finally...

[Invigor]

I finally broke down and upgraded to MHs. Unfortunately I wasn't all up for spending the extra $80 for HQI, but I believe the ballasts I chose will be fine for what I need them for. I'm planning on running 2x250w sunaquatics 10000k bulbs along with VHO actinic (for now) which when the time comes to replace the bulbs, will turn into t5s.

I'll let you all know when I get my stuff installed and get pics, etc. But for now I need to work on the ventilation under the hood.

[Maverick]

John,


I found the SA 10k's a touch on the green/yellow side myself. Have you seen the 14k's yet ?

Brent

[Invigor]

hmm, I guess we'll see. I know some bulbs run different colors on different ballasts. when marcus had his going it was nice and blue..not sure what ballast he has.

14000k bulbs have much lower par values for me..I'll stick with 10000k bulbs and just balance it out with actinics. For me, there's too much light quality compromise the "a nice color" in a 14000k bulb.

edit: i just bit the bullet and upgraded to the HQI ballast..it was what I truely wanted, and the pulse ballast would become inferior to me. Now i'll be able to run any 250w bulb out there :D unless of course maybe an iwasaki

[Panda]

From what I remember the SA 10K was rated closer to a 13K. The one I had looked amazing run buy a m58 ballast if I remember which had problems firing the bulb. Give me a call John when you are ready and you can try my 10K 250w.

[Invigor]

ohhh boy i'm excited! the setup shipped today should have it flyin by the weekend..I hope! it's coming via UPS..so however long they take.

[shawn lipon]

You must be pumped !I remember the wait for mine > it wasnt long but it was hard!!!!! :dance:

[Invigor]

april 5th update: I purchased a pair of sun aquatics 10000k bulbs today They have only the third highest par values out my 3 top choices, but the price was right and they're brand spankin new ($128 to my door for both) versus the $109 for ushios. XM 10000k were the other high contender, but alas are expensive and difficult to find..I could only find them on mops they're labeled as XML (same thing?) and outrageously expensive.

I also considered the aqualine bushke 10000k HQI bulbs, but they fell short of a desirable par value.

[blenny]

You folks are making me feel inadequate about the `new to me' metal halides I have had for two weeks.

[Bayside Corals]

Hey John, you will love your new halides! I run 400watt halides with 10,000K XM bulbs. I love the color of the XM bulbs nice and white. J & L sells XM bulbs and they are not to bad for price.

Colby
________
GRILLING FOOD (http://www.cooking-chef.com/grilling/)

[Invigor]

got my ballast tonight! WOOHOO! gotta wait for the bulbs now...this thing is huge..it's about 2' long and weighs about 40lbs!! and draws a mere 11amps :icon_cry:

[Invigor]

done installing all the stuff into my canopy. painted it white on the inside, installed 2 120mm fans (they're 106cfm loud monsters) installed the moguls and rewired the whole canopy to be "neater" inside. yay. Bulbs are due to arrive tomorrow, so once they're here my house will glow..granted I rewired the ballast properly :|

[Invigor]

..hooba.
these lights are smokin bright.. :icon_eek:

[Invigor]

John,


I found the SA 10k's a touch on the green/yellow side myself. Have you seen the 14k's yet ?

Brent

I gotta admin, Brent, these have strong yellowishness. They're extremely bright, but yellow. I might just consider 14000k bulbs as nothing in my tank needs extreme light yet. Should have took your word for it. I remembered them to be much bluer when marcus fired his for me...who knows..

I'm still debating the T5s too..

also, you're never at work when I'm there.. :icon_evil

[scary gary]

I'm running 14000 k Give me a call if you want to see it.

[Maverick]

I
also, you're never at work when I'm there.. :icon_evil

Try coming when I am . I don't work too many evenings and don't spend full days on weekends .

Coffee is always on.

Brent:dckix: