15k or 20k MH Bulb

[RedDragon]

Well I plan to buy a dual 250w MH setup, when my income tax check gets here! Only problem I have now is what kinda bulb to get with it?? I've had a 20k XM bulb before on my old tank but that was 4 yrs ago...and I have never seen a 15k bulb. So what kinda buld are you guys using and what are the pros and conns of each bulbs? I want a blue looking light just not too blue..any input??

[JimD]

The 12K Reeflux is probably what youre looking for, checkout hobogatos tank, I think he uses them, Im not sure if he uses actinics or not...

[tony]

another vote for 12k reeflux

hobogato does use actinics

i do not

[JimD]

I use the 10k with vho actinics and really dig the color.

[KyleV]

12K reeflux here!

[joelb]

xm, reeflux, and radium are top of the line bulbs. radium is more expensive.

[Bill S]

Try the Helios 20Ks. Very popular with the folks that grow corals for a living. Several folks here have them. I don't need my actinics with them either.

[captexas]

Tagging along as I'm looking to replace my DE 14k Coralvue that I've been very unhappy with.

[Bill S]

My photos on the Photography page were taken with the Helios and NO actinic - and a lousy Canon point & shoot camera.

[engwife36]

12k reeflux are the way to go

[envy]

agree with bill on helios. i have hamilton and like them but i say go for the following radium, xm, helios, hamilton. i personally don't like sps but its a good bulb for there price range.

[envy]

misst posted a site a while back about different lights and colors i have that somewhere listed just have to find it unless she can post it again but worth a look.

[envy]

i found it here it is

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-04/jb/index.php

hope this helps as far as chosing which bulb to get and which k

[tony]

Tagging along as I'm looking to replace my DE 14k Coralvue that I've been very unhappy with.


you are welcome to come look at mine, brand new reeflux 12k bulb about 1 week old now so it should be burned in

im near the forum

(same for anyone else that wants to as well)

[JimD]

Tony, for those of us in Austin, would you mind posting a pic or two showing the 12k's without actinics?

[tony]

Tony, for those of us in Austin, would you mind posting a pic or two showing the 12k's without actinics?


not at all, but my glass is dirty and this was taken with my phone

12k with no supplementation whatsoever


http://tonyled.com/maast/photo.jpg

[JimD]

hmmm, That sorta looks like the 10k maybe a tad, and I mean a tad bluer... Thanks for the pic...

[Jynxgirl]

I think someone who is looking at 15 or 20k bulbs is not going to be happy with a 12k reeflux. Phoenix 14k may be an option.

[RedDragon]

the main thing is I dont want to add any blue to get it the color I want. I want the bulb to be a tint of blue but not to blue....I have mixed feeling right now...goin to do some more looking around and see diffeent pics of people's tanks....tony your bulb would be a lil white only because it's not burned in or will it stay that way??

[JimD]

Its really hard to get an accurate interpretation here, you really need to see them in person... Personaly, I have yet to see a single bulb look as good as a 10k with vho actinics... 12k's, 14k's, 15k's 20k,s, none of them can compare.

[princer7]

I use the SE Reeflux 12K without Actinics. Really nice looking color. Not too blue and not yellow either. My pictures do not really show the light as you would see it as I adjust for white balance.

[engwife36]

I will post some pictures tonight with my 12k reeflux.

[engwife36]

Here is a few pics under my 12k reeflux...not the best pics either

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/smelleybrad/DSC_0909.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/smelleybrad/DSC_0898.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/smelleybrad/DSC_0896.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/smelleybrad/DSC_0894.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/smelleybrad/DSC_0893.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/smelleybrad/DSC_0892.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/smelleybrad/DSC_0891.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/smelleybrad/DSC_0888.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/smelleybrad/DSC_0911.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/smelleybrad/CSC_0908.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/smelleybrad/CSC_0905.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/smelleybrad/CSC_0900.jpg

[tony]

i ran 10k before switching to 12k and would say it looks a lot bluer IMO, as was said the pics really dont do it justice

[RedDragon]

wow those pics look nice!! see thats what I'm looking for! :)

[envy]

i bet if you saw the tank in person it would look alot better. i have taken pics of my tank and not the same when you see it in person

[mattymalcolm]

WHAT UP JB everything make it home ok