Anyone runnin Hamilton 15k 400w halides?

liquidfunk · 03-10-2005, 08:02 PM

Im considering buying a pair of these, but though if someone has them running Id love to take a gander.

my 10k XMs are way too yellow (even with my 440w actinics) and the 20k are far too blue.... Need something in the middle.

Or for that matter, if someone has a recommendation of a 14-16k bulb they have tried and liked, that would be great too

H20cooled · 03-10-2005, 08:09 PM

I have a 14k 250watt hamilton bulb over my tank and I love the look, it seem like a good combo between the yellow and blue without to much of either. Not sure if the 400watt makes a difference or not though.

Rich

Lowman · 03-10-2005, 08:17 PM

XM is supposedly coming out with a 15k bulb soon.

ron popeil · 03-10-2005, 09:01 PM

im running the hamilton 20ks, and i really dont think theyre that blue. infact, i think they produce a terrific color. i dont think youd be disappointed with them.

xwoodsx · 03-10-2005, 09:11 PM

I also run the 20k hamilton 400w. its not as blue as the XM20k. Also run (2) 10k german 400w. Aswell as 440w of actinic VHO on an ice cap. It is a very good blend. Ask Illusion, he has seen my setup and will vouch for the good light blending... Not too blue not too yellow. Hope that helps!

Quote:

Originally Posted by ron popeil

im running the hamilton 20ks, and i really dont think theyre that blue. infact, i think they produce a terrific color. i dont think youd be disappointed with them.

liquidfunk · 03-10-2005, 11:12 PM

Lowman, Ive been talkin to Jason at XM for months,,, keeps saying its "next week" that it comes out,,, He owes me a bulb actually, as I mailed him my 10k. he is pissing me off really,, its been months and hasnt replaced my bulb.

I think ill pick up the 15ks and hope for the best, luckly they are fairly inexpensive.

kayaker97321 · 03-10-2005, 11:47 PM

I have the 14K 400 Watt Hamilton, I bought one to try on my tank, Decided to use the Xm's 10k's The Ham's had nice color just wanted the higher par of the Xm's.

How old are you Xm' 10k. Trade? for my two week old Ham's I have had them since Dec but it was only on my tank for a week maybe two.

Tyler

Illusion · 03-11-2005, 12:35 AM

As far as the 400w Hamilton I have no clue on.. I hear many people like them... I personally tried the 250w ones and hated them with a passion... They turned my corals brown... As soon as they were swapped out the colors came back pretty quick on most... I hear thats the common complaint about the 250w 14k...

If I were you I would look into the Aquaconnect bulbs... A bit spendy but I hear the color is extremely nice..

James

Krux · 03-11-2005, 01:22 AM

ya save for the aquaconnects.

liquidfunk · 03-11-2005, 10:01 AM

i thought the AC bulbs didnt come in 400w? Just like that other bulb people are trying to get from asia (phoenix) they are the same manufacture, and there isnt a 400w SE I thought.

James, its funny you say that because the XM's make all my corals brown. It seems to wash all the color and make everything appear dull. Some things have colored up, but look dull under the lighting.

Kayaker I have only one XM bulb now, one cracked, and I sent it to Jason at XM and he said he would replace it. That was 4-5 months ago

. so the one bulb I have now has been running for like 6 months.

liquidfunk · 03-11-2005, 10:08 AM

14K 400watt Mogule Halide Bulb - AquaConnect

	Rating: none Quantity in Basket:none Code: 14K-400AC Price:$144.95

holy smokes,,,,,,, I think id rather make a car payment then drop $300 on a pair of bulbs.....

liquidfunk · 03-11-2005, 10:17 AM

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issu...5/feature.html

interesting read for those who havnt yet

Hamilton has a higher PAR than AC.

SweetReef · 03-11-2005, 10:21 AM

iam running the 10k 250 hamilton bulb in my tank

Krux · 03-11-2005, 10:30 AM

they can be had for around 120 each.

there is less color shift over time on the ac than the hamiltons apparently.

i would guess there is a reason that most of the serious reefers dumped hamiltons for ac's over on rc, you might do some readong over there on them. locally i know weast uses a lot of ac bulbs, you might try to get his feedback on them.

liquidfunk · 03-11-2005, 10:37 AM

well they sound great (ill do some reading) but I dont think my wallet is excited as I am. We still gotta get our rental filled !!! (can you say TWO mortgages?!) (although we have a tenant now, still no cash in hand, or sig on the dotted line.)