cMidd Posted December 28, 2012 Share Posted December 28, 2012 Looking for some advice. Need to replace my Pheonix 14k 150w bulbs. Is there any legit alternative as far as copying this light that won't cost as much? Also, lookin for some 48" 96w PC bulbs...any ideas? Collin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timfish Posted December 28, 2012 Share Posted December 28, 2012 There's so much variation between manufacturers that I always use the same bulb but you might try searching for reviews that actually test the color temperature of a particular bulb. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cMidd Posted December 28, 2012 Author Share Posted December 28, 2012 Any cheaper bulbs you prefer Tim? Really not trying to spend $55x2 every 6months. In reality I will upgrade to LED once I have all the parts I need to build my own. Just not sure about spending $110 on bulbs that I will change in 6months anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kingjames Posted December 28, 2012 Share Posted December 28, 2012 (edited) ive heard plusrite but i personally havnt used them and how the color is, been wanting to try some myself, and i use the phenoix 14k and only change once a year , with no ill affect on growth or anything Edited December 28, 2012 by kingjames420 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kingjames Posted December 28, 2012 Share Posted December 28, 2012 but i think the pheonix are worth every penny but ya it sucks on the pocket when its time to replace them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cMidd Posted December 28, 2012 Author Share Posted December 28, 2012 ^ they definitely are. I will search around and post what I find. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cMidd Posted December 28, 2012 Author Share Posted December 28, 2012 Well, I am seriously considering Ushio 150w 20k. Try something different and since I'm starting fresh it won't bother any livestock. These should last until I upgrade to LED custom build. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FarmerTy Posted December 28, 2012 Share Posted December 28, 2012 I have never used the 150 watt version of the plusrites but I have used both the SE and DE versions (currently using) of their 20k bulbs. I have had no issues for 2 years now and run a predominantly SPS tank with zoas. I think my colors are great but that opinion is obviously biased. I know when I used to run the reeflux 12k bulb, I felt like I had slightly better colors but not $120 worth it better. I am happy with my cheap bulbs and I will speak for my corals and say they are happy too. One thing, the phoenix bulbs are known for an overly blue color than most bulbs and plusrites seem to be on the opposite spectrum. Meaning, a 14k phoenix bulb looks almost 20k while a 14k plusrite bulb looks almost 10k. For sure get the 20k plusrite but it may be way less blue if your eyes are used to phoenix bulbs. It will look crisp white with a hint of blue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kingjames Posted December 28, 2012 Share Posted December 28, 2012 ya ty your stuff looks great and as long as you have some blue supplemental lighting, ty where do you get your bulbs, can you get them locally, how often do you change your plusrites out Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cMidd Posted December 28, 2012 Author Share Posted December 28, 2012 Yea Ty-I am trying to get away from the Pheonix blue hue. That's why I'm looking at the Ushio. I will look into the Plusrite. Thanks a ton for the info!!! I was looking for somethin like that. Appreciate it Ty! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cMidd Posted December 28, 2012 Author Share Posted December 28, 2012 Can you link where you buy your bulbs from Ty? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mFrame Posted December 28, 2012 Share Posted December 28, 2012 I originally ran the Phoenix and switched to the Plusrites last year. Definitely go with the 20k Plusrites, the 14k are white white white. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cMidd Posted December 28, 2012 Author Share Posted December 28, 2012 Any link for ordering plus rite 150w 20k? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FarmerTy Posted December 28, 2012 Share Posted December 28, 2012 I used to buy the SE 250-watt plusrite 20ks from 1000bulbs.com. When I made the switch to DE 250-watt plusrite 20k bulbs, I bought them from Affordable Aquatic Supplies as 1000bulbs.com didn't carry the DE version. Affordable Aquatic Supplies' website is currently down for maintenance but it was up yesterday. I don't know if they carry 150-watt but I thought I saw 150-watts yesterday. Once the website is back up, I can check. Here is a link regarding an ebay seller that carries the plusrites. I was never comfortable ordering from him as you have to ask him specifically to give you plusrites but others have had success. http://www.austinreefclub.com/topic/23701-plusrite-mh-bulb-group-buy-16ea/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cMidd Posted December 28, 2012 Author Share Posted December 28, 2012 Thanks a ton Ty. Will probably wait for the website to come up. I'm not very trusting with eBay suppliers as I have had problems arise before. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cMidd Posted December 28, 2012 Author Share Posted December 28, 2012 Ty thanks again for the site info. Already placed my order! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FarmerTy Posted December 28, 2012 Share Posted December 28, 2012 Great. Glad to be of help. Hopefully you will like the color off the 20k's. I am a big fan of mine. KingJames - Thanks for the comment. I can't find them locally but just look at my post for the link to where I got my bulbs. I replace mine without fail every 6 months as I don't trust the bulbs to not start shifting spectrum after that time period. -Ty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timfish Posted December 29, 2012 Share Posted December 29, 2012 I've tried the Plusrite 250 watt DE 20,000K to replace some Phoenix 20,000K and was unimpressed. They were definitley bright but next to Phoenix 14,000K they were definitely whiter where the Phoenix 20,000K were noticably bluer than the 14,000K Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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