Need replacement lamp for Halide fixture, help!

[anubisxero]

I have a 14k DE bulb that came with my orbit sunpod, it's currently failing at it's duties of doing a good job of lighting my tank so I need to replace the bulb. I need help figuring out what kind to replace it with. I really like the look of the 14k bulb..IMO it's the perfect color and just the right amount of blue tint. I don't know much about the different bulbs and who makes them and which are better. I know there's coralvue and XM and so on and so forth. I need recommendations from someone who knows about this stuff. Thanks!
Jason

 

[anubisxero]

somebody??

 

[viper_930]

I only use Phoenix 14k bulbs. It's one of the best for PAR and color.

 

[reefforbrains]

Comparing the big name brands differ from style to style.
For instance one brands Mogel rocks but thier DE are crap.
Cant lose in my book with XM, I would stay away from the cheapos. Also as much as I like the Hamilton fixtures, thier bulbs suck.
SO instead of picking one to reccommend, I would just stay to stay away from Yoshido, Hamilton and Odysea if choosing a DE bulb. The coralife ones work but they have not really proven themselves to me yet. I like the lifespan of thier bulbs but they just dont seem to be impressive like some of the others at the same pricepoint. IMO

 

[anubisxero]

Originally Posted by ViPeR_930
I only use Phoenix 14k bulbs. It's one of the best for PAR and color.
really? do you have any pictures?
I want the best for sure.

 

[anubisxero]

Originally Posted by ReefForBrains
Comparing the big name brands differ from style to style.
For instance one brands Mogel rocks but thier DE are crap.
Cant lose in my book with XM, I would stay away from the cheapos. Also as much as I like the Hamilton fixtures, thier bulbs suck.
SO instead of picking one to reccommend, I would just stay to stay away from Yoshido, Hamilton and Odysea if choosing a DE bulb. The coralife ones work but they have not really proven themselves to me yet. I like the lifespan of thier bulbs but they just dont seem to be impressive like some of the others at the same pricepoint. IMO
Awesome. Yeah i've heard plenty of good about both XM and Phoenix. Now where to find. Hm..

 

[anubisxero]

Holy expensive batman!

 

[reefforbrains]

Shouldnt be too bad, around 65 a piece, but when you find a bulb thats good try to get two or three sets at a time and go in with a friend You can save big when you buy in lots of 10 or by the dozen depending on the manufacturer and who is selling them

 

[anubisxero]

Originally Posted by ReefForBrains
Shouldnt be too bad, around 65 a piece, but when you find a bulb thats good try to get two or three sets at a time and go in with a friend You can save big when you buy in lots of 10 or by the dozen depending on the manufacturer and who is selling them
Thanks man. I appreciate the pointers. I'm totally overdue for a change.

 

[reefforbrains]

by saving big, aim for around 25%-50% off. but sometimes you need to buy a real crapload. Never fun to write that check for the bulk load for some silly little bulbs. But it pays off big in the long run. Also you arent hit in the tail every 6 months, just cry once and then enjoy the rest worry free.
The hobby is booming so its harder and harder to find the deals, but if you call them direct and your not just trying to get a single bulb, they totally want your business and its worth thier time. Each outlet has its minimum for volume discounts. While the market has spiked so has the competition. Remember while we are ape for our tanks, try selling any one of your non-fish firends a light bulb for 60 bucks and watch them tell you where to stick it. The manufacturers need us reefnuts and brand loyalty is what they fight so hard for.

 

[viper_930]

Originally Posted by Anubisxero
really? do you have any pictures?
I want the best for sure.
Here's my frag tank with 2x150 watt Phoenix 14K bulbs.

I just set up a new tank and will be ordering another light with a 250 watt Phoenix tonight.

 

[ejensen]

I have the Current outer orbit Hqi fixture and bought the Ushio 14k bulbs and hate them. Maybe my fixture just sucks but they aren't very bright compared to the 10k's. For some reason I wished I bought the Phoenix of the XM's.

 

[viper_930]

Generally bulbs with higher kelvin ratings don't have as much PAR as lower-kelvin bulbs. However, the Phoenix 14Ks put out more PAR than many 10K bulbs.