Well I fired up the new bulb today because I am tired of waiting for my new ballast to arrive (CC&R on strike :question: ).

The bulb is noticably blue. The colors of anything green is enhanced. Some things really glow. Reds and browns are not affected. I will do a picture later.

I am wondering if I should pick up a 20k or something.. Though I might just get some Actinic bulbs.. but with the MH and reflector in place there is pretty much zero room for another type of bulb..

not sure what to do really..

Interesting - that's the 20K, right? My oranges are popping like mad - it's fantastic. Between the CBB and the Blonde Naso, my fishes are glowing. That's the most noticeable for me, just 'cause it's my favourite colour. :mrgreen:

Chad, remember Steve's bulb comparison from a while back? The 14K and 20K SA bulbs had similar PAR - but the 20 had a bit of purple to it. You wouldn't need actinics with one of those, maybe...

The bulb looks like it is not good PAR wise, but then most of the really blue bulbs are that way. The new ballast is at the PO, so I will pick it up tomorrow, and relegate the new bulb to my 33G semi cube. We shall see how it looks on there tomorrow. :biggrin: It is too bad because my GSP's, Frogspawn, and Favites positively glow. :sad:

What about yours, Chad? Any better - I mean you did get he 10K, right? What kind of ballast and reflector are you using?

I'm hoping it's turning out brighter than your PCs... :eek: And the "yellowish" part - weird, you seem to have the choice between yellow and blue with these bulbs.

Well it is YELLOW.. really.. my 10k 55w are like ghost white in comparision.. I am going to take a pic and post it so you can see.. I am useing a reflector from J&L.. My fiancee thinks the MH looks brighter than the PC regardless of the colour.. but I think the PC looks brighter.. but my eyes might be playing tricks on me :biggrin:

http://www.members.shaw.ca/cmcd/2x55w10k-PC.jpg

http://www.members.shaw.ca/cmcd/10k-175w-MH-arc.jpg

Did the seller indicate that he would exchange the bulbs if you weren't happy with them, esp. for colour?

I would ask, if it's as bad as you say. I know it's a hassle to send it back, but perhaps a 14K would work for you... :question:

take a look at the photos now.. I did not ask.. maybe I will.. but I doubt it.. I mean, I guess I can use an atinic bulb to correct the colour.

still... you might want to ask. :biggrin:

Sorry man, but that's not a look I'd choose for my tank, that 175. Bleh...

the pic of the PC lighting looks very nice, the MH pic looks like someone peed in your tank.... :redface: