dkone
01-14-2008, 09:15 PM
I thought I would post a few pictures to demonstrate the huge difference between bulbs from two different manufacturers. The Death Tank (the nickname for my tank) runs a lighting fixture made by Odyessa, though this one was obtained off ebay through Humbby. The fixture is 72", and has 3 x 250W HQI DE 15K Odyssea bulbs, 4 x 96w true actinic and 8 moonlights. The HQI's are each powered by individual electornic ballasts.
I was dissapointed that the hqi's appeared rather yellow, without the PC's turned on - considering these were "meant" to be a 15K bulb. I had done some research and read posts on Reef Central regarding these fixtures and the amazing difference either banded electronic ballasts, or different 250w HQI DE bulbs would make. Rather than rush out and immediately buy 3 new ballasts and 3 new bulbs I was given a 14k Pheonix 250w DE bulb by a fellow member of SCMAS to see what difference it would make.
Below are pictures of the tank, taken both with, and without the PC actinics turned on. The HQI's are ordered Odyssea (left), Pheonix (middle), Odyssea (right). Hopefully the photo's do some justice to what I can see.
Actinic's ON
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd269/dkone2007/100_1044.jpg
Actinic's OFF
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd269/dkone2007/100_1045.jpg
Given the huge difference and brightness both in color and blue hue of the Pheonix 250w 14K bulb, vs. the Odyssea bulbs, I will be replacing the remaining bulbs with these - I prefer the more blue look. When next I get my claws on our clubs PAR meter I will take readings to see what difference there is between the bulbs. I also read on RC that given better brand ballasts the difference again is an improvement similiar to that seen between the Odyssea and Pheonix bulbs! Not sure i'll be rushing out and purchasing new ballasts just yet - perhaps over time or if the existing electronic ballasts develop problems. Food for thought!
Warm Regards,
I was dissapointed that the hqi's appeared rather yellow, without the PC's turned on - considering these were "meant" to be a 15K bulb. I had done some research and read posts on Reef Central regarding these fixtures and the amazing difference either banded electronic ballasts, or different 250w HQI DE bulbs would make. Rather than rush out and immediately buy 3 new ballasts and 3 new bulbs I was given a 14k Pheonix 250w DE bulb by a fellow member of SCMAS to see what difference it would make.
Below are pictures of the tank, taken both with, and without the PC actinics turned on. The HQI's are ordered Odyssea (left), Pheonix (middle), Odyssea (right). Hopefully the photo's do some justice to what I can see.
Actinic's ON
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd269/dkone2007/100_1044.jpg
Actinic's OFF
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd269/dkone2007/100_1045.jpg
Given the huge difference and brightness both in color and blue hue of the Pheonix 250w 14K bulb, vs. the Odyssea bulbs, I will be replacing the remaining bulbs with these - I prefer the more blue look. When next I get my claws on our clubs PAR meter I will take readings to see what difference there is between the bulbs. I also read on RC that given better brand ballasts the difference again is an improvement similiar to that seen between the Odyssea and Pheonix bulbs! Not sure i'll be rushing out and purchasing new ballasts just yet - perhaps over time or if the existing electronic ballasts develop problems. Food for thought!
Warm Regards,