Good 400 watt Bulbs???

[Rick]

I need some opinions on 400 watt single ended bulbs. I have run different bulbs over the year. Most recently for the last few years I was running Reeflux 400 watt 10k bulbs. But I go tired of changing the bulb every six months because the shift so much over just six months or so. So I decided at the last MACNA to buy some 400 watt 10k Ushios again, I ran them a few years ago, they are quality bulbs, but I guess I did not remember the look. They suck as far as the color of the tank and I run two actinic VHOs. I would love the corals to look like they are under 20k Radiums, but not give up that much par. I am thinking about the 400 watt 20 XMs. Anyone running a good looking 400 watt bulb and they are happy with the looks?

 

[bimmerzs]

@Rick wrote:

Hey Rick,

You are welcome to stop by and see the 400W 14K Aquamaxx's on my tank if you like. I know it's not the same as seeing them on your tank but it will give you an idea. I can also pop in a 400W 20K XM bulb on one side. Lmk if you want to stop by so I can change out one side with a 20K XM before the lights kick on or we can just let one side cool off and then compare.

Cheers,

 

[DaveJ]

Radium or AquaMaxx would be the two I would suggest. XM's don't hold up color as long as the Radiums, at least in the 250W models. They looked great on install and after burn-in and a few months went way too white for me. Haven't used AquaMaxx's but seeing Henry's I may give them a shot here shortly as my Radiums are getting close to replacement.

 

[Rick]

Ron I would love to stop by and look. I am pretty open to any time you are. With it being two days before Christmas, would it be best to wait till this weekend? I have seen the look of a 20K XM, and actually would prefer just to look at the 14K you have.

 

[bimmerzs]

@Rick wrote:

Saturday around 2pm would work perfectly. I'm a short hop from ya, I'll pm over my address/contact info.

Cheers,

 

[Drew]

I use the Reeflux 12k, and I've really been happy for the past 3 years. The color is nice, and the growth is good. Plus the price is always good.

 

[Rick]

Thanks Ron.

Drew I was thinking of trying those, do you run 400 watt Reeflux 12k? I was wondering like the 400 watt Reeflux 10k I was running if those shifted in just six months also?

 

[Drew]

I'm running the 400 12 ks on both my main display and my prop tank. They are quite a bit bluer than the 10k's but I've been very happy with the color. The ones I'm running right now are about 14 months old, and while there's been a slight shift in color, they are still a nice crisp color. In fact I just bought 4 new ones and if you'd like to borrow a pair to try out, I'll let you know when they get here. Or I can give you a couple of the old ones to try out. Just let me know.

 

[Rick]

@DaveJ wrote:

Dave do you know the kelvin of the AquaMaxx's he is running?

 

[bimmerzs]

@Rick wrote:

Dave do you know the kelvin of the AquaMaxx's he is running?"]

He's most likely running the 14K's. Prior to these I ran the reeflux 12K's and found the spectrum shift to be the same as the 10k's....but this was with the 250Watter's. I also performed PAR measurements betweem 12K reeflux and 14K Aquamaxx's and the Aquamaxx's were 30% higher across the board with the lumatek ballast....the icecap ballast performed much lower. Maybe I should get both of you guy's over. :lol:

Cheers,

 

[gmax]

what ballast are you running? I really like the color and light output for my 400 w Coral Vue 12 Ks, but I am also running coral vue electronic ballast, for which these bulbs were made. It does make a difference.

 

[DaveJ]

@Rick wrote:

Dave do you know the kelvin of the AquaMaxx's he is running?"]


14K's.

 

[Rick]

For some reason Marine Depot is not selling the Aqua Maxx anymore? I ordered some 20k Reeflux. I will use these this time and continue to look around.

 

[rckrzy1]

@Rick wrote:

http://www.marinedepot.com/400_Watt_14000K_Metal_Halide_Bulb_AquaMaxx_Mogul_Base_400_Watt_Single_Ended_Metal_Halide_Light_Bulbs-AquaMaxx-MB4616-FILTBUMHSEFW-MB8616-vi.html

$69.99 on sale even

 

[Rick]

That is so weird, I looked on their site on the 27th before I went out of town and it was not on the site. I even saw someone on RC ask them in their forums if they were going to sell it, because they could not find it either.

 

[bimmerzs]

@Rick wrote:

They are back on there and are at 33% discount from 1/1/10 - 1/31/10. Myself and DaveJ just bought 8 bulbs. http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_searchItem.aspx?vendorname=AquaMaxx&vendorcode=MB1

Cheers,

 

[bimmerzs]

@rckrzy1 wrote:

http://www.marinedepot.com/400_Watt_14000K_Metal_Halide_Bulb_AquaMaxx_Mogul_Base_400_Watt_Single_Ended_Metal_Halide_Light_Bulbs-AquaMaxx-MB4616-FILTBUMHSEFW-MB8616-vi.html

$69.99 on sale even"]

Adam,

Did you happen to read under the description where it gives you the sale information. :lol: (Finally got a chance to rib Adam) j/k buddy.

 

[kwl1763]

So what do you think Rick. I love the look of the 20k reeflux but you need 400s to get decent PAR. Let me know how you like them.

 

[Rick]

I ordered them but I ordered them from ReefWarehouse.com and they are on back order. Have not got them yet.

 

[Guest]

sanjay just did a comparison of the aquamaxx to radium they are very comparable in color but aquamaxx is 20% less par than the radium on the 400 watt. what i found interesting the color of aquamaxx on other wattage all had different color specturms

the article is in the new advanced aquarist