Reeflux 12k vs. Phoenix 14k 150w DE's

[JimD]

Anyone out there have an opinion on these two bulbs? Comparison pics or experiences? Im looking for somethinf slightly blue and from what Ive heard, the Reeflux 12k DE bulbs are sraight up white.

[Bill S]

Jim, I doubt this helps - I have Hamilton 400w DE, at 14K and they do have a bit of blue in them. Enought blue that I don't think you need VHOs to enhance. They were REAL blue when I first fired them up.

[hobogato]

the Reeflux 12k DE bulbs are sraight up white.

after burn in, this is pretty much true. no yellow or pink tint to them either (like some of the 10k bulbs)

i have never run the pheonix, but have heard nothing but good things about them.

[JimD]

I just went ahead and ordered another Phoenix, thanks for the feedback.

[lhoy]

You will like them, I am running 2X150 Phoenix 14K's on one tank and 2X250 Phoenix 14k's on another. I was running 10k's on one and it was WAY too white.

Lee

[brewercm]

I've hear the Phoenix and Hamilton 14k are pretty close in color. Anybody know for sure? I've been running the Hamiltons and like them.

[technomex]

I love my 14k Phoenix 250's. Good choice.

[caferacermike]

Again Pheonix. 2x 250 DE on a 75g. Very happy. I remember asking here and at other forums as to what bulbs to get when I did my project. It was 2 weeks before Macna. 9 out of 10 responses were for Pheonix. I ordered them and got them in just after Macna. Sure enough nobody could stop talking about reeflux. I thought I made a bad choice. In the end they've been great and in June I plan to buy again. Lately I've heard some good reefers talking about what to get next as they weren't as happy with the reeflux.

[alton]

Reeflux are made for electronic ballast. There are not bad on Mag. ballast but the lighting will be about 20 to25% less than they are with the coral vue electronic. I tested this theory on both 175 and 250 watters.

[alton]

Sorry I have my head up my butt, I just noticed the thread was on DE. My test was on the SE lamps

[JimD]

Kinda hard to breath in there aint it? lmao

[JimD]

You will like them, I am running 2X150 Phoenix 14K's on one tank and 2X250 Phoenix 14k's on another. I was running 10k's on one and it was WAY too white.

Lee

Care to share a pic er two?

[HecticDialectics]

I'm tagging along since I'm in the process of making the same decision. A few pics of the reeflux 12k over on RC show great color on the coral and whatnot, but I couldn't find enough good FTS shots to really judge how I liked it. I am leaning toward the pheonix at this point.

[lhoy]

I will try to snap some later. I don't have a FTS of it right now.

Lee

[lhoy]

I found the cheapest price to be reefopolis on Ebay. The 150 watt were 54.99 and the 250 watt were 64.99. His packing was awesome.

Lee

[JimD]

$49.99 at Premium for the Phoenix.

[lhoy]

They were out of stock when I tried to buy. Their shipping is comparable as well. Will use them next time.

Lee

[SA-DSM]

Premium?????????????

[JimD]

I should be getting the Phoenix bulb this evening, when I do, Ill post some comparison pics between it and a Ushio 10k, stand by.

[JimD]

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p114/JimD_photo/100_0487.jpg

Something I discovered while messin with the tank, 14k Phoenix.

[josephatmbimortgage]

So I take it your loving the 14 K phoenix bulb..lol. right?

[Jynxgirl]

Jim, I doubt this helps - I have Hamilton 400w DE, at 14K and they do have a bit of blue in them. Enought blue that I don't think you need VHOs to enhance. They were REAL blue when I first fired them up.

I got the 14k hamiltons and the 400W is extremely blue compared to the 250s... Bstreep... how long did it take for the 400W bulb's blue tint to calm down?

[Bill S]

About a week? I very much like their color now, but at first I was concerned.

[JimD]

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p114/JimD_photo/100_0472.jpg

10k Ushio

[JimD]

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p114/JimD_photo/100_0482.jpg

14k Phoenix nowhere near burned in.

[Polkster13]

Hey Jim,

I have heard rumors that the Phoenix bulbs were originally made for outside lighting on buildings and such and never designed for aquarium usage. I had also heard that people that were running these long term were seeing their SPS corals loose some of their color. I have not been able to get any other information to substainuate these claims.

For those of you using the Phoenix bulbs, has anyone had these on a SPS tank for more than 6 months and what are your experiences? I am thinking of carrying these bulbs and would like to find out more before I make the investment to do so. I want to make sure I can sell these if I stock them.

[JimD]

Polk, personaly, I wouldnt suggest these bulbs for sps, they may survive but I doubt they would thrive. Theyre good on a tank housing softies and inverts and IMO, thats about it. You can clearly see the difference in brightness between the 10k and the 14k in the above pics.The Frogspawn and the anemonies really dig it and the color is, 'acceptable' for a stand alone bulb. Theyve been compared to the AquaConnect bulb which is much moe expensive.

[caferacermike]

I'll stand right and defend the Phepnix bulb for SPS tanks. With 2x 250w over my 75g I get awesoem coloration and excellent growth. maybe Sean, CPreefguy will chime in here and tell about the efflo I got from him. It was about 4" mid last year and is now 9" diameter, super green and purple. every brown frag I add colors up within 2 weeks. Many frags I'm given by people cannot be recognized a few weeks later by their owners. I've had several owners request frasg from me only to be told, "hey I got that from you 2 weeks ago". I am planning to reorder. Fredric when in ATX please plan a visit to check out what 7 month old Pheonix bulbs look like.

As further reading I offer up the fact that not only do I have a ritteri magnificent anemone in the tank, it's been growing and turning this bright purple with neon green tentacles for several months. Would I trust efflo, desalwii, cali torts, ultra red milli, teal milli, yellow milli, blue milli, bottle brushes, tenius, and numerous other SPS of that nature to Pheonix? I do everyday.

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g48/caferacermike/100_2758.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g48/caferacermike/100_2774.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g48/caferacermike/100_2772.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g48/caferacermike/100_2672.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g48/caferacermike/100_2771.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g48/caferacermike/100_2676.jpg


http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g48/caferacermike/100_2663.jpg


http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g48/caferacermike/100_2526.jpg

[josephatmbimortgage]

Here is proof that phoniex is a good bulb and Mike tank has ton of color. I was going with reflux 12k, but after seeing this I might just go with Phoniex bulb. Where is the best place to get the bulb at the cheapest?

-Joseph

[JimD]

Ya'll think what you want but theres no way Phoenix can hold a candle to 10k's and actinics.... Period! They pale in comparison all the way around. Your pictures are nice, think how much nicer theyd be with 10k's and actinics. No way. Oh, and this isnt my very first rodeo. If you think youre getting good growth with the 14k's, 10k's will blow your mind.

[josephatmbimortgage]

I just want more blue and more color, I have on it right now Two 6ft Super actinics and 15K 250 watts MH, but it's on a M- ballast. I want the best bulb that will bring out the most amount of color. Hey Jim do you know anyone witha hook up for TWo E-ballast for my 250 Watt mogul base?

[caferacermike]

Whoa JIm. The argument was not whether 10K will provide faster growth, that is a known fact. Why are you not preaching 6,500K bulbs to us all for super growth.


Let's back up a minute and relax, ok? I was offering up MY opinion, legal bit: my opinion is mine and mine alone and therfore does not in any way shape or form, detract from or imply that JimD has his head up his *** and in fact does make a great point that 10K bulbs are superior to any 11K bulb or higher in regards only to growth and does not in any way shape or form go about answering whether or not Fredric, AKA in this instance as Polkster, should stock said bulbs in his shop (legal bit is now over), as to whether or not Polks should stock a wonderful ALL AROUND decent quality bulbs that offers both great color and reasonable amounts of growth.


So to sum it up. Many members of this site, including JimD, run Pheonix bulbs. As far as a great all round bulb, should you stock it? I'd say yes due the amount of replies and threads started about Pheonix bulbs.

[JimD]

Pm Frederick at coralreefbazaar,, he sells the CoralVue e-ballasts and I really like the newer ones. "I want the best bulb that will bring out the most amount of color." If your not concerned with greater than ok growth , then the Phoenix would be a good choice, otherewise, youll want to switch to a 10k like the Reeflux SE on an electronic ballast.

[JimD]

Trust me, Id be running Iwasakis if I could fit more actinics in my hood.

[apedroza]

I have the 2-250watt SE 12K reeflux bulbs and my color and growth are great. I think the difference between SE and DE bulbs varies alot even between the same manufacturer. I ran DE phoenix bulbsbefore and the color was great but so intense it bleached some of my corals. A ew months later when I switched to SE those same corals have colored up again and grown quite abit. It may take quite a bit of testing before you find a bulb that works for you.

[DaBird47]

ok, mike, I have to ask...what's that striped thingy under your sarco.?

[caferacermike]

nudibranch.

[J_G]

I dont run Phoenix but several MH light stores online have told me the Phoenix 14K's are the best 14K's on the market including Hellolights. I was thinking about switching but thus far am happy with my 10K Aqualine Bushke's.

I dont run my Reeflux 12k's anymore because I wasnt getting good growth.

[JimD]

Im ot saying they arent a good bulb, if they werent, I wouldnt be running one, probably the best stand alone bulb available, Im saying, IMO, theyre not the best choice for growing acros. Stick with your 10k's.

[J_G]

This thread was regarding the reeflux 12k's vs phoenix 14k's (6.5K's are better for growth and 20K's are better for color)

John

[HecticDialectics]

I have the 2-250watt SE 12K reeflux bulbs and my color and growth are great. I think the difference between SE and DE bulbs varies alot even between the same manufacturer. I ran DE phoenix bulbsbefore and the color was great but so intense it bleached some of my corals. A ew months later when I switched to SE those same corals have colored up again and grown quite abit. It may take quite a bit of testing before you find a bulb that works for you.


Got a fts or two you could post?

[JimD]

He posted these a few days ago.

http://www.maast.org/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=23797

[tomanero]

Jim,
You mentioned a bulb for 49.99 at Premium.
250W?
Is that the 10K Reeflux or 14K Phoenix?
I saw the 14K for 59.95 on their website but would like the 10K to put with my actinics.
Thanks

[SA-DSM]

Jim,
You mentioned a bulb for 49.99 at Premium.
250W?
Is that the 10K Reeflux or 14K Phoenix?
I saw the 14K for 59.95 on their website but would like the 10K to put with my actinics.
Thanks

This thread is about the 150W not the 250W. I made the same mistake also. If you check the 150W, then you will see that the 14k phoenix is there for that price.

[JimD]

Jim,
You mentioned a bulb for 49.99 at Premium.
250W?
Is that the 10K Reeflux or 14K Phoenix?
I saw the 14K for 59.95 on their website but would like the 10K to put with my actinics.
Thanks

$49.99 was for the 14k Phoenix 150 watt.