Metal halide bulb comparison, WOW!

[mini-reefer]

Before today I only had actual experience with one type of metal halide bulb and that was the 175 watt Vion Z-6 10000K bulb. I only purchased them because of the price. I have always read how the german made bulbs were such a crisp white, specifically the Ushio brand, so I thought Id give one a try. I recently ordered one 175 watt Ushio 10000K to see the difference for myself. I can now say this.... WOW! There is no comparison between the two. All of a sudden one side of my tank looked like a dark, dingy dungeon of sorts and the other side (with the Ushio) looked amazing! It is so white its unreal. Needless to say I'll be getting the second to match VERY soon. The depressing part is I have to put the Vion back in until the 2nd Ushio arrives so I can keep bulb life/use as close as possible.
I have seen a lot of people asking for opinions on halide bulbs, so that is why Im speaking up. I can now say this for sure: PLEASE spend the extra few dollars the first time on your bulbs when it comes time. You will not be dissapointed in the Ushio 10000K bulbs if you want bright and crisp white lighting for your reef. This of course is just my opinion
For every item I have purchased for my new reef I have tried to save as much money as possible here and there. Funny thing is, I typically end up spending more when I buy the item I originally wanted after learning the hard way. Ive learned my lesson once again with these metal halide bulbs.
Mini-Reefer

 

[richard rendos]

I agree...the Ushio is a great bulb. I have one on my 20 inch cube tank. It is a crisp white. I will no longer be using the 12000K bulbs I have always been fond of. As soon as it is time to change bulbs, I will be replacing them with Ushio's.

 

[mini-reefer]

 

[mini-reefer]

 

[krusk]

Mini-Reefer
do you use actinic with Ushio?
or do you think it(Ushio) need the actinic supplement?

 

[mini-reefer]

I dont see a hint of blue hue at all out of this bulb. Keep in mind yesterday was the first day it had been fired and that was only for 3 hours, so it may even become more white, or maybe more blue.
I have a NO 03 actinic running now with the Ushio and it covered that up well, appearing more white. Im adding two 55 watt actinic power compacts to see the overall effect then. I have a feeling that may be the perfect combination for the Ushios. Im also looking for the "perfect" mix of white and blue lighting.
One other thing I noticed yesterday besides the white output was the difference in the corals. It appeared to me they all opened up a bit more than usual, especially my green Bali staghorn frag. The polyps looked to be further extended than usual. What an amazing difference a bulb can make!

 

[krusk]

that's good
keep us posted

 

[jeo]

Excellent, I am currently building my canopy and I have 2 250 watt 10K Ushio bulbs and 2 55 watt PC actinics, can't wait until I fire it up

 

[tru conch]

thats cool mini reefer.
im looking to upgrade my bulbs to the 10000k ushios.
i just have to get paid....