Lighting

[kkutac001]

I read somewhere -- on WetWebMedia I believe, but I can't swear to that, so take this comment fwiw -- I read that MH bulbs decline in their Kelvin values over the lifetime of the bulb. So, by that logic, a 20k bulb should have a longer usable lifespan. I would be facinated to see a test done, using whatever instrument it is that is used to measure such things (lux meter? PAR meter?). Light output could be measured in situ each month, so we could know the real story. ..Karl

[alton]

In a little over 12 months running 9 hrs a day with my 2-175 12K Reeflux lamps one has dropped 10%, but the other is still at 100% which is unusual. Most lamps start declining after 8 months. I check it monthly with a Lux/FC meter. After losing SPS with lamps that did not hold up I check with a meter because you can tell just with your eyes. I have not experienced a shift in color. I have 12K Reeflux on 2 of my 3 tanks. On these two tanks I only run MH's with no actinics with good growth. Reeflux lamps are made for electronic ballast, not all lamps are. It like having the best of both worlds, the blue look with the brightness of 10K. There about a 20% difference between running these lamps on electronic and mag ballast. Sorry if I got off the subject a little but the best way to get what you want is to go look at different tanks and see the different colors of the lamps mentioned.

[caferacermike]

KK, I believe on Sanjay's site he says it's more of a loss of intensity. He recommends just lowering your lighting closer to the water rather then get new bulbs.

[LoneStar]

Here is Sanjay's website if anyone hasn't been there before:

http://www.reeflightinginfo.arvixe.com/

[sharkboy]

So...will a 12k reeflux bulb light off of a magnetic ballast?

[brewercm]

It may light but may also not put out proper PAR and spectrum may be off. Best to run them on electronic since that's what they recommentd.

[alton]

Yes a mag ballast will run a 12K Reeflux lamp and it will look fine. It is just that it will be 20% brighter on a electronic ballast. I ran mine on a mag ballast for a couple of months before switching over to electronic. I did this exp. on both 175 and 250 MH