A new bulb on the block ...

[Miguelito]

I really really really like the "20K" bulbs I got from Eric at fragfarmer. Its noticably brighter than the XM 20K and the light appears extremely similar to the Phoenix/AC bulb. Its also surprisingly bright. Right now I'm running them off HQI (custom PGS ballasts) and LAIII Minis. Believe it or not its covering almost all my 150 (5x2x2).

I think it's $60 or $70 or something like that, no name, Chinese made bulb.

A couple of my SPS have colored up literally in 3-4 days of use.

[Miguelito]

I should also mention that I'm running them with a 80W T5 Blue Plus (D&D Actinic+) bulb. I have 2 setup but only enough plugs for one. The combo of 2 MH and 1 T5 is very nice, I think the second T5 will make a nice difference.

[Detritivore]

does it have a name? how many are you running?

[Miguelito]

No name! Ask Eric, he might know. I think he should stamp his own name on it. I really do like it.

I'm only running 2 in LAIII Minis and along with the T5's I'm getting great spread.

[Detritivore]

sounds interesting...i know its a bit early, but hows teh growth?

[Miguelito]

My SPS have grown an inch since I put them on earlier in the week. ;-)

Too early to tell. Maybe Eric will chime in .....

[Aged Salt]

Hi David, what are these--250 or 400W, SE or DE? BTW, what bulb were you using before the switch? Thnx. Bob

[Miguelito]

Hi Bob, these are 250W SE. I've had some of these corals under just about every bulb option out there. The last long term bulbs I had were Phoenix/AC bulbs and they are very similar in color. I'll get some pix up next week when my new camera lenses come in.

[ejocam]

Glad you like them David, I knew you would. I have been very happy as well. So far others have been very satisfied too. I was very skeptical at first because of the whole quality/made in China press. But with a blown up bulb and no choice I borrowed one for temporary use and was impressed. Like David said, I notices corals coloring within a few days. This was with the 400w under a Luminarc with a 20K 400w XM on one side and 2 250w DE Acuaconnect on the other. The Chinese bulb was very similar to the Aquaconnect. For the 11 months I have used these bulbs with good results. And am using all 250SE instead of 400w. The double end bulbs look a little bluer and dimmer for some reason?? To solve that I am all Single Ended now If anyone has any questions, email or PM me. I might not be able to respond until Monday. Day off tomorrow . You can see a pic of the bulbs on the homepage of my website. Putting brand new bulbs on Monday, the pic is with 7 month old bulbs. Let's see some pics Dave!

[Tom Berry]

Eric,

Are you saying that you've found an inexpensive, reliable 250W SE 20K bulb that gives good color AND growth?

Sounds like the holy grail to me

Tom

[ejocam]

Tom, I'm sure the growth from any 6.5, 10 or 14K might be better, but I am very satisfied. I am just one of those 20K guys that cannot deal with the yellow 10K look. I guess when it is said and done I care more about color than growth. Don't get me wrong, Shawn Bennett and Roland (Old Yella Tang) were getting awesome colors if not better than what I have, but I just don't have the patience to get used to that bulb. The lowest I would go is 14K but 150 for an AC is not worth it when I have something cheaper that I am happy with. Now if Phoenix came out with a Single End I would almost certainly have to try it Hope this helps, Eric

[nyfireman3097]

Your sps always looks amazing i just started using the reeflux and they look amazing

[gqjeff]

I just ordered a 400 SE from Eric. He shipped it out today so I should have it friday.. I will take some pics of it side by side my xm20k's. I just added 2 new xm's to the left side of my tank.. The 2 on the right look exactly the same color as the new ones and these are 10 months old... After talking with Eric though these def are worth a try as well.. Then I have to try the new BLV 14k too... Does it ever end hehehe?

Jeff

[nyfireman3097]

Jeff Im telling you try the reeflux

[gqjeff]

Nick, I did and def was not for me... I tried it before they were even released for sale. Dave at CoralVue sent Scott a few and Scott sent me a few to try also... 9-10 month ago. Maybe I will try it again now that I have the RO1 reflectors.. They made my XM20k brighter and look much different then the old spider reflectors I had before.. They were pinkish to me when I tried them.. Great growth but hated the color...

Jeff