ReefLux 250w 10k bulbs - do they need supplement lighting?

[mattseattle]

I'm curious to know if anyone is using the Reeflux 10k bulbs? and if they require supplement lighting? I was thinking of adding a couple T5s to create a before/after type lighting for the halides. or will the Reeflux 10k bulbs be perfect without anything?

 

[Krish]

Well, Matt...From what I have learned so far about lighting (LOL) Supplemental lighting I think is only necessary to make you happy...I think . Corals use either 6500K or 6700k so the rest is just for your viewing pleasure...Atleast that's what I've gathered so far. May not be right completely though... For a dusk to dawn, yeah, that would be a cool way to do it. My fish get their dusk to dawn effect from the living room blinds being open on my way to work, and then the 1 1/2 - 2 minutes it takes at 2:00pm for my ballst to warm up! That's as good as it gets for now

 

[mattseattle]

that sounds correct...i probably just want to buy more stuff! i should just get the new lighting installed before i make changes to it already! my reflectors should be here monday!

 

[Krish]

that sounds correct...i probably just want to buy more stuff! i should just get the new lighting installed before i make changes to it already! my reflectors should be here monday!

I like new stuff! I'm going to order a few more goodies next week myself! I wanted to add a set of VHO's or T-5's as well for a dusk to dawn effect, but I don't really have the space with how my reflectors are mounted...If you can and want to do it, then I'd say do it! What's money if not to spend!

 

[mattseattle]

yeah, see that is my issue as well. i'm not sure how much space i am going to have in my canopy after i put the lumenarc mini's into it. there may be enough for a few tubes of T5's but who knows. i went ahead and ordered an icecap 660 though so at least i have that.

 

[Krish]

Well, VHO's may be the way to go then because those reflectors from what I have seen, take up a good bit of space and I think you can get VHO's with reflectors built into the bulb. That way, you won't have to worry about trying to squeeze in reflectors for the T-5's...Just a though

 

[mattseattle]

yeah, I currently use VHO's on my 55 gallon to supplement and yup they do have reflectors built in. I just wanted to try T5's.

 

[Krish]

LOL...Then try um!!! Spend that money!!!

 

[jlehigh]

Matt,

IME these bulbs look fine without actinics. I am running all 10K reeflux bulbs and only turn on the actinics when I feel like switching them on.. Many have reported the bulbs put off a pink coloration. I find this partially true and it really depends on how your eyes adjust. During daylight hrs when your eyes have adjusted to the whiter daylight it seems to make the tank look more pink. At night it looks totally white.. I know it seems a little odd but it is my exoerience. They excell is showing blues, purples, and pink. Yellows, and reds are okay and greens are green

 

[Katchupoy]

Hi Matt,

It actually boils down on what you actually like... I mean how blue you would like... I have been using reeflux now for almost 10 months. 250 10k on PFO ballast that i bought from you. The colors are outstanding. If you open it without actinics or supplements, they look great.... And if you open the actinics... they even look better, but thats only me because I like more on the blue side.

Now the question is are the bluse side person or on the not so blue person...

Also Let me know hows t5 is doing... I think I want to drop my 250 and go straight with VHO or T5... I dont know why... But when I saw Fragmans tank on VHO, it will make you wonder why his corals look awesome...

Regards,

 

[mattseattle]

Thanks John - I actually ordered a set of Reeflux 10k's and 12k's. I wanted to see them both in action. They should be here today so anxious to see them in action.

Cesar - yeah I think I'm more of a blue type guy!

 

[Llarian]

Does anybody have any experience with the Reeflux 12k lamps? Obviously they'd be a bit bluer, but I'm wondering if anybody has some (anecdotal obviously) data about the difference in coral growth rates under the two.

-Dylan

 

[Katchupoy]

I never knew that there is 12 k. Is this new? I have the 10k. What about par? what is the reading on this compared to 10k.

Also, what retrokit did you buy for your T5... care for a specs? is it really more powerful thatn VHO?

 

[mattseattle]

I could not find any information for the 12k bulb on Sanjay's site. I think it's a relatively new bulb.

Cesar - so far I have not bought a T5 retrokit. The only item I've bought so far is an icecap 660 ballast to power it. I think I'll probably buy the icecap reflectors but not sure about bulbs yet. I'll keep you up to date on what I buy...if I buy anything.

 

[jlehigh]

I ran the 12K over the center of my tank for several months and actually like it better than any other 14 or 20K bulb I tried. I swittched it to a 12K for a 10K because it was near impossible to take balanced tank pictures with the varying Kelvins.. I know.. kinda silly but I did anyway

There isnt any data on the 12K bulb but count on lower PAR as the growth, although decent was still less than under the 10K's.

Overall it looks allot like a radium on HQI ballast, just slightly brighter.

 

[mattseattle]

i received the 12k bulbs today.....jlehigh is correct as they look a lot like a radium on my pfo hqi ballast. they are a little more blue on my ice cap. nice color. the 10k's should be here monday.

 

[Katchupoy]

how much for the bulb and where did you bought it?

 

[mattseattle]

$62.95 @ Premium Aquatics...

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merc...en=PROD&Product_Code=12K-250RL&Category_Code=

Reef Exotics has them for a few dollars cheaper...

http://www.reefexotics.com/reeflux.htm

 

[jlehigh]

Custom Aquatic also carries them for I believe 59.95

 

[mattseattle]

I always forget about Custom Aquatics but yes they do carry them. I just found them on their website. The 10k is backordered currently but the 12k is in stock.