150w HQI bulbs

Doug · #1 02-15-2009, 02:46 PM

Fired up the Phoenix last night. I hope it just breaking in as Mike said, because it sure cant compare to my tank with the 10k over it. Nice pretty blue though, fwtw.

VFX · #2 03-27-2009, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doug

Fired up the Phoenix last night. I hope it just breaking in as Mike said, because it sure cant compare to my tank with the 10k over it. Nice pretty blue though, fwtw.

Doug - I'm looking to replace my 150w 14k HQI & was wondering how the Phoenix is working out for you? You happy with it? Or prefer you old 10k?

thanks,
.

brizzo · #3 03-27-2009, 08:19 PM

I am curious also, my fixture currently has a 14.1k megachrome/geissman that needs to be changed.

Doug · #4 03-27-2009, 10:52 PM

Seems to be fine. I would say its a bit whiter now also but as seen in my pics, still an overall bluer look.

Still dont think its comparable to my 10k for par values, or at least to my eyes.

However, the corals have nice color and decent growth. For sure the bulb color makes the coral look nicer. As long as the coral seem to be getting enough light, I will keep using it. Its covering and area, 28in. by 16in. and gets a bit dimmer on the outside edges but even the corals I have out there seem fine also. Plus my reflector is just the one with my fixture and not likely the best spread.

The acro,s under the bulb are very nice. Better growth and tip color. So far, for the price, I would buy another but its still early yet. If I had a duel fixture, even though my tanks only 28in. I would run only them for sure.

These are the latest pics I took. No white balance set yet either, as I,m still learning how to use the camera.

http://216.187.96.54/vbulletin/showt...t=46784&page=7

Doug · #5 03-28-2009, 12:03 AM

The acro in the 2nd. pic here

http://216.187.96.54/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=48742

now has beautiful purple/blue tips, about a 1/2in long. Not sure if they can be seen in my tank pics but I could take another of it.

Just found this one, not the best as I,m playing with shots but shows the difference from the first since adding the Phoenix.

VFX · #6 03-28-2009, 05:12 AM

Thanks for the update Doug. I appreciate it.

How deep is your cube? How high up is your light?

My cube is 20"x20"x20" and my light hangs 6 inches from the water's surface.

Your corals seem very happy under the Phoenix. if you're getting good grown despite the reduced par I think I'll give them a try.

.

Doug · #7 03-28-2009, 02:00 PM

Same for me. My fixture is 6in. above. Tanks only 16in. though. I have acro,s a good 17in. under the bulb however. A colony of green, brown and orange digita frags in the bottom corner, is about 24in. from the bulb and show good growth. Or at least good enough for me.

Derasa, hydro and milli,s on the bottom also look fine.

My fixture only has a couple of 18w actinic supplemental bulbs so while they give a nice evening look, dont add much to the par, so whatever light, is mostly from the Phoenix.