55W versus 65W Coralife

[MatthewJ]

Okay, the 65 W bulbs are now OUT. I don't think they're any better (and probably worse, but that's total speculation) than the 55W.There is definitely more of the actinic, but I believe that's because I have one dedicated actinic. I can't get my hands on a PAR meter. Here's my thoughts:

1. the bulbs are larger (T6?) and therefor much tighter in the fixture. This probably results in loss of light due to heat and restrike. I anticipate that they will fail sooner due to heat as well.
2. because the RSM uses an electronic ballast, I suspect the use of the 65W bulb has not changed actual output from the ballast...so the additional 10W is pointless.

Again, the above is just speculation. The 2nd issue I am REALLY not sure about, perhaps someone with some knowledge could chime in about this?

 

[redsea reefer]

I would like to know myself....

 

[nanoreefing4fun]

Hey Mathew - I just read this post for the 1st time... why was it that you only ran these new bulbs one week?

was it because... "This probably results in loss of light due to heat and restrike." ???