New Mh De Lamp Choice

[reefiness]

looking to get new MH lamps, i started with the 14k pheonix bulbs, then switched to the XM 10k bulbs because i wanted more growth.
So now that ive got a tank full of coral, im looking to start coloring them back up . So im looking into 20k bulbs and was debating between the reeflux, coralvue, and XM 20k bulbs. These are the DE bulbs, so i was wondering for those light experts out there, which are the best color wise and par output wise. Anyone who is good at this, if you can rank these lights 1,2,3 in these 2 areas that would help out a lot in my decision, or those who have used any of these bulbs please leave me some feedback for them. Thanks.

 

[spanko]

What wattage? I have the 150 watt Radium 20k and will not switch unless I go to a lower kelvin for growth.

 

[aquaguy24]

1,2,3 is matter of opinion. But 20k radium, xm are pretty high up the list as of par and color. I have 250w pheonix 14k now but will be going with 20k xm next. I don't know if u know Mr.X. But he did a comparison of some bulbs. Xm came out on top. For par and color.

 

[stanlalee]

20K XM's dont have exceptional PAR (average for 20k's unless your talking 400w versions). they do look good but for 20k bulbs there are two choices (400w excluded): Radiums if growth and color are a priority, Ushio if growth is not a priority and price is a consideration. Radiums have all the color of the XM and way more PAR in all configurations. Ushio's have a actinic purple/white look like no other 20k bulb with average par (for a 20k). they are much whiter than radiums and XMs yet they still pop colors the same way. I chose the ushio but mainly because of cost ($65 vs $90 in 150w DE)

 

[reefiness]

been a while... but i was talking about 250watts, doubled ended also if i hadnt mentioned that before.