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Ross
Sat, 21st Oct 2006, 03:01 PM
I'm setting up my 30g with a 250w SE on a magnetic ballast. What is the best overall bulb that will give me great color with no supplementation? All opinions welcome.
cpreefguy
Sat, 21st Oct 2006, 04:07 PM
14k Reeflux
hobogato
Sat, 21st Oct 2006, 05:50 PM
12k reeflux will be a little more crisp, but not white or yellow - slight blue tint. i run 14k in my SE fixtures right now, and want to change to 12k reeflux when the bulbs need to be replaced.
Ross
Sat, 21st Oct 2006, 06:24 PM
But you have actinic supplementation, i wont on this tank. I'm thinking 14k...
JimD
Sat, 21st Oct 2006, 06:40 PM
I have yet to see a stand alone bulb that can match the luster of 10k's with VHO actinics. The phosphers in the VHO lamp just adds a more richness to the tank. Im running a 150w de 14k Phoenix with no actinics over my clown/anemone tank and its ok at best.
hobogato
Sat, 21st Oct 2006, 07:29 PM
yep jim, it is hard to find a bulb that puts out enough of that 420 nm light. the 14k light is blue, which is 460 nm, and wont get your corals to color up like a true actinic (420 nm) bulb as suppliment.
TexasTodd
Sat, 21st Oct 2006, 07:49 PM
20KK DE Ushio. By far the best for no VHO and still great color and decent PAR.

I run the 150 version on my nano.

Todd
TexasTodd
Sat, 21st Oct 2006, 07:55 PM
Hmm, I've only had the 150w and can't seem to find a 250 on line. It may be only available in 150.

Check around.


It would also help if I read your post! SE!

The xm20kk runs better on that ballast than any other ballast. They're pretty blue though. With an HQI 250 ballast you'd have a LOT more choices.

Todd
Ross
Sat, 21st Oct 2006, 09:01 PM
Yeah, but im broke! I was thinking a 20k xm also...there pretty cheap. I'm not sure though i hear great things about the reeflux bulbs.
cpreefguy
Sat, 21st Oct 2006, 09:09 PM
Ross, Icecap 250w electronic ballast, can fire DE or SE only like $110 man! Cmon!
Ross
Sat, 21st Oct 2006, 09:14 PM
Or magnetic ballast for $30. =) are you comin out tonight sean?
cpreefguy
Sat, 21st Oct 2006, 09:24 PM
nah man, cant make it :(
TexasTodd
Sun, 22nd Oct 2006, 07:38 AM
Ross, the Reeflux bulbs need an HQI to get the good PAR.

Honnestly, now that the wine is not flowing through my veins, on a tank this size I would go with 100% VHO. 2 actinic and 2 daylight actinic. Less heat and better color. And you'll easily be able to keep sps if you want.

Todd

Todd
GaryP
Sun, 22nd Oct 2006, 12:28 PM
Yeah, but im broke! I was thinking a 20k xm also...there pretty cheap.
Ross,

I have your solution. Drop reefkeeping and take up collecting pennies. Welcome to my world.
alton
Mon, 23rd Oct 2006, 06:57 AM
I temporary installed a 14K Coral Vue 250w next to a 12K Reeflux 175w lamp on my 155 and the color was a perfect match. As a matter of fact when I asked fellow workers which was brighter they all picked the 175w, altought my meter said the 250 was brighter. Just a little thing but, Reeflux are made for Electronic ballast but will work with Mag. Ballast.
JeremyGlen
Mon, 23rd Oct 2006, 12:16 PM
I am running the 15K XM DE and it is a pretty blue color. I would suggest the 20K or the 15K. The only problem I have with the Reeflux bulbs is their tendency have the color rendering index drop dramatically after only a few weeks. I know my 10K Reeflux was crap after about 5 months and was way more yellow than when I first fired it.