Which MH Bulbs should I use?

[koa25]

I have a dual power supply magnetic ballast that supports two 250W MH fixtures. I am fairly new to the MH scene and I am curious as to which ones I should use. I was thinking either the 14k or 20k look. After reading a lot of stuff out there. They say the closer to 10k you get the better the growth for coral. I would still like some pop from my corals though. Reading reviews it seems Radium is the best bulb to go with as far as quality. But it requires a ballast I do not have. XM and phoenix seem like decent bulbs as well but I hear that they dont actual appear at the spectrum they say they are. 14k's seem more like 10k's and so on. Does anyone have recommendations on a good bulb for a magnetic ballast? Hopefully not too expensive. This is just to hold me over till I can save up for LEDs. Thank you.

[Cammed_02]

I'm running the phoenix 14k, it definetely dosen't look 10k, closer to 20k IMO. Really makes the color in my monti light up with a nice crisp blue hue.

If thats still not enough you could always get some stunner strips for that extra pop.

[Kristy]

I love 12k ReefLux. Used it for years and always happy with color and growth. (Corals are happy too.)

[Thawk7464]

SPS makes bulbs that can be used on e/mag ball why leds Imo Mh are the best lights you can have


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[Bill S]

I would recommend that you consider an electronic ballast. But, with what you have, any of the above mentioned bulbs would be good.

Of all of the bulbs I've used or tried, I got the best combination of growth and color with Hamilton 14Ks. However, I supplemented them with actinic VHOs to improve how the color LOOKS.

[koa25]

I'd be switching to LED's for the cost effectiveness. Low power consumption. Long bulb life. no need for a chiller. I know this isn't a cheap hobbie. But finding ways to limit expense where one can is at sometimes needed. But greatly appreciate on the input. I was kind of leaning towards phoenix. Read a lot of good reviews on them. I'll have to check out hamiton and reeflux. I would love to go to an electronic ballast. And most likely will make the change over if i do end up sticking with metal halid lights. That rediculous chunk of metal called a ballast I have know is a heavy beast and inefficient. I probably will go with a 14k and add some panorams if i need to. Easier to add blue than to take it away. Greatly appreciated.does anyone have pics of their tanks with their MHs going?

[cowboy572]

The DE Phoenix 14K Bulbs are all I run in my tank. I tried some "el cheapo" 14K's and after 4 weeks, I couldn't take it anymore I had to go back to Phoenix bulbs. Also you will notice better output when going to electronic ballasts. When I gutted my Odyessa combo unit that was the first thing to go where the tar ballasts.

[350gt]

SPS makes bulbs that can be used on e/mag ball why leds Imo Mh are the best lights you can have


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I think he meant as supplemental lighting, for extra color pop which LEDs do way better than any MH light.

I am not saying LEDs are better tha MHs either, they both are good and both have there ups and downs.

[350gt]

If I had a choice I would go reeflux or Phoenix, but more than likely phoenix...

[mkengr45]

I've used XM, Phoenix, Reeflux, Iwasaki, and Radiums. They all make a decent bulb. I am using the Radiums now and love them, but if you can't do a Radium bulb my next choice would be a tie between Reeflux and Phoenix.