Metal Halide Lamps

[darrend]

hi all

just a bit of advise needed if you could.

looking at the options available for when i come to change my 150w double ended halide lamps.

what would be the best lamps to buy? make?
i am currently running 14k aquadine (aquamedic) which are so dear to buy.

so what lamps are you all using and which do you consider the best for light output?

hope this hasnt been covered elsewhere and if so sorry

cheers

darren

[instantsquid]

Moved to Lighting.

- Ian

[darrend]

ahh thank you - missed the lighting forum :)

[keith hellyar]

Take a look at what http://www.marine-lighting.co.uk have to offer. You'll find them cheaper for starters.

UR sponsor with a reputation for speedy delivery and excellent service.

Keith

[ickypimp]

Problem is Darren you have asked a question that is extremely subjective..

If you want loads of PAR then you can buy a cheap 6500k from ebay, tons of PAR but it will look like someone took a pee in your tank..

I guess it depends on what you are keeping and what look you are after... are you supplementing with actinics..

The bluer you go the less PAR you get (generally) using sanjay joshis site as a guide(bear in mind that the ballast willl have a bearing on lamp output) i would say that the Radium lamps are a good option... good amounts of PAR but still sold as a 20 k lamp, they will cost you 50 quid each though...

if you ant cheap then i have read some ok things about these... you have k choices too...

http://www.petpirates.com/shop/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=65&zenid=befbf6cb350ca5f1b52ab06071fceeca

[darrend]

yeah i have actinics and am really looking for a nice crisp white - i dont want the pee in your tank look but think the 20k rated are too blue and give an almost dusk view as have tried them.
i think my question should have been put as to which gives the best crsip white light - think i am getting into a minefield here :)

[ickypimp]

I am using an arcadia 20 k without actinics (i have actinics but only use them dusk/dawn) ... i love it... it is blue but very crisp.. my corals really pop... but then someone else may say my tank looks too blue...

The other issue you have is that some 10 k lamps will look whiter than some 14k lamps it is a tough call to be honest..