Ya, I understand what you mean that you wish the Hamiltons were brighter, when I had the 250HQIs , I thought the same thing

My corals seem fine under them but I just love the look of a bright tank! And they just don't give that.

I am going to probably add more actinic lighting and then try out those XM 10K's.

Sorry Jason...way off topic!

It was time for me to change bulbs. I decide to try the reef optics 14k bulbs. After they burned in there not that bad...they can landed at about 50.00/bulb

Me...I replace my bulbs in late March, and I just purchased the same ones as before. I suppose I had no particular reason to try something new. It doesn't seem to be broken, so why fix it? Geismann 13K 250W DE.

Thanks all.

I'm SE. XM10K have been my standard bulb. I went with the EVC tech 14K because I read great things about them. I'm not a big fan of the ultra blue.
I think I'll go back to the XMs.

Anyone using the Phoenix?

This probably the biggest area that personal preference comes into play. I'm running the AquaConnect 14k, my next bulbs I might go back to Radium. I like the blue, no other reason.

I use Radium in my Frag tank, because I have no supplimental actinics.

My main reason for posting was to see if there was anything new I hadn't heard of that everyone had good results with.

Personally I tested the AquaConnect 14K and on my ballast I didn't find a lot of difference between the XM10K. It was likely my ballast

J

well the aquaconnects are supposed to be identical to the phoenixes aren't they?

I've heard good things about the Phoenix 14k's and the Ushio 10k's. I haven't tried either of them but my tank is due for a bulb change too so I'll have to pick something up soon.

I took a chance with the Ushio's 14K (DE tho) as my first MH bulbs and I have really liked them.. White with very slight blue hue.

The corals I had in my 20G (that were under 175W 13K Aquamedic SE) seem to have responded positively since transferring them to my 75 under the 250W 14K Ushio's.