250 de bulb choices?

[prodman]

I have added a third pendent over my 120 sps tank. I am currently runing phoenix14 on the out side and a ab20k in the middle. I also have 2 atinic vhos. The vhos are on for 2 hours before and after the mh. And I run the mh for 6hrs. Could anyone make any suggestions? Am I better off with all phoenix? Of should I move towards the blv? Is the 20k in the middle bennifical? Tank seems to be happy but I want the best coloration possible.

[moonpod]

JMO, bulb choice is about aesthetics. Once you acclimate your corals to your bulbs, I think that coral coloration is much more multifactorial than simply the bulb you run. Growth may have a more direct link (ie more PAR is more PAR), but colors seem to be exaggerated by certain color temp bulbs, but not necessarily "better". The only exception is of course actinic effects which your VHOs and the Phoenix bulbs do quite nicely, but that's just one wavelength. Personally, in terms of "spectrum", if you have the 2 phoenix on either side, I'd use a more full spectrum bulb in the middle.

[prodman]

I see where you are coming from. I like the look of a white bulb. I started using the phoenix because I stoped using atinics. Currently my coral colors have been improving after 4 weeks of zeo. I will be changing bulbs soon and have a hard time deciding on what to use. So I guess I will be going back to 10ks now that I have atinics again.

[fkadir]

Maybe you would like to try the new BLV 14kk instead of the 10kk. Looks whiter in comparison.

[prodman]

I was thinking about that. viclite is offering discounts on orders of 10 or more even better at 20. I wonder if there is any intrest here for somthing like that?

[slug]

I know this is an old thread but does anyone have any more comments or pictures of the BLV 14k HQI bulbs? Anyone tried the DE 250 coralview Reeflux? Reeflux seem to be the flavor of the month right now, but I've only seen comments from people with the SE reeflux bulbs.

I need to replace my phoenix 14ks and was thinking of going with 10k ABs but from what I've read it seems like I will have a hard time getting used to the yellow in them. I have 220w VHO acinics running too though.

[moonpod]

Going from the phoenix to the AB will be very, very hard.

Be a little patient and see how the BLV 14k pans out. They aren't here in the US yet, but supposedly "soon".

[prodman]

I have an order placed for the blvs and should be getting them soon I hope. I will be reporting on how the work for me.

[raddogz]

Not to get too sidetracked from the discussion, but what kind of lighting are you running on your tank?

[fkadir]

Prodman, I have my bulbs for a few days now and am extremely pleased. If its pure white and very bright the thing you are looking for. This bulb is it (so far).

[slug]

So these are less blue than phoenixes?

[moonpod]

Much. They are most likely a true 14k. The Phoenix bulbs have a CCT that's way, way higher than 14k.

[slug]

Is the "HIT-DE 250W 14K AQUA WHITE" here http://www.viclite.com/blv_10k.htm the new blv bulb you are talking about?

[moonpod]

yes, but if you are in the US it's the same as the Ushio 14k now available ala reefgeek etc...

[prodman]

I have a assortment of blv bulbs on the way I ordered the 10,14 and 20k 250w de. So When that get here I will be trying different combos of 3 over my tank. It will be a choice between 2- 10ks and 1 20k or 2-14k and 1 20k.