Halide Bulb Question

[Darth Wader]

So I’m getting pretty close to having to replace my bulbs. Right now I have 250 watt DE 14k bulbs but I think I might switch to 20k to get that nice rich blue look. Does anybody have any experience with 20k bulbs? If so what would you recommend? I was a nice blue but I don’t want to lose allot of PAR. Any info on brands or suggestions will help.
Thanks,
Darth.

[bv_reefer]

i'm running a 400 watt 20k currently and find it to be only a tint of blue (however many would think i'm crazy as for many it's way too blue) IMO, but if thats what you're looking for it's a great bulb. i've heard from many lfs' that radiums give you a much deeper blue than xm's, no experience with them however. xm's are on the lower side of PAR i'm pretty sure though, as far as halides go-

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

I run 250w DE Phoenix & Aquaconnects & love their colour and PAR compared to 20000k bulbs. I don't think that it is possible to go 20000k & still have higher PAR.

[Darth Wader]

Yea I know I'm going to lose some PAR using 20k but I have heard that some are dimmer then others and I'm just wondering what people would recommend.

[michika]

Visit Sanjay's site for bulb testing details.
http://www.reeflightinginfo.arvixe.com/

[Darth Wader]

Thanks Michika.
Oh by the way, the tank I got off you is up and running and looking great so far. I cant wait to start putting some corals in it. So stoked with it.
Thanks again.

[michika]

I miss that tank SO bad now. Keep me posted on how things go with it. That little system was so good to me!

[Darth Wader]

Yea I will make sure to take some pics and keep you posted as the tank progresses.