaCl_H2O]

Mark, thanks for the offer. I'll throw it in the car and we can look at it next time I make it up there ... been a long time, too long :(

[gjuarez]

It could be Steve. Mine is very white, you can barely see the blue.

[hobogato]

jerry, you running SE or DE?

[gjuarez]

I am running SE

[alton]

I would think you should be covered by a warranty issue. You purchased a 10K and received a 20K in a 10K box. My 12K 175W SE lamps are as advertised, Great. To me if you purchase a lamp marked 10K, it should be 10K with a maximum 10% variance.

[TexasTodd]

BEST BULB I'VE EVER USED. PERIOD!

ON MY HQI BALLAST I WOULD NOT CALL THEM BLUE AT ALL.

Steve, I have an extra bulb (new) you should try out, just to see if you had a bad bulb. You're the only person I've ever seen post about them being too blue. ;) Plus, I'll buy the bulb you have if mine looks the same to ya! For $10? :lol

Todd

[GaryP]

Just a quick note. Take a quick peak at Sanjay's spectrum on these bulbs. It does not have a large actinic spike as someone mentioned earlier. The spike is at 450 nm (blue) and not 420 nm (violet) that is true actinic.

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2005/5/aafeature_album/fig5-reeflux250W-10K.gif

[TexasTodd]

Yes, you're correct Gary.

But, most of the "hot" sps bulbs: Phoenix, Radium on HQI, AB, and Aqua Connect all have a huge spike at that 450-460nm....just like this one. These bulbs have a whiter appearance than most of these others and cost quite a bit less!

Plus, the Aqua Connect are about impossible to find in SE version and Phoenix doesn't make a SE version. ;)

Add actinics! :)

Todd

[GaryP]

I agree on that Todd, but someone earlier made the comment that they didn't have actinic supplementation. I was trying to make the point that if you are going with MH alone, this is probably not the bulb for you.

[JimD]

I do in fact intend to use actinics, three 95 watt URI's on an IC 430, Ill be using a CV e-ballast for the halide, I really dont want to use the M-80 if i dont have to, this will be the same settup thats on my acro tank except for a Lumenarc reflector and the RL bulb. I can get one of these RL bulbs on a trial basis, according to the manufacturer, theres supposed to be no burn in time. Thanks for all the excellent feedback! If anyone has a few pics of these bulbs in action, that'd be cool!

[gjuarez]

Gary, I also spotted that. I also noticed that back when I was researching this bulb and that is why I decided to get a Icecap VHO setup. My 29g tank is going to be lit by 250w reeflux with 75w URI actinics. Anyone want to talk about temperature control? LOL J/K Jim, I say go for it. If you dont like them I am pretty sure somone will be interested in buying them. I'll buy one. Also, the cheapest I have seen has been at acropora.net

[Reef69]

And best place to get them is???

[TexasTodd]

Diego, you just need Iwasaki 6500's on your tank....trust me!

TT

[Reef69]

LOL..but..but..why? :cry I WANT FANCY ONES TODD!!

[alton]

The question I have is .2 on the scale for 410 nm. Most of the other lamps have a spike of .3 in the 420nm range. What makes the scale look distorted is the .8 for the 450nm. Only time will tell as far as growth.

[TexasTodd]

Growth will be very good if the rest of your parameters are in line.

I've had these bulbs 400w since October.

TT

[GaryP]

Growth is dependent on PAR, not spectrum. The intensity of 420 nm has more to do with pigment development. That is the wavelength thought to be responsible for stimulating coral pigment production. I think its because we are faking them out into responding to it like its UV light and they are being sunburned. The pretty blue and purple colors we all lust after are the result.

The tank I am working on now will probably have a couple of MH with a decent 420 nm spike and as much VHO actinic as I can jam in under the canopy.

Probably the most color I have ever seen in a member's tank was Gator's old 180. I forgot what MH he was running, but he had 6 X 160 watt actinics that I feel may havve been largely responsible for the purple and blues in that system. His banzais were the most purple I have ever seen. Not just the tips but the entire colony.

[JimD]

Todd, are you able to make a comparison between the xm and the reeflux bulbs? Mostly as far as growth and coloration goes. How do the two compare? I dont want the deep blue look, thats why Im currently using the xm's with actinics. I wish someone could post so pic of the two side by side using an electronic ballast.

[Reef69]

Where is the best place to buy thyem?

[thedude]

www.acropora.net

[JimD]

So far the least expensive Ive found is www.reefexotics.com I think it is,,,, like 59 clams.

[BIGBIRD123]

Jim,
See if they will give a ciscount for a bigger order. I'm interested in two (2) 250w SE 10Ks. Actually, I want to purchase them, just maybe they give a discount. I'm still looking for the bag of Dowflakes. My wife move stuff just to Py$$ me off! LMK.

Steve

[cpreefguy]

Ebay has 250w and 400w for $61 and $63 shipped

[thedude]

So far the least expensive Ive found is www.reefexotics.com I think it is,,,, like 59 clams.

Just an FYI, it's the exact same site as www.acropora.net :P

[JimD]

If I decide do go with the Reeflux bulbs, Ill most likely get them from CB pets, Their price is close enough to the online vendors without the hassle, plus theyre a maast sponsor.

[cpreefguy]

^^^Good call, I would always choose to support a local business than online retailer.

[gjuarez]

Yup, locals business first. I dont have much to choose from over here so I get most of my stuff online.

[JimD]

Ill bet Richard would be willing to ship if you offer him some Shiner Boch. lol

[gjuarez]

I'll keep that in mind.

[gjuarez]

For those wanting to try out these bulbs take advantage of Polkster's deal. He is selling them for $49.95, I think, I have to back and check on the vendors section. Best deal I have seen yet.

[Polkster13]

Yes, I am selling the ReefLux 250watt 10,000K SE bulbs for only $49.95!

HOWEVER, this is a Valentine's Special good until Feb 14th. After whicvh tiome the price goes back up to the standard retail price. If you want one of these bulbs, hurry and get your order in. Web site can be found at www.CoralReefBazaar.com and be sure to check out the Resources Section during your visit.

Thanks for the plug guys. And Richard, thanks for sending a couple of customers my way. I will certainly retrurn the favor as the oppurtunity arises.

Frederick
Coral Reef Bazaar
512-680-6647

[Reef69]

I just got mine on the mail today..THAT WAS FAST FREDRICK!!!!!!!!..Thanks so much, ill install them right now and ill let yall know how they look.

[JimD]

Well, its official, as much as I like the XM 10K's on an electronic ballast, I like the Reeflux 10K's even more.

[Reef69]

Mine didnt work, LOL..2 fired yellow and 1 fired blue. I switched them around and the color follows the bulbs, so..it sucks..

[LoneStar]

bum deal

[TheOtherGuy]

Jim - I am now using RL 10k and I like them. Yes, last month I was using RL 12k - I like those too! I think I am going to get better growth with the 10k bulbs. I gotta keep from switchin bulbs though. Costing me a fortune! LOL

Here is a picture with 1 RL 12k and 1 RL 10k. Not the best pic but, it is good enough to see the difference in color between the 2 bulbs. 12k is on the left side.

http://static.flickr.com/22/95636290_cb638794f1_o.jpg

[JimD]

Hey thanks Mark! Is there any actinic with the 10k? Youll definately see better growth with the 10k opposed to the 12's, these bulbs are as bright or brighter than the xm's. Although Ive only been running them since Thursday, my first impression is very promising. Im running a single RL 10k with three 95w vho actinics.

[gjuarez]

Diego, I am surprised. Thats the first time I here this about RL 10k. I hope they dont have the same problems like xm had down the road.

Mark, that is an excellent pic. I definately like the 10 better. Nice tank.

Jim, sorry I never got you the pics. Now you can see for yourself what we were talking about. I would love to see pics of your tank.

[TheOtherGuy]

Jim - Right now I have just the halides. I may add some vho's at some point.

qjuarez - Thx.

Adding a calcium reactor very soon.........

[JimD]

Mine didnt work, LOL..2 fired yellow and 1 fired blue. I switched them around and the color follows the bulbs, so..it sucks..

You may have gotten a 12k instead of a 10k even though the box says 10k. If youre running the 10k's on their own, they can appear yellow-ish like the picture Mark posted. 10k's of any brand will typicly require some sort of actinics to balance out the appearance. On their own, they may or may not be appealing. Coupled with the proper ammount of actinic, perfect water clearity and the right ballast, these bulbs are very beautiful, my tank sparkles like a light blue diamond, very colorfull and very vibrant. Hopefully youll get it worked out.

[dwdenny]

Here you go

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y236/dwdenny/XMvsReeflux.jpg

[BIGBIRD123]

I love mine. Polyps look great and mushrooms are open double their normal size.

Steve

[NaCl_H2O]

Steve - Do u want to try another one and see if it is the same/different. I do not mind - and if different we can send that bulb back to the farm for retirement. JLMK. Ya know it could be 12k in a 10k box?

I need to take back my previous assessment of this bulb! Mark traded it out for another today, and this bulb is much better! What I had must have been a 12K or 14K in a 10K box!

Nice bulb, thanks Mark!!!

[gjuarez]

I love mine. Best bulb I have ever used by far.

[hobogato]

i am running the rflx 10k DE and getting lots of growth. still run some single ended 14k for looks too along with my actinic.

[TheOtherGuy]

Steve - Do u want to try another one and see if it is the same/different. I do not mind - and if different we can send that bulb back to the farm for retirement. JLMK. Ya know it could be 12k in a 10k box?

I need to take back my previous assessment of this bulb! Mark traded it out for another today, and this bulb is much better! What I had must have been a 12K or 14K in a 10K box!

Nice bulb, thanks Mark!!!

Excellent! Steve - I should have knocked off to this when I was at your house taking pics. But hey! Not enough coffee and was tired. I think you should see a big difference between the bulbs. I now have to come back and take more pics!!!

I have spent more on bulbs for my 75 than most people will spend in 3 years. LOL. Ushio 10ks->Coral Vue 14Ks->Coralvue 12ks RL-> Coralvue 10ks in 5 months. I did not like the Ushios by themselves (too yellow). Coralvue 14ks were nice but tooo blue. RL 12ks I liked alot. Then I was curious what the 10k RL looked liked. I like these too! These are my current bulbs. Even without additional actinics I like them. Nice and white with a hint of blue. Corals have nice color and growth and still visually nice. At some point I will probably add 2 VHO actinics but, for now things are just fine for me.

[Dozer]

I know this thread is a little old but I wanted to revive it. I just got two of the reeflux 10K's this past weekend and I would say the jury is kind of still out for me. To me they look a little too purpleish- especially for 10K's. In fact I'm afraid to hook up my new T5 actinics because it already seems so purple/blue. On the other hand, my wife really really likes the look- and since we all know when she's happy, I'm happy, I'd say we're pleased so far. I kind of hope they "burn in" a little and get a little less purple though. I will keep everyone posted!

Btw thanks to Frederick at http://www.coralreefbazaar.com. Local and really good to do business with!