What are the Hamilton 14,000k DE bulbs like?

[wasp]

I was thinking of getting some Hamilton 14,000k DE MH bulbs while they are on special, anybody have an opinion on these? All my systems are 150 watt.
How would they compare with Ushio and Aqualine?
Also, do 14,000k bulbs last as long as 10,000k ones?

[timsVw]

I noticed less growth when I went from 10k to 14k hamilton. I am running the 175w SE though. It does have a nice color too it.

-Tim

[Orion76]

I noticed less growth when I went from 10k to 14k hamilton. I am running the 175w SE though. It does have a nice color too it.

That doesn't surprise me, a 14kK bulb has only half the PAR of a 10kK bulb.
They sure look a hell of a lot better though

[Jmille501]

Had good luck with the Hamilton 14000K's. Just switched to 20000K's to try them.

[moonpod]

The Hammy 14k is a "soft white" look. It has output probably near the BLV 10k, comparable to say the Phoenix/Aquaconnect, but probably 20% or so behind the Aqualine, which of course is much yellower. The AB "10k" 250w DE has a lot of output. Only the much yellower XDE and EVC "10ks" have more output to my knowledge. The thing about the Hammy is that it just lacks the "pizzazz" IMO/E of the Phoenix, or the blaring visual brightness of a "10k" bulb.

[wasp]

Thanks, very informative. Well they are pretty cheap at custom aquatics right now, so may pick some up and try them. Perhaps I'll alternate them with 10,000 k's.

[jmcmahon66]

I just replaced my 14KK Hamiltons with the 15KK XDE lamps and I love them. The color and brightness are close to a blueish 10KK lamp IMO. I loved the color of the 14KK, but coral growth almost stopped, I couldn't stand it. The corals look almost as colorful as with the 14KK, but my tank is significantly brighter. Hopefully my next purchase will be some fragging clippers!!!

Regards,
Dr. Joe

[Aged Salt]

Dr. Joe, let me welcome you to ZEOvit.com, it's good to have you here Bob

[wasp]

Dr. Joe, you say growth almost stopped, that's a concern now that I've ordered them!
Are you talking about double ended or single ended?

[Aquatic Image]

I ran the hammy 250w DE 14's for about a year and had decent growth from most corals. I just recently went to Phoenix 14's and they are just a touch brighter than the hams were. Side by side on the same ballast and same pendant you could really not even tell a difference.

[John Brancheau]

Wasp,

Do not be overly concerned, if your water parameters are right, the 14k's will give you good color and growth, at least that is what I have experienced...........

John

[nyfireman3097]

any1 have pics of them running ?
Nick

[jmcmahon66]

Wasp,
I am using DE bulbs. My growth with the 14KK Hamiltons has been significantly less than with my prior 10KK bulbs. In fact, I can visually tell when I changed bulbs as the diameter of some of the coral branches is less. My slimer has branches that are approx. 8mm in diameter, and then suddenly change to 5mm diameter. Visually, it looks as if all the branches were fragged, and regrew. On the plus side, the 14KK color was outstanding for my taste. I am currently using the 15KK XDE bulbs, which look like a cross between 10KK and 14KK, less blue but seemingly more intensity. I am hoping for increased growth.
HTH,
Regards,
Dr. Joe

[moonpod]

I'm supposed to get some of the 15k XMs to play with. I will line 'em up in my tank left to right Ushio, 15k XM, Phoenix and post a pix after burn in.

[wasp]

Thanks. Very useful.