150 DE Lighting options (10, 20, 14.5, 13??)

[andsoitgoes]

Hi all,

The recent post regarding the PAR values of the various lighting options out there and the fact that my bulb is going to need replacing at some point has made me want to figure out what I can do to replace the "yellow" coloration in the 10k Giesemann bulb currently in my 150w Aqualight Pro.

I am very much interested in the blueish tones produced - and is what I've always wanted in a tank. But I don't want to sacrifice coral growth for my asethetics.

J&L has a very small selection online for the DE bulbs - and looking at the visual representation from the PAR post (http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...5&pagenumber=1) has me leaning towards the blues of the PFO 13000k, Coralvue (over 10k) and the Blueline 10k or higher

Does anyone know what would be an equivalent option in the J&L list? The Coralife bulbs are the most cost effective, but how are they in quality?

Would appreciate any advice. Thanks in advance!!

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

Stay away from the Coralife Energysaver cheap bulbs. Very yellow, very quickly (10000k).

Hamilton 14000k is a what my friend TomR uses & is very happy with.

[AndyL]

If you're really not sure what you're after... Check ebay there are some sellers of some inexpensive HQI/mogul bulbs, at 10$ each its relatively cheap to try them out and see what temperature you (and your corals) prefer.

Theres a big long thread in RC's equipment forum "cheap ebay bulbs" or somesuch with some reviews / basic info.

[andsoitgoes]

Very interesting - only problem is they cover 175 and above, so nothing for the 150's - I do see there are some for 150, here:

http://cgi.ebay.ca/HQI-150W-14K-Doub...QQcmdZViewItem

if this works out, I may have the Seahorse get some in from J&L or HR - If the above one works, it's a great price (under 50 bucks) even if it only works for a few months - and then I can test out the 14k spectrum!

Now - the question is - will this work with the Aqualight Pro ballast?

[AndyL]

My 150de (tar ballast nothing special) will fire 175 de bulbs; if you look in my frag sale post i've got a picture up with a cheap (think it cost me 5.83$ shipped) 175w 14k...

[andsoitgoes]

Originally Posted by AndyL

My 150de (tar ballast nothing special) will fire 175 de bulbs; if you look in my frag sale post i've got a picture up with a cheap (think it cost me 5.83$ shipped) 175w 14k...

HMMM - well now, that is interesting. I wouldn't be risking damage to my ballst, would I?

Which place did you order that one from? wouldn't mind looking back there and grabbing one to check it out

Danke!

[AndyL]

No idea on the ballast - mines been running for a fairly long time no problems.

Don't ask difficult questions lights64 was the seller - not seeing any true auctions anymore though...

[andsoitgoes]

Thought I'd revive this with a few qs - PAR, PAR, PAR. I'm really interested in hearing what brands produce equal PAR in higher K temps.

From what I've seen, there are some brands (Hamilton) whose PAR drops as the K temp goes up - but XM bulbs don't?

What are the thoughts on this one?

[fkshiu]

All you need to know:

www.reeflightinginfo.arvixe.com

As a rule, PAR goes down as colour temp goes up from 6500K

[andsoitgoes]

I think I saw that page a while ago, it makes my head hurt

Hm, so supplementing with 10k PC bulbs would be necessary. Now, my question is can a bulb be found (14k) that has a minimal or nonexistent drop in PAR?

Especially seeing as that page has tests from almost 10 years ago, the technology has to have improved somewhat, right?