Old school MH users - I value your opinions

[ECExotics]

What do you guys recommend for a double end hqi bulb for acropora dominated system? I have only used MH briefly 5-6 years ago with ZERO direction. I recall using Phoenix bulbs, I think I ran 14 or 15k... probably not the most asthetically pleasing but definitely grew coral. I would like to find the deepest blue that I can (20-22k?). I assume you would still achieve a fairly balanced spectrum that will grow stonies but is pleasing to the eye. What do you run for bulbs on your sps tanks? Any and every experience is welcome. Oh the fixture is a dual 150w dual end hqi (300w) over 48”.

 

[Chris A.]

Ive never ran hqi or 150w
Hamilton makes some nice blue 20k’s but as you already know ,usually the higher the kelvin the lower the growth.

 

[flyfisherman]

Phoenix 14k de bulbs or convert to 20k se radium, either way you will still need blues for some corals.

 

[ECExotics]

Ive never ran hqi or 150w
Hamilton makes some nice blue 20k’s but as you already know ,usually the higher the kelvin the lower the growth.

That is where I’m torn Chris...not sure if I should go lower and use supplemental light for blues? Reefbrites or reefbreefer “high octane uv” it is 380nm should make them pop. Thanks for responding brother

 

[ECExotics]

Phoenix 14k de bulbs or convert to 20k se radium, either way you will still need blues for some corals.

Thanks for your input! I may just go back to the phonic bulb and add supplemental strip. We shall see!

 

[Platehead]

I’m using Phoenix 14K with ATI blue and coral plus.

 

[JohnK]

My choice would be 20K radium (with appropriate ballast), or Pheonix 14K.

 

[ECExotics]

My choice would be 20K radium (with appropriate ballast), or Pheonix 14K.

I’m using Phoenix 14K with ATI blue and coral plus.

Thank you!

 

[ECExotics]

My choice would be 20K radium (with appropriate ballast), or Pheonix 14K.

I will do some homework in my ballast. They are older aquamedic internal ballast in a 48” fixture

 

[FishieBusiness]

I'm running 2-250w MHs HQI Aqua-medic. Using the phoenix 14ks I love the growth but they do lack the color pop. This just happens to be my issue right now. I think of adding has LED bars maybe reefbreeders 2 royal ice or 1RI & 1High octane. High octane may be too much with the MHs not sure tho. Maybe 2-orphek OR120 blue plus. Not sure if this helps.

 

[ECExotics]

I'm running 2-250w MHs HQI Aqua-medic. Using the phoenix 14ks I love the growth but they do lack the color pop. This just happens to be my issue right now. I think of adding has LED bars maybe reefbreeders 2 royal ice or 1RI & 1High octane. High octane may be too much with the MHs not sure tho. Maybe 2-orphek OR120 blue plus. Not sure if this helps.

VERY helpful! I take something from everybody’s experience then see how I can use what I learned to improve my systems. Thank you for your help!

 

[FishieBusiness]

I will do some homework in my ballast. They are older aquamedic internal ballast in a 48” fixture

I think the aquamedics a bullet proof. Nock on wood I have had the same ballasts for 15yrs. and still going

 

[ECExotics]

Thank you everyone for the help you guys are all awesome