12,000K Reeflux MH lighting VS Ushio 14,000K

[parmoffitt]

I wanted to know if anyone has these bulbs. Last year I had Hamilton 14,000K on the tank (90 gal) with two 03 actinics. When the MH turned off with just the actinics on there was not much of a color difference. I was not satisfied because the tank seemed a lot darker than some 14K tanks I have seen.
I am looking to replace the bulbs and am looking at the 12000K Reeflux and went to place the order and was told if I didn't like the Hamilton's I wouldn't like the Reeflux 12000K that the look was the same? Now I am really confused.
This person suggested Ushio that even though it was a 14K it gives off a whiter light than other 14K brands, Hamilton being known for a darker look.

 

[frankthetank]

I feel your pain. It's so difficult to know what exactly to get. You'll think you have found the right bulb only to find out that someone will tell you the ballast you are going to use does not color the bulb the way you saw a picture of. It's enough to drive you crazy at times.
I'm in the same boat... but I want a blue/actinic MH bulb that can be fired by a 250w Ice Cap E ballast. I've been looking at 20k bulbs... but I'll see a pic I love, and then someone will tell me that bulb has terrible PAR or that the Ice Cap won't make it look that way. Ugh!!!

 

[parmoffitt]

They should tell us this stuff at the time we order our bulbs!
Thanks for the sympathy. I feel your pain too.