Need info: I just changed my MH bulbs

Myka · #1 12-29-2010, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kien

I thought that mostly all bulbs LOSE their blue spectrum and get yellower as they age.

Yes. The Hamilton's will only get yellower as time goes on. If you don't like them now, it will only get worse. Most bulbs won't burn true to the Kelvin printed on the box. 10,000K is white, but most 10K bulbs look yellow on most ballasts. Of course every ballast will burn every bulb a little different.

globaldesigns · #2 12-29-2010, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Myka

Yes. The Hamilton's will only get yellower as time goes on. If you don't like them now, it will only get worse. Most bulbs won't burn true to the Kelvin printed on the box. 10,000K is white, but most 10K bulbs look yellow on most ballasts. Of course every ballast will burn every bulb a little different.

Again, not what I want to hear... I am picking up the phone right now and getting some more Ushio's. Thanks everyone.

globaldesigns · #3 12-29-2010, 04:10 PM

Ah rats, no one is open yet... So I am thinking, and YES it hurts!

I was running Ushio 10K, and I loved them, very very white. I didn't like the Pheonix 14K as it was not as bright and too blue.... What do you all think about Ushio 14K's? I am thinking they will probably be brighter than the Pheonix, but never seen them. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

daniella3d · #4 12-29-2010, 05:23 PM

I would go with what you like (ushio 10k), since each bulb is quite different and the only way to get exactly what you had and what you like is to buy the same thing.

Quote:

Originally Posted by globaldesigns

Ah rats, no one is open yet... So I am thinking, and YES it hurts!

I was running Ushio 10K, and I loved them, very very white. I didn't like the Pheonix 14K as it was not as bright and too blue.... What do you all think about Ushio 14K's? I am thinking they will probably be brighter than the Pheonix, but never seen them. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Lampshade · #5 12-29-2010, 06:37 PM

I agree most are different, i had a 175W 10K on my last tank that must have been 12K or above. I've been using 250W XM 10K's with a PFO ballast on my new tank, and they are bright white, Don't look yellow at all to me, white, but not yellow. For the record my room is painted yellow, so probably would offset any "yellow" look that comes from the bulbs. It's like painting, same color in 2 differnet rooms looks night and day different.

globaldesigns · #6 12-29-2010, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lampshade

I agree most are different, i had a 175W 10K on my last tank that must have been 12K or above. I've been using 250W XM 10K's with a PFO ballast on my new tank, and they are bright white, Don't look yellow at all to me, white, but not yellow. For the record my room is painted yellow, so probably would offset any "yellow" look that comes from the bulbs. It's like painting, same color in 2 differnet rooms looks night and day different.

Great info... No LFS have any bulbs, but did find 2 XM 250W 10k's, and for a good price so I got them. They will have to burn in, but when googling most are stating what you said... They are very white, so I am giving them a try, if no good then back to the Ushio's and I will have to order them.

globaldesigns · #7 12-30-2010, 12:18 AM

Well, the XM 250W 10000K bulbs have been running for a few hours now. In no way have they completed the burn in period, but I can say I like this brand.

Compared to the Ushio 10000K's, which were really really white... The XM I think has a better spectrum of light. The bulb isn't as intense, but the overal spectrum is nicer and the coral, rock and fish look nicer. The tank overall looks boutiqish, elegant. If you know what I mean.

I look forward to seeing what these bulbs end up putting out after a week or so. If these bulbs keep improving with the burn in, I think I will have a new favourite.