Color Temperature question for URI brand Flo. bulb

[Casperson]

Hey Guys,
Just bought a URI 10,000k 20w T12 bulb and it's got this redish color coming from it? In the past I've used Coral life brand and it's color index ran real whitish blue like a 10,000k should. Did my vendor send me the wrong bulb? Or is this what URI is putting out for their 10,000K? I'm using it for my refug. so I'm not sure it matters but, It seems to red to be a 10,000K. I purchased 2 and both of them are the same. Anyone with experience with URI? or other brands of 10,000k bulbs.

Thanks,

Tom C

 

[bc_slc]

I used to run the URI bulbs but haven't since upgrading to MHs. They were always very white. It may be that the bulbs are just breaking in and will eventually settle in and be more white.

Mat

 

[Anthony Calfo]

Odd... do call URI directly. Their techs are quite helpful. They can check out the lamp stamp (batch perhaps) and advise you on it.

I think URI bulbs are outstanding overall and have been the best fluorescents in the industry for many, many years.

 

[Casperson]

I went right to the source and called URI (Ulraviolet Resources International). I spoke with a technical representitive who seemed to really know his stuff. He spoke about phosphors (Not sure of spelling here) and purity of phosphors and how their 10,000k flourescent can show a pinkish color. It still has the proper amount of blue. He basicly said that they utilize the best phosphors in their product from a German company (can't recall the company he said) He also spoke about how the real blue flouresent bulbs out there can be made to look like that by eliminating or adding certain amounts of phosphors to make it appear more white/ blue. Doesn't mean it's a better bulb at all. He also used an analogy of Grade A Beef and Angus, both look the same but aren't. Hmm? not sure if that was a sales pitch? but it did make sense.
He also said the reason the same Kelvin bulbs from different companies look different is partly because there is no Federal Standard for aquraium lighting, companies can make them any way they want.

By the way he said URI is working with Ushio to Distribute a URI, MH aquarium bulb comming soon.

Tom C.

 

[Anthony Calfo]

ah, fabulous info mate... thanks kindly for sharing!

 

[MikeS]

I run a VHO/PCF combo over my reef using URI bulbs...I have heard comments/complaints that some URI bulbs give off a "pink" glow...I use the 12,000K URI actinic white bulb and the 420nm Super Actinic in combo with a pair of 6700K PC's.

I got to looking at the 12,000K after reading this thread, and yes, it does seem to have a pink hue to it...BUT, as soon as I turned off the 6700K's the pink hue disappeared completely and the 12K bulb appeared very cold white/blue to my eye...the bulb itself mind you, not the color of the tank...Same with the 6700K's....look very green/yellow when the VHO's are on, but turn white to the eye without them...

Could this be simply an optical illusion caused by viewing different bulbs of different K ratings in combination? Curious....

MikeS

 

[Anthony Calfo]

that depends... what were you drinking when you made this observation?

 

[Casperson]

Well, possible, although I notice it most in my tank. If I shut off, for example, my actinic blue flourescents the appearance of the tank changes. Obviously because I'm taking blue out. So, If thats what you mean, I think you have a valid point. If not, you might just have another one for me. :lol:

Just a side note: Since I've added the URI 10,000K to my refuge, I have noticed my Chat. to take off! It was not growing at all with the 10,000K other brand.

Hmmm?
Are we nuts or what?

Tom C.

 

[Anthony Calfo]

it would be interesting for you to check (and report back ) with the articles from Sanjay Yoshi (or other?) on the par value of your new lamp versus the old one that has made the difference in Chaetomorpha growth for you. Really just a matter of conifirming the higher par value and/or warmer weight in color of spectrum for the Ushio versus the old lamp. If not, it would be surprising and indicative (to me) that the bulb was not the catalyst for the better growth. This should be simple though... the Ushio is simply a superior bulb - top shelf.

 

[MikeS]

that depends... what were you drinking when you made this observation?

Not sure...it was...green...:lol:

I'm wondering if the bulbs appear different mainly when viewed in comparison to others...

MikeS