[Binare]

For starters, PAR (Photosynthetically active radiation) has nothing to do with "bulb output". PAR is a range of light, exists between 400 & 700 nanometers, light used by photo synthetic organisms... also about the range humans see. A PAR meter measures whats in that range, has NOTHING to do with brightness. LUX, a unit of measurement coming from Lumens, THAT is the measurement for brightness.

Don't confuse PAR with LUX, comparing apples to oranges. I do not use rebranded reef bulbs that cost an arm and a leg compared to the ones produced by major manufacturers (such as GE, Phillips etc) who at best guess from me produce thousands upon thousands of times the amount of bulbs the entire aquarium industry sells in total. They say there bulbs last x amount of hours, and I say of all the bulbs I have used from them have shown me on average about the same performance.

The only exception is Actinics, thats my current bain needing to buy those damn things.

I'd really like to see one of those "independant studies", maybe post a couple, Ive searched and searched before I posted and could not find a single lab quality or even remotely professionally developed research panel conducting any sort of study that would cause an entire lighting industry (worth billions) to hold its breath. Or are you referring to the "homebrewed" studies done in ones own living room with a cheap consumer purchased PAR meter used by someone who more then likely doesn't understand fully how to use it... no offense to anyone, explained to people who don't fully understand PAR? Trust me.... I don't fully understand how photons of different wavelengths create a visually perceptive difference in light. You also won't very many scientists who agree on how to measure PAR and how those devices react to artificial light opposed to natural (the sun).

Like I've said before, take it with a grain salt, trust the company who sold the bulbs and not the ones who research and designed them, makes no difference to me. I'm lucky in that I have access to a proper PAR, and LUX meter... and all the help and advice I need from some the worlds best industry reps when it comes to lighting.

On a side note, eyes are poor for judging PAR and LUX, eyes adjust long and short term to different wavelengths, do you remember the first time you looked at an Actinic bulb? Is it the same experience at looking a brand new years later? Taking the bulbs and cleaning them off along with the reflector as scheduled maintenance on the tank helps to, I do mine once a week with water changes.