250w DE MH Bulbs - Why can't I decide what to get?

[BSJF]

So I have almost ordered my replacement bulbs about 20 times, but then can't decide what I want. I think I am running 14k Hamiltons currently.

anyone tried the 17500K MegaChrome Crystal Metal Halide Bulb - Giesemann, Double Ended (pricey but supposed to last 3 years)

I want a bulb that will keep the color in my SPS (especially my pink tipped acro) and I believe my pink birdsnest should be pink.


What else you recommend...

[LuckySingh]

I run 20k only on my tanks with no t5 supplements... My photoperiod is only 6 hours a day and my lps grows like crazy.... I started keeping sme sps no to long ago and they are also doing fine....


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[StevenSeas]

You know what would solve this? LEDs! then you could control them and get just the right color temperature, and even change it daily. And they supposedly last 10 yrs. LOL

[Gseclipse02]

. And they supposedly last 10 yrs. LOL


but only warranty them for 1-2 years


i like my phoenix bulbs ... but when i buy new bulbs again i think i may go 20 k or something like that

[SoLiD]

I've yet to see the MegaChrome in action. Back before I went LED it was the next lamp I was going to purchase. They are supposed have a ton of pop in the light. I'd like to see what the 17K looks like. 3 years on a halide lamp? That's a new one to me. I wonder why everybody running halides hasn't switched to a MegaChrome lamp if its true.

[BSJF]

Oh, I look at the LEDs every day, but just talk myself out of them for some reason. If I had a cube, I would definitely go that route.

The cost on the megachrome is double. The Phx was on sale so I got those for the main tank. I ended up getting the megachrome for the anemone/baby tank, so we will see. The reviews on the 14.5k was that it wasn't as blue as a typical 14k, so I went with the 17.5k. I also have no other blue light on that tank. It is also supposed to enhance reds, which would be nice for the RBTA's.

[alton]

My bosses tank uses mega chrome in his G fixture for 10+ years. The lamps last about 2 years, what is neat is the fixture tells you when to change the lamps. But of course for $2800 why not. FYI though the fixture is protected by glass tops which helps the fixture and lamps last longer.

[Bill S]

When I look back, I had the best growth and colors in my tank with the Hamilton 14Ks. They were supplemented with VHO actinics. I also tried several 20Ks, but growth really suffered.