Help Me Choose a MH Bulb

SZHTTM · 10-28-2004, 05:17 PM

Hello,

I was hoping all of you wonderful people would assist me in choosing a Double-Ended MH bulb.

I just purchased a new canopy for my 92-gallon reef, becuase the old one is not doing so well after almost 6 years now...

In preparing the new canopy for the tank, a possibility has come to mind. I am now thinking I am going to upgrade my lights by adding a 250 watt double-ended MH to my already existing lights.

Currently, I have 2 96 watt PC (1 67K and 1 ACT03). Plus two 55 watt PCs (both are ACT03).

I have included a table with the bulbs that I found, but can't decide on a bulb.

Please choose the one you like best and please explain your choice to help me make a decision. Feel free to add as many comments as you see fit.

Thank you very much for your time and effort!!!

It is greatly appreciated!!!!

Thank you and Have Fun!!!

SZHTTM · 10-30-2004, 08:21 PM

wooddood · 10-30-2004, 10:03 PM

well never tried the double end bulbs but my choice would be 250 watt 10k xm. thats what i run and really like the look. mine are mogul based by the way. also supplemented with 4 55watt 03 actinics.

dave.

Steve Ruddy · 10-31-2004, 12:18 PM

I would definitly go with a 10K bulb since you have supplemental lighting you will be keeping. This will allow you to blend the bulbs to acheive the desired color and give you more visual intensity as well. The only reason I picked the XM brand is because it is the least expensive. As far as it's track record I can't comment however if you want an established bulb go with the Ushio 10L.

Steve Ruddy · 10-31-2004, 12:19 PM

I would definitly go with a 10K bulb since you have supplemental lighting your will be keeping. This will allow you to blend the bulbs to acheive the desired color and give you more visual intensity as well. The only reason I picked the XM brand is because it is the least expensive. As far as it's track record I can't comment however if you want an established bulb go with the Ushio 10L.

SZHTTM · 11-08-2004, 09:36 PM

Thanks everyone!!!!!!!!

I went with your suggestions and purchased the 10K XM double-ended bulb (250w).

The light kit I purchased was the Aqua Medic Ocean Light HQI Lighting System.

Thank You and Have Fun!!!;

wooddood · 11-09-2004, 06:29 AM

good choice i think you'll like the look, good luck to you.

dave.

Tarasco · 11-09-2004, 02:53 PM

Make sure and post before and after pics, and let us know how you like the system.

SZHTTM · 11-09-2004, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Tarasco
Make sure and post before and after pics, and let us know how you like the system.

Will do.

Thank You and Have Fun!!!;

proud2bcanadian · 01-28-2005, 08:51 PM

Take a look at this page...

http://metricksystem.com/chris/250wcolour/

HTH,

mps9506 · 01-29-2005, 09:59 AM

All of JB's data involved single ended 250 watt bulbs.
If you are looking for any spectral plots and intensity data I would check this page:
http://www.reeflightinginfo.arvixe.com/
It is all the info compiled by Sanjay Joshi (aka reef lighting god)
Mike

View Poll Results: Which Double-Ended Bulb Should I Get?
10,000K Ushio HQI Double-Ended MH Bulb	2	12.50%
10,000K Aqualine HQI Double-Ended MH Bulb	0	0%
10,000K IceCap HQI Double-Ended MH Bulb	1	6.25%
10,000K XM HQI Double-Ended MH Bulb	5	31.25%
13,000K Megachrome HQI Double-Ended MH Bulb	0	0%
14,000K Hamilton HQI Double-Ended MH Bulb	4	25.00%
14,500K Megachrome HQI Double-Ended MH Bulb	0	0%
20,000K XM HQI Double-Ended MH Bulb	3	18.75%
20,000K Aqualine/BLV HQI Double-Ended MH Bulb	0	0%
20,000K Megachrome HQI Double-Ended MH Bulb	0	0%
Other: Please include comments in your reply.	1	6.25%
Voters: 16. You may not vote on this poll

10-28-2004, 05:17 PM	#1 (permalink)
SZHTTM Serpent Star Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Davie, FL. (South Florida) Posts: 203 View Gallery Karma Komment	Help Me Choose a MH Bulb Hello, I was hoping all of you wonderful people would assist me in choosing a Double-Ended MH bulb. I just purchased a new canopy for my 92-gallon reef, becuase the old one is not doing so well after almost 6 years now... In preparing the new canopy for the tank, a possibility has come to mind. I am now thinking I am going to upgrade my lights by adding a 250 watt double-ended MH to my already existing lights. Currently, I have 2 96 watt PC (1 67K and 1 ACT03). Plus two 55 watt PCs (both are ACT03). I have included a table with the bulbs that I found, but can't decide on a bulb. Please choose the one you like best and please explain your choice to help me make a decision. Feel free to add as many comments as you see fit. Thank you very much for your time and effort!!! It is greatly appreciated!!!! *Thank you and Have Fun!!!* Last edited by SZHTTM : 10-28-2004 at 05:23 PM.

10-30-2004, 08:21 PM	#2 (permalink)
SZHTTM Serpent Star Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Davie, FL. (South Florida) Posts: 203 View Gallery Karma Komment	Bump

10-30-2004, 10:03 PM	#3 (permalink)
wooddood the wood dude Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: CARMEL. INDIANA Posts: 3,450 View Gallery Karma Komment	well never tried the double end bulbs but my choice would be 250 watt 10k xm. thats what i run and really like the look. mine are mogul based by the way. also supplemented with 4 55watt 03 actinics. dave. __________________ 120 gal/in wall tank/starboard substraight/2 250 watt 10k xm metal halides/ 4 55watt 03 actinics/150lbs lr/scwd on return/scwd on a closed loop/aquaclear aquatics 200 pro wetdry w/skimmer. ask all the questions you have if we cant answer it we'll make up some thing. remember patience is the key to a kick ass reef. dave.

10-31-2004, 12:18 PM	#4 (permalink)
Steve Ruddy Tunicate Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Guerneville CA Posts: 13 View Gallery Karma Komment	I would definitly go with a 10K bulb since you have supplemental lighting you will be keeping. This will allow you to blend the bulbs to acheive the desired color and give you more visual intensity as well. The only reason I picked the XM brand is because it is the least expensive. As far as it's track record I can't comment however if you want an established bulb go with the Ushio 10L. __________________ Steve

10-31-2004, 12:19 PM	#5 (permalink)
Steve Ruddy Tunicate Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Guerneville CA Posts: 13 View Gallery Karma Komment	I would definitly go with a 10K bulb since you have supplemental lighting your will be keeping. This will allow you to blend the bulbs to acheive the desired color and give you more visual intensity as well. The only reason I picked the XM brand is because it is the least expensive. As far as it's track record I can't comment however if you want an established bulb go with the Ushio 10L. __________________ Steve

11-08-2004, 09:36 PM	#6 (permalink)
SZHTTM Serpent Star Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Davie, FL. (South Florida) Posts: 203 View Gallery Karma Komment	*Thanks everyone!!!!!!!!* I went with your suggestions and purchased the 10K XM double-ended bulb (250w). The light kit I purchased was the Aqua Medic Ocean Light HQI Lighting System. Thank You and Have Fun!!!; Last edited by SZHTTM : 11-09-2004 at 06:53 AM.

11-09-2004, 06:29 AM	#7 (permalink)
wooddood the wood dude Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: CARMEL. INDIANA Posts: 3,450 View Gallery Karma Komment	good choice i think you'll like the look, good luck to you. dave. __________________ 120 gal/in wall tank/starboard substraight/2 250 watt 10k xm metal halides/ 4 55watt 03 actinics/150lbs lr/scwd on return/scwd on a closed loop/aquaclear aquatics 200 pro wetdry w/skimmer. ask all the questions you have if we cant answer it we'll make up some thing. remember patience is the key to a kick ass reef. dave.

11-09-2004, 02:53 PM	#8 (permalink)
Tarasco Plate Coral Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 724 View Gallery Karma Komment	Make sure and post before and after pics, and let us know how you like the system. __________________ Mike "I saw what the governor makes. That's like four hands of blackjack." -- Charles Barkley on why he wasn't seriously considering becoming the Governor of Alabama

01-28-2005, 08:51 PM	#10 (permalink)
proud2bcanadian Plate Coral Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 708 View Gallery Karma Komment	Take a look at this page... http://metricksystem.com/chris/250wcolour/ HTH, __________________ David Liles

01-29-2005, 09:59 AM	#11 (permalink)
mps9506 They misunderestimated me Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Wilmington, NC Posts: 7,408 View Gallery Karma Komment	All of JB's data involved single ended 250 watt bulbs. If you are looking for any spectral plots and intensity data I would check this page: http://www.reeflightinginfo.arvixe.com/ It is all the info compiled by Sanjay Joshi (aka reef lighting god) Mike __________________ Mike "The Bandwith Bandit" Help Build Reefpedia Premium Membership Available! Support Reef Sanctuary Sponsors

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