rollrok18 Posted February 18, 2010 Share Posted February 18, 2010 I would just like to get some opinions on metal halide bulbs. 250w to be exact. What brands does everyone prefer and where do you get your data from? I am running a Galaxy 250 dual electronic balast. Thanks for your input in advance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joshman1204 Posted February 18, 2010 Share Posted February 18, 2010 I love my phoenix 14k in my 250w pendant. I dont have any data other than personal preference. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+dapettit Posted February 18, 2010 Share Posted February 18, 2010 This guy is the guru of reef lighting: Sanjay's Reef Lighting Guide Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FarmerTy Posted February 18, 2010 Share Posted February 18, 2010 I'm all about my 12k Reeflux bulbs. I 2nd the Sanjay link. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rollrok18 Posted February 18, 2010 Author Share Posted February 18, 2010 Nice link, everyone should view this! thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+dapettit Posted February 18, 2010 Share Posted February 18, 2010 I have set a link up in the Links section of the forum. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+mcallahan Posted February 18, 2010 Share Posted February 18, 2010 I would just like to get some opinions on metal halide bulbs. 250w to be exact. What brands does everyone prefer and where do you get your data from? I am running a Galaxy 250 dual electronic balast. Thanks for your input in advance. I run Hamilton 14Ks. Since you are running the Galaxy e-ballast, you might consider the reeflux 20K. Danny and offroadadodge both run this setup and say they are getting great results with those bulbs paired up with that ballast. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
polarbear Posted February 18, 2010 Share Posted February 18, 2010 question..... can a 150W bulb and a 250W bulb be put into the same fixture? The reason Im asking is becuase I have a 150W 14K bulb running right now but I wanted to upgrade to a 250W. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+mcallahan Posted February 18, 2010 Share Posted February 18, 2010 question..... can a 150W bulb and a 250W bulb be put into the same fixture? The reason Im asking is becuase I have a 150W 14K bulb running right now but I wanted to upgrade to a 250W. as long as you don't have a 250W ballast running to a 150W bulb. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
polarbear Posted February 18, 2010 Share Posted February 18, 2010 so if its a 150W ballast, I can put in a 250W bulb? would it make a difference in the lighting or should I wait to get a new ballast to? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prof Posted February 18, 2010 Share Posted February 18, 2010 The bulbs fit in the same socket but you have to have the correct ballast to drive the bulb. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+mcallahan Posted February 18, 2010 Share Posted February 18, 2010 so if its a 150W ballast, I can put in a 250W bulb? would it make a difference in the lighting or should I wait to get a new ballast to? you can physically put the bulb in there but it won't fire right, if it all since the ballast isn't matched too. If you are going up to a 250W setup, you should wait to get the matching ballast for it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
polarbear Posted February 18, 2010 Share Posted February 18, 2010 thank you all for the input. is there a huge difference in running a 150W bulb compared to a 250W bulb? I have a 29 gallon biocube that has softies, hard corals, and a couple of SPS. the SPS coral is starting to encrust and has polyps coming out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+mcallahan Posted February 18, 2010 Share Posted February 18, 2010 thank you all for the input. is there a huge difference in running a 150W bulb compared to a 250W bulb? I have a 29 gallon biocube that has softies, hard corals, and a couple of SPS. the SPS coral is starting to encrust and has polyps coming out. If you are running a 29G biocube, I wouldn't go above 150W as you'll have major heat issues. MAYBE a 175@, but 250W would be too much unless you wanted to add a chiller, etc. Sounds like your tank is coming into its own so leave it be...or upgrade to a bigger tank! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
polarbear Posted February 18, 2010 Share Posted February 18, 2010 im going to upgrade as soon as i move to SA and get settled in. i have a 120 gallon tank sitting at the house right now that i picked up on a trade with another person. thanks for your input Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+dapettit Posted February 18, 2010 Share Posted February 18, 2010 I ran 2x250watt Hamiltons. I loved the color but they only last about 6 months. +1 Reeflux 20K and electronic ballasts! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesL Posted February 18, 2010 Share Posted February 18, 2010 I am running Pheonix 14K's now (@ 150W), and not exactly thrilled with them. The color is nice, and I am getting some nice Zoa growth, but it seems that my LPS and anemones are not liking it as much. They seems much happier under the 20K's I had before. I think I am going to switch back to 20K's when it is time to replace the bulbs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GKarshens Posted February 19, 2010 Share Posted February 19, 2010 Just put in a Hamilton 14k and I love the color! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
offroadodge Posted February 21, 2010 Share Posted February 21, 2010 ill back Dave up on the Reeflux 20k 400w.....I have had great growth in the last 2 1/2 months that I have had this bulb. AS a matter of fact i just bought another ballast a bulb to add over my tank. 2-400w 20ks/ 8-54w T-5s/ and 2-24" VHO Super Actinics Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+mcallahan Posted February 21, 2010 Share Posted February 21, 2010 I'm getting my e-ballasts in this week and I'll switch to 20K's in April before the baby comes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisfowler99 Posted February 21, 2010 Share Posted February 21, 2010 I'm pretty sure I'm going with 250W Reeflux 20ks when I get setup. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill B Posted February 22, 2010 Share Posted February 22, 2010 question..... can a 150W bulb and a 250W bulb be put into the same fixture? The reason Im asking is becuase I have a 150W 14K bulb running right now but I wanted to upgrade to a 250W. Perhaps those that answered this question know what your fixture is, but if it is DE a 250 WILL NOT fit into the fixture. As mentioned if it is mogul, it will fit, it just won't work. Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
offroadodge Posted February 22, 2010 Share Posted February 22, 2010 so you are correct, if its a SE bulb(mogul base) any SE bulb will work in it, the kicker is you have to have the correct ballast for the bulb. Its not the base that determines the bulb wattage. They sell mogul base bulbs in ranges from 150w-1000w and i think even higher but you wont need them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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