250w bulb options?

[Chris Goetz]

Ok, so it's about time to replace my two 250w 14k Hamiltons(SE)

I liked these bulbs but want to know what my options are. I'd like to get a bit more fluorescent pop and I don't think I'd mind a tish bluer too.

I've done some searching and I'm leaning towards the Radium 20k or Aquaconnect 14K bulbs to use on my icecap 250w ballasts.

I've read Sanjay's articles(http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/july2004/review.htm)
and the AC has quite a bit more par.

The AC14k is $116(almost double the hamiltons!)
The Ham14k is $60
The Rad20k is $90

Does anyone have any experience with the 250x SE Hamilton 14k, Radium 20k, or AC14k on icecaps?

Any input?
Chris

[oyam123]

Stick with the Hamilton 14K.
I got some XM 15K that are "OK" but nothing special.
USHIO are still a great bulb also.

[Dirk Griffin]

Have XM 10/15/20k
Ushio 10k
Iwasaki 65k
AB 13k
PFO 13k
250w on hand.
They all work and keep corals. All depends on your color perception

[mattb]

I have Radiums....

Radiums will be bluer than the 14k Hamiltons.... The last time I saw Hamilton 14ks, they seemed a bit dark to me (meaning not so much PAR).

[Chris Goetz]

I have Radiums....

Radiums will be bluer than the 14k Hamiltons.... The last time I saw Hamilton 14ks, they seemed a bit dark to me (meaning not so much PAR).

Thanks, Matt.

Do you have any old bulbs perhaps that I could borrow to test, or would you mind if I stopped by sometime to see the color for myself(not sure where you live though).
Are you running them on icecaps?

Chris

[mattb]

Chris,

I may have an old bulb around.... I'm exactly opposite as you :) I'm in Cottage Grove. I do have an ice cap ballast that I could hook up with it. No I run them on HQI ballasts which make them a bit whiter than would the ice cap.....We could also meet with the old bulb and you could figure it out what you like.... let me know.